It's an interesting premise, with moments of tension and visceral gore, but Taylor-Johnson's performance isn't strong enough to rescue the film from lengthy stretches of banality.
The hero's physical efforts to improve his situation aren't particularly thrilling, but they exert a basic grip, and that's more than can be said for the conversation that unfolds when the sniper makes radio contact and begins taunting him.
Liman ... elevates the material every chance he gets, ensuring what could have been a bargain-basement dramatic exercise looks and moves like a big-budget thrill ride.
