One More Shot

One More Shot is an upcoming American action thriller film set to release in 2024. It will be directed by James Nunn, who will continue the story from his 2021 film One Shot. Following the tradition of the previous film, One More Shot employs the “one-take” cinematic approach, providing viewers with a real-time relentless action experience. It also features Scott Adkins, who reprises his role as Navy SEAL Jake Harris, and increases the intensity with Michael Jai White and Tom Berenger in significant supporting roles.

As the film is set in the claustrophobic and perilous setting of a commercial airport under siege, One More Shot provides a visceral and immersive experience. Through its unique approach to filmmaking paired with visceral stunt work, the film seeks to redefine the limits of contemporary action cinema.

Plot Summary

Jake Harris, a Navy SEAL, is assigned to carry out the most challenging task of his career in the first act of the film; he is to transfer a high-value detainee, Amin Mansur, from a CIA black site to the United States for trial. After roughing through a small initial leg of the trip, the team encounters severe security challenges, forcing them to make an emergency landing at a major international airport in Baltimore.

Along with the transfer, the operation begins to unravel almost immediately. A contingent of heavily armed mercenaries intent on capturing Mansur begins an assault on the airport. With limited tactical backup, Harris is forced to navigate through the civilian infrastructure of a commercial airport while attempting to protect the asset, fend off hostile forces, and identify safe allies.

Things are more difficult because of the presence of Mansur’s wife, who brings in a moral dimension that complicates things for Harris. Added to this complication is the fact that he has to deal with emotional stakes because of what for him was supposed to be a simple transfer.

During the siege, some betrayals start coming to light. One of them is Jennifer Lomax, a supposed Homeland Security agent who was assigned to the operation and has, as suspected, orchestrated some of the assaults from behind the scenes. Now double-crossed, Harris finds himself needing to utilize his brute strength and remaining tactical wits to protect himself and his charges.

Main Cast and Characters

Scott Adkins as Jake Harris: As he did in the previous film, Adkins portrays a grizzled, no-frills SEAL operative named Harris. He is a soldier on a mission, but now, he is a man grappling with growing disillusionment about blame shifting regarding who is really calling the shots.

Michael Jai White as a veteran operative: A veteran operative whose character serves as both a physical and philosophical counterbalance to Harris. A veteran fighter, he aids in the defense of the airport but does so for less than purely altruistic reasons.

Tom Berenger as Mike Marshall: A government official overseeing the mission, his role becomes crucial when it is revealed that, at times, red tape can be as hazardous as bullets.

Alexis Knapp as Jennifer Lomax: An agent from Homeland Security. Jennifer’s shifting loyalties and covert motives put the operation’s integrity at risk.

Waleed Elgadi as Amin Mansur: The focal point of the chaos as the detained amid the layers of suspicion. Terrorism suspicion aside, his portrayal poses the interrogative layer of justice, guilt and human rights amidst war.

Meena Rayann as Mansur’s Wife: A moral anchor in the storm of violence, she helps guide Harris and, as a doctor ensnared in the conflict, she humanizes the chaos.

Filmmaking Style and Technique

One More Shot distinguishes itself with its ambitious application of the “one-take” style. Director James Nunn and the cinematographer, Job Reineke, painstakingly choreographed the film to give the illusion of a single, continuous shot seamlessly integrating action from beginning to end. The approach enhances the realism of the events and immerses the viewer into the tension of the story.

Every area of the airport is used to its fullest potential—from narrow hallways and terminal gates to maintenance and cargo areas—tightly confined spaces transform into high-stakes battlegrounds. The confined setting amplifies the tension, and the lack of conventional scene cuts enhances audience immersion.

One More Shot differs from other low budget films that focus on visual effects. This film emphasizes practical stunts, hand-to-hand combat, and physical performance. Like the other actors, he Scott Adkins put in work to ensure his performance aligned with how intense his role was, adapted to his martial arts skills to make every fight feel impactful which deepens the viewer’s connection to the film.

Standout Action Sequences

Airport Ambush: The film begins with a full-scale assault on the airport terminal where cohesive tactical movements alongside gunplay occur in claustrophobic spaces.

Maintenance Shaft Escape: Harris and Mansur attempt to escape through a dark underground maintenance shaft using stealth and makeshift weapons.

Train Fight: A highly praised scene in the film occurs aboard a baggage train. Using poles alongside the train’s confined spaces, Harris stages an brutal yet elegant fight to the best of Adkins’s abilities.

Tarmac Confrontation: This is the climax of the film. With helicopters hovering overhead as enemies approach, Harris is faced with the decision to either follow orders or follow his moral compass, creating the convergence of tense moral conflict.

Themes and Analysis

Trust and Betrayal

In the context of wartime operations, the film demonstrates how trust can disintegrate into nothingness. Allies could very much be enemies in disguise, as pending instructions might be coming from superiors with ulterior motives. As Jennifer Lomax betrays Harris, he is forced to reconsider his fidelity to the mission.

Duty vs. Morality

The orders—executing the mission at hand—conflict with the action deemed right—morally just. One More Shot deals with the essence of these two concepts. Harris is confronted time and time again with choices that, if tactically executed, might cost innocent lives.

Real-Time Stress

The emotional and psychological strain of both action and narrative is intensified by the “one-shot” technique. The film expands on the experience spiral of chaos, encapsulating the turmoil soldiers undergo in crucial moments of combat.

Reception and Impact

One More Shot was well received by action film fans, receiving praise for its technical excellence, pacing, and Scott Adkins’ physical performance. Critics noted the film’s successful execution of the one-take format and the systematic precision of the fight choreography.

Even though the story received some criticism for being basic or formulaic, reviewers appreciated the film for achieving its goal of providing adrenaline-fueled action: executed with creativity and immersive ingenuity.

The film has been considered in discussions about the best modern action films, especially among enthusiasts of combat cinema and tactical thrillers. It also sparked discussions surrounding the feasibility of real-time storytelling in contemporary genre films.

Conclusion

One More Shot is a high-adrenaline, expertly crafted action thriller featuring real-time storytelling and physical performance. It has a strong lead and offers little exposition, yet maintains a breakneck pace. The film grips viewers from the first shot until the last blow.

While it might not change the terrain of the genre, this film is a breath of fresh air in contrast to the CGI laden blockbusters as it leans towards stunt choreography, practical effects, and realistic conflict. An essential title for the admirers of action flicks specifically the fans of martial arts and tactical combat is the movie One More Shot as it shows how simplicity and innovation can be intertwined.

Watch free movies on Fmovies

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *