"No Way Up" is a cinematic rollercoaster that takes the concept of a disaster movie to new depths - quite literally. Kicking off with a raging storm and a brand of nail-biting tension that disaster movie enthusiasts might adore, this film has a few moments that surpass expectations. There are scenes that are well-crafted escalations of fear and triumph, offering that edge-of-your-seat experience that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. The premise itself is quite engaging, positioning a diverse group of characters against an unforgiving sea with the clock ticking, creating a solid ground for some genuinely entertaining sequences.
However, the movie doesn't always hold up under scrutiny. While we're ready to suspend disbelief for the thrill of the adventure, there are parts where the plot stretches this too thin, leaving us questioning the unfolding events rather than getting lost in them. Character development seems to have taken a backseat on this ill-fated flight, with some individuals feeling more like stale stereotypes than real people. This results in a disconnect, where potentially tense moments lose their grip because the audience isn't fully invested in the characters' fates. Overall, it lands a mediocre 5 out of 10 - a film that offers some thrills and a modest dose of entertainment, but ultimately fails to soar due to its plot inconsistencies and lackluster character arcs.