Directed by Fall’s Scott Mann, Final Score is a well-mounted riff on the Die Hard template.
Part of the fun is checking off familiar elements:
- the extended set up of the attackers infiltrating the main location
- the unlucky civilian who becomes the hero’s sidekick
- the shady government official working with police outside the location
- the henchperson with a personal vendetta against the hero for killing their brother/lover
There is nothing particularly original about the film, but it is executed so well that it does not matter.
The film makes good use of the stadium - we get scenes in the kitchen, the stands, the field, the roof and even a solid motorcycle chase through the interior.
Dave Bautista has been good in ensembles, and he is terrific in the lead here. He brings a vulnerability and charm to proceedings that prevent it from feeling generic. And it is a testament to him and the filmmakers that it feels like this man-mountain can be jeopardy.
The supporting cast are all solid, and the movie is pleasingly tactile. It never feels like we are watching green screens, and the filmmakers even make use of squibs during the shootouts.
This is junkfood cinema delivered well done and it never feels like sacrifices have been made in terms of the budget. The action builds to a ludicrous final set piece and then ends quicksmart.
A decent action movie, Final Score is a superb addition to the ‘Die Hard in a’ subgenre and a solid calling card for Bautista as a leading man.
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