Review of The Last Station (2009) by Jc E — 13 Jul 2010

Okay, I know this is probably a moot point, but was I the only one sitting through this movie about Leo Tolstoy and wondering why everyone in the movie lacked a Russian accent? I admit that I knew little to nothing about Tolstoy or his literature with the exception of having heard of "War and Peace".

Does that make me uncultured? Possibly, but after watching this film where Tolstoy ideals are discussed and his followers -- which, honestly remind me of the mindless devotees of a certain politician of late -- are characterized, it makes me very disinclined to pick up anything by the man.

Despite the substance, the acting is top-knotch. Christopher Plummer (The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus), Helen Mirren (Inkheart), Paul Giamatti (Cold Souls), and James McAvoy (Wanted) are all splendid in their roles, despite the fact that their characters are all generally underdeveloped.

I honestly didn't understand the need for the scene involving, shall we say, the loss of innocence on the part of McAvoy's character -- despite the humorous nature of it -- in a film that probably could have settled for a heavy PG/light PG-13 rating other than the R it received for that scene alone.

It's this misguidance and lack of coherence of the film that mar it, despite the acting caliper on display.