Review of The Last Stand (2013) by Danny R — 01 Apr 2016

Korean director Kim Jee-Woon's American film debut is a highly entertaining tongue-in-cheek action film. Arnold Schwarzenegger makes a welcome return to the screen in a leading role, after nearly a decade away from it, after having left to serve two terms as California's Governor.

Its just so good to see him again and have him back in action. Arnold at the age of 65, proves he can still stand and deliver with a extremely amusing and solid performance as Sheriff Ray Owens, who is retired LAPD officer who is now the law in the sleepy border town of Sommerton Junction, he reluctantly gets pulled in into a law-enforcement operation to catch a notorious drug kingpin named Gabriel Cortez, well-played by Eduardo Noriega that has escaped from a FBI prisoner convoy.

All hell is about to break loose as Cortez is about crossed paths with Sheriff Owens en route to Mexico. This motion picture sets up the classic western showdown, as the wealthy villain comes with high-powered assets, that includes super-fast car that can outrace a helicopter and a small of army of thugs with hi-tech firepower against Sheriff Owens' and ill-equipped deputies.

Arnold tweaks his own advancing age with self-referential humor, as he acknowledges his aches and pains, he also tosses off his trademark one-liners, while he fires off rounds. Astute by Jee-Woon, with fine supporting turns by a game cast that includes Peter Stormare, Forest Whitaker, Johnny Knoxville, Jamie Alexander, Luis Guzman, and Harry dean Stanton.

The film is full of well-choreographed action sequences and bloody shootouts. But its Arnold's return that is the reason to see this film, and he makes it breezy fun, we have missed his unique brand of sly humor and sincere ass-kicking.

An engaging action film of pure escapism, that is a total blast! Recommended.