Movies like “127 Hours” and “Buried” trap a man in a situation where his death seems definite, then create drama thru his attempts to get free. This version of that scenario puts 2 American soldiers (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, John Cena) in the Iraqi desert, where they’re pinned down by a sniper. When one of them is rendered useless, it’s up to the other to stay alive, which includes communicating with his enemy. Johnson does a good job of struggling with his dwindling fate. Even though the drama doesn’t often manage to build much tension or emotional wallop, it still presents a compelling predicament and interesting solutions.
(3 / 5)