One Last Shot is a movie about Navy SEAL Jake Harris in the hours following his thwarting of a dirty-bomb attack on Washington, D.C. The threat turns out to be a false-flag by private military contractor Farbridge. Senior officials are evacuated to a supposedly secure Virginia bunker, and it is taken over by rogue servicemen. Harris’ former comrade, their leader Elliot Carter, is responsible for their plan, which poses a threat to the nation’s missile-defense network.
Lacking in energy and strength, Harris is summoned back into service by Admiral Mulholland. He enlists the services of an FBI rescue team, orders to locate Deputy Director Elena Torres, hiding on the grounds, and destroy Carter without anyone knowing. As Harris traverses the compound, he learns some disturbing facts about the government’s agenda. The plot follows in a “real time” manner, from suspenseful forest chasing, to hallway fighting in the mansion, to a climactic waterfront battle. One of the most intense and clear fights in the stairwell is with Kane Kosugi.
Harris’s realistic weariness is courtesy of Scott Adkins, who brings a sense of realism to the action, though not a level of virtuosity that would detract from its appeal. James Nunn’s continuous-shot approach draws the viewer into the action, but sometimes the sheer pace of action fails to allow the political drama to come to the fore. Harris’s contradictory orders give the mission an added layer of moral tension, as the conspiracy itself is very familiar. In a quiet ending to his film, Harris’ battered self calls his wife and so begins the trip home. It’s an understated but appropriate send-off, one based on triumph, but also on relief.
