Thoughts on: The Last Stand

From director Kim Jee-Woon comes this not-too-shabby action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Here are my thoughts on: The Last Stand.


I don't believe I've ever had this much fun watching a film that has very little to offer in terms of story but a helluva lot to offer when it comes to pumping lead. Of course, what else do you expect from something Arnold Schwarzenegger is in? The man is a genius in the land of punch lines and witty dialogue with his monstrous accent. (No offence, Arnold, we mostly only love you for that...if you didn't know already...which is highly unlikely)

Okay so here's the plot. Some supposedly bad-ass drug lord escapes the custody of the FBI - a concept that I find exaggerated as hell since it all happens in under 4 mins max - and is now driving in a super high speed sports car in hopes of getting to Mexico. This is the ONLY premise of the film. I know, it's a horrible one at that but when looked at as a film made purely to showcase Arnold's badassery, it doesn't matter how far-fetched it really is. Forest Whitaker plays the FBI honcho Agent Bannister hot on Cortez's (the convict) trail. This movie is a terrible use of his talent because the actors in his company can't seem to keep up for sh**. Sorry casting scouts, I'm not amused. As much as I tried to ignore this and focus only on what was going on, I found myself chuckling at Bannister who appeared to be mumbling to himself the whole time. This is the product of poorly written dialogue and too many bland characters. Example: EVERY cop around him - even the second-in-command.

Arnold, his performance is a thing of beauty even at this age in his life. You just want to look at him in extreme close-up throughout waiting for him to say something along the premises of "GET TO THE CHOPPAAA!" But really, you should only watch this movie if you're Schwarzenegger fan.

With a closing chapter that ends with the spraying of copious amounts of lead and a somewhat ridiculous wrestling match, The Last Stand is a joy for the hardcore action fan (that is if you consider artillery barrages "action") but a bit of a chore for the serious film goer.


***SPOILER ALERT***
So how is Cortez planning to cross the border? Some of his men have been sent to build a bridge between America and Mexico...a few hours before Cortez arrives. How the hell do a group of criminals managed to build a functioning metal bridge on the US border without anyone knowing? It's loop holes like these that piss me the F*** off! Y'know?

Seen this movie? Comment below, let me know what you thought.