Arnold Schwarzenegger is back, shotgun in hand, as he shines in his latest action-packed movie “The Last Stand.” The movie was directed by Kim Ji-woon, making it his first American production and an explosive one at that.
The movie stars a main cast of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Forest Whitaker (“The Last King of Scotland”) and Johnny Knoxville. The movie also features an excellent supporting cast in the form of Eduardo Noriega (“Vantage Point”) and Jaimie Alexander (“Thor”) who make it hard for the audience not to sit on the edge of their seats asking for more.
“The Last Stand” exists as an action-crime movie dedicated to giving the viewer a rushing sense of tension with mass shootings, fist fights, hot pursuits and much more throughout the movie. Luxury car fans will also love “The Last Stand,” as it gives you the sense of speed you’re looking for and features some of the fastest, most breathtaking vehicles in the industry being put into action.
The movie starts with Schwarzenegger playing the role of Ray Owens, a former LAPD officer who chooses another path for his life after his partner is crippled in a failed operation. Owens now acts as the sheriff of small town called Sommerton Junction, resigning himself to a slow, steady life dealing with menial crime in the town.
In the meantime, dangerous drug lord Gabriel Cortez (Noriega) slips between the FBI’s fingers in a perfectly planned operation, using some help from inside the FBI. Cortez then begins burning rubber on the highways, riding a modified Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and surrounded by his army of gang members, and has to cross the little town of Sommerton Junction to escape to Mexico, making it the last chance for the FBI to stop him. Asking for help, the FBI asks Sheriff Owens to step aside and not to interfere, but with his obligations to his town and people, the sheriff and his crew step up for their town and try to stop Cortez once and for all.
The plot was easily understandable and engaging, and also made a clever move by using three timelines in the form of “Sommerton Junction Town,” “The FBI Offices” and “Cortez’s Escape.” By doing this, the movie keeps viewers well engaged and interested, giving audiences a sense of urgency.
The movie also introduced an almost 700 horsepower car (Corvette ZR1) to be part of the pursuits during the movie. By doing this, the action and tension seen in a regular car chase was taken to a whole new level. Combine this with Cortez’s psychotic way of driving, and fans of driving movies will be satisfied by what this movie has to offer.
Humorous flavor was also added to some of the plot to serve as comedic relief. Though sometimes apt, there were times where tension and action were unceremoniously interrupted by forced humor, lessening the effect of both approaches.
The movie received moderate acclaim from critics. It currently has a 56 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 55 out of 100 on Metacritic.
Despite the not-so-positive reviews, and the fact that the film didn’t come up with something new, “The Last Stand” delivered some solid action, numerous adrenaline rushes and had a good story to tell, making it a movie worth watching. Arnold Schwarzenegger fans, in particular, will find this movie an excellent opportunity to watch the Governator in action once again.
