A dirty bomb. Downtown Washington DC. Tonight. These are the first and crucial pieces of information we receive which efficiently provide a concise explanation and drive the whole suspense narrative in James Nunn’s terrific actioner One More Shot.

A direct sequel to Nunn’s One Shot (2021), we find again Scott Adkins, fresh off his memorable appearance in the latest chapter of the John Wick franchise (Chad Stahelski, 2023), reprising his role as terrorists-battling Navy SEAL Jake Harris. Set entirely in an airport and again shot in a (seemingly) single-take, One More Shot ups the ante in several ways. While the time-bomb formula is much more present, creating a continuous tension, the script offers more twists, turns and reflections on recent US politics. Most importantly, Nunn perfects his already clever single-take staging knowing when to pause, when to provide drama – and when to go for all-out action!

Right up there alongside Renny Harlin’s classic Die Hard 2 (1990), One More Shot offers an exhilarating ride with plenty of expertly choreographed shootouts, hand-to-hand combats, stunts and car chases. As usual, Adkins more than delivers as the major action star of his generation.