As a lower-budget action movie, one can see this either as a film that didn't have enough money to be all it could be, which it is, or a movie that is a fine example of how to create the illusion of epic/spectacle by creatively using the limited money you've got, which is better. Even after reading some disparaging comments on how it 'misses the mark', I still feel the latter view is the one that applies and so was very impressed with how well this worked. The not-quite-what-you-expect script manages to keep one's mind off of the implausibilities while the extra-long-tracking-steady-cam work adds to the tension more than it annoys. Directorial choices are good as are the performances.
As far as meat-head turned movie star, a la Arnold & Dwayne, either Bautista or his manager is picking the right projects for him in his quest to become an entertaining/reliable action star.
As far as meat-head turned movie star, a la Arnold & Dwayne, either Bautista or his manager is picking the right projects for him in his quest to become an entertaining/reliable action star.