Final Score

Final Score – A Relentless Action Thriller with a Sporting Twist

Final Score (2018), directed by Scott Mann, is a high-octane action thriller that places former WWE superstar Dave Bautista at the center of a deadly hostage situation in a packed football stadium. Combining explosive action, claustrophobic tension, and gritty hand-to-hand combat, the film draws clear inspiration from classics like Die Hard, but manages to carve out its own niche by using a sporting event as its unique setting.

The story unfolds in London at the iconic West Ham United stadium, during the final match before the arena is set to be demolished. Michael Knox (Dave Bautista), an ex-soldier struggling with personal demons, arrives at the match with his late comrade’s teenage daughter, Danni, hoping for a peaceful day out. However, things quickly spiral out of control when the stadium is taken over by a group of armed Eastern European terrorists, led by the cold and calculating Arkady (Ray Stevenson). Their goal is to find and eliminate Arkady’s brother, believed to be hiding among the 35,000 fans in attendance.

As chaos erupts behind the scenes, Knox becomes the only person capable of stopping the terrorists and saving Danni — along with thousands of unsuspecting spectators. With limited time and resources, he must rely on his combat skills and military training to outsmart a heavily armed enemy, while navigating the sprawling, booby-trapped confines of the stadium.

Dave Bautista shines in the lead role, bringing both physicality and surprising emotional depth to Knox. His everyman vulnerability mixed with brute strength makes him a compelling action hero. Rather than portraying a flawless, indestructible character, Bautista's Knox takes hits, gets injured, and fights desperately — adding a welcome sense of realism to the spectacle.

The film excels in pacing and tension. From stealthy infiltrations to bomb defusals and brutal brawls in narrow hallways, Final Score never allows the audience to breathe for too long. The use of the stadium as a contained battlefield is clever — blending open crowds with behind-the-scenes tunnels, kitchens, and control rooms. The setting adds a fresh dimension to the action and plays a vital role in the film’s constant movement and suspense.

Ray Stevenson’s performance as the villain Arkady is appropriately menacing, though somewhat conventional. His cold ruthlessness serves the plot well, even if it doesn’t reinvent the typical terrorist antagonist. Supporting roles, including Amit Shah as the comic-relief stadium technician Faisal, provide balance and occasional levity amidst the tension.

Visually, the film opts for a gritty, grounded style rather than stylized action, which works in its favor. While some special effects (particularly explosions) reveal the film’s modest budget, the practical stunt work and intense choreography keep the action immersive.

Final Score may not break new ground in the action genre, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a fast-paced, explosive thriller with a likable lead, tight stakes, and a refreshingly unique location. It's an underdog action flick that embraces its B-movie roots while giving viewers a satisfying dose of suspense and adrenaline.

For fans of classic action cinema looking for a modern twist, Final Score is worth watching — a hard-hitting, unapologetically entertaining ride.