THE LAST STAND (2013)

Directed By: Jee-Woon Kim
Written By: Andrew Knauer
Cinematography By: Ji-Yong Kim
Editor: Steven Kemper

Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Luis Guzman, Johnny Knoxville, Forest Whitaker, Peter Stomare, Jamie Alexander, Eduardo Noriega, Zach Gilford, Harry Dean Stanton, Sonny Landham, Genesis Rodriguez, Rodrigo Santoro

Sheriff Owens is a man who has resigned himself to a life of fighting what little crime takes place in sleepy border town Sommerton Junction after leaving his LAPD post following a bungled operation that left him wracked with failure and defeat after his partner was crippled. After a spectacular escape from an FBI prisoner convoy, the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the hemisphere is hurtling toward the border at 200 mph in a specially outfitted car with a hostage and a fierce army of gang members. He is headed, it turns out, straight for Summerton Junction, where the whole of U.S. law enforcement will have their last opportunity to make a stand and intercept him before he slips across the border forever. At first reluctant to become involved, and then counted out because of the perceived ineptitude of his small town force, Owens ultimately accepts responsibility for the face off.


This film is a throwback to the simple minded action films of the 80’s and 90’s. That couldn’t make the impact or be as good without starring the action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger that plays like a modern day western with a nod to HIGH NOON. Marking his return to the screen and leading roles which he hasn’t really done since Terminator 3: Rise of the machines.

This film reunites Arnold Scharzenegger with his old "Predator" co-star Sonny Landham. The 2 actors have not appeared together on-screen since 1987.

The Villains are mercilessly evil and over the top wealthy Europeans.

The sound design is excellent as every bullet shot is felt and the wounds excessive mix of squibs and CGI Bloodshed. The violence is ruthless

The comic relief of the film is handled by Luis Guzman and Johnny Knoxville they are both good in doses.

It’s kind of nostalgic and reassuring seeing Schwarzenegger back in action. The film plays to his strengths maybe he got it right passing a baton to THE ROCK in the film THE RUNDOWN, but he is still irreplaceable and here he starts up, just where he dropped off. To tell you the truth probably even better when you consider his last few films before THE SIXTH DAY and END OF DAYS. Both of which I saw in theaters…unfortunately

I am happier to see him here rather than in the EXPENDABLES 2 which was ok, but not the heights of which we are accustomed to seeing him in.

I believe another of the films strengths is director Jee-Woon Kim who previously directed the thriller A TALE OF TWO SISTERS and the cult action western epic THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE WEIRD. His visuals and overall sense of direction that allows humor in all the tense action. Of course you know what will happen and though it seems small scale he knows how to make it exciting a pair of new eyes to examine and set-up the same formula.

I only wish this film had been a hit. It shows you how even basic action films can still be worthwhile if handled right and especially with skill rather than throwing money at the screen making everything bigger and with more special effects film that are more based around the technology then anything else

GRADE:C+