One Shot

 

One Shot (5.5/10)
Genre: Action
Director: James Nunn
Cast: Scott Adkins, Ashley Greene, Waleed Elgadi, Ryan Phillippe
Country: UK
Language: English
Year: 2021

One Shot is not the first film that incorporates the idea of a single take movie, but true to its name, One Shot is the first film that attempts an action film in a single take or creates the illusion of a single take, and director James Nunn has passed with flying colors. Technically it is as flawless as it can get, maybe a couple of times, it gives the feeling about the shots getting stitched, but otherwise, it is impossible to detect. 

On the weaker side, the story and character are straight out from the 80s or 90s action movies, and only if there was a bit more focus on the screenplay, One Shot might as well become an action classic. The action sequences are good but not memorable despite the involvement of Tim Man as the fight choreographer. 

Now, if you watch the film, you'll understand that it is not an easy task to choreograph action set-pieces as conveniently when the camera is constantly on the move as opposed to fighting scenes edited in the post. One Shot is special or even disruptive that will inspire filmmakers to attempt this mammoth task in the future. One Shot is a revolution similar to Hardcore Henry, and the reason I draw this comparison - Hardcore Henry also focused on a decent plot which is missing in One Shot. 

The story is about a Navy Seal squad on a mission to extract a high-value prisoner from a secure facility that is suddenly attacked by armed terrorists. Not everyone may be too familiar with James Nunn, but I have seen a few of his low-budget action films, and he does his job with utter conviction. 

One Shot marks his third collaboration with action star Scott Adkins which is another reason to watch this film. 

Scott Adkins is yet to receive his due as an action star, and I have always been a fan ever since I saw Undisputed 2 and try to catch most of his films. He is constantly pushing boundaries, and projects like One Shot, reflect his dedication and sincerity to the action genre. Ashley Greene and Ryan Phillippe are the 'geezer teasers' in the film.

I'll watch One Shot again to understand and observe the technicalities as it is something worth studying, apart from it, if you want to watch a decent action film in a single take, please check it out.