It’s extraordinary to think that professional wrestling has become such a popular access point into the world of Hollywood (and even more strangely, politics!). Then again, you could argue it’s as much about entertainment as sport. When it comes to making that transition, no one has been more successful than Dwayne Johnson/The Rock. However, both John Cena and Dave Bautista have successfully exchanged the ring for the green screen. Following on from his appearances as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy, Bautista has begun to forge a niche for himself. Final Score is another argument for him as a compelling action lead.
Uncle Mike (Bautista) has arrived in London from America with tickets to take his ‘niece’ Danni (Lara Peake) to the big game. The war veteran feels a responsibility towards the teen after her father died under his command. When she wanders off, he goes searching for her. Only to uncover a plot by a Russian separatist (Ray Stevenson) to repatriate his officially dead brother (Pierce Brosnan). In order to keep Danni safe, Mike must save the former dissident.
In order to enjoy Final Score it’s necessary to suspend disbelief and not take the events unfolding in front of you too seriously. If you can past West Ham being in Europe, it’s an entertaining and fun action film which has echoes of the likes of Die Hard and Under Siege. Bautista punches, kicks and shoots his way through Scott Mann’s film who wisely doesn’t allow a plot to get in the way of a good old-fashioned fight. There are some dubious accents, ropey effects and inexplicable occurrences, yet Final Score just manages to sneak a win in injury time.
Final Score is released on Digital HD on December 21 and on DVD and Blu-ray by Signature Entertainment and Sky Cinema on December 26.
