January 4, 2022 (NYC)–One Shot (2021)-Movie Review. The end of 2021 brought two great films featuring Scott Adkins.  We reviewed Castle Falls, directed and co-starring Dolph Lundgren.  In fact, it made our Top 10 of 2021 list.   One Shot was one we missed in time for our list, but is one of the best of 2021, as well.

One Shot‘s highly original execution lays out like a modern western story. Scott Adkins leads a mission to a Guantanamo type military prison to transfer a prisoner to Washington DC to stop an imminent terrorist attack. The transfer is disrupted by a gang of terrorists that invade the island to capture, or kill, the prisoner.  With all communication cut off to the outside world the climax of the film is a standoff between Adkins’ small team and an army of terrorists.

Ryan Phillipe, no stranger to action films, is adequate in his role as the stubborn base commander. Ashley Greene is also uncharacteristically good as the agent sent to retrieve the prisoner. Waleed Elgadi, a relative unknown, is excellent in the pivotal role of the captured terrorist at the center of the story.  In fact, there is an entire supporting cast of little known players that shine in this one.

It is Adkins whose acting and action dominate the film.  Virtually the entire film features Adkins as the central character and player in this small film.  His screen presence is strong.   His action and fight scenes are first class.  Viewers shouldn’t be surprised by the high caliber action when they learn that Adkins is reunited with the great fight choreographer, Tim Man.  This really is where Adkins shines.  He is really good in One Shot.

The film is shot to appear as if it is one continuous shot from start to finish. Clearly the title is references this cinematic gimmick and not the body count for this film which well exceeds “one” early on.  This was the brainchild of Director James Nunn. This could have been a disaster if not executed well; however this one is very, very well done. It is fast paced and gripping throughout. The visuals are unsettling at points but they fit the film.  You feel as though you are fully engaged in the action rather than watching a movie.

It may be a lower budget film,but it doesn’t feel like it, but it does not look like it. It is very watchable and engaging film.  I recommend it highly.

Catch One Shot on Amazon and Streaming service.

Rate R for Violence and Language.

Running time: 97 MIN.

• Production: (U.K.) A Screen Media release of a Signature Films production, in association with Lipsync, Fiction Films, Amet Entertainment, Blue Box International. Producers: Marc Goldberg, Ben Jacques. Executive producers: Sarah Gabriel, David Haring, Roman Viaris, Seth Needle, Tamara Birkemoe, Conor McAdam, David Nagelberg, Norman Merry, Peter Hampden, Gareth Williams, Simon Baxter, Evangelo Kioussis.
• Crew: Director: James Nunn. Screenplay: Jamie Russell, based on a story by Nunn. Camera: Jonathan Iles. Editor: Liviu Jipescu. Music: Austin Wintory.
• With: Scott Adkins, Ashley Greene Khoury, Ryan Phillippe, Emmanuel Imani, Dino Kelly, Jack Parr, Waleed Elgadi, Terence Maynard, Jess Liaudin, Andrei Maniata, Lee Charles. (English, French dialogue)