In “The Last Stand,” director Kim Jee-woon delivers a spirited, old-school motion movie that marks Arnold Schwarzenegger’s return to a number one function after a decade-long hiatus in politics. Whereas the movie could not break new floor within the style, it provides exactly what followers have been lacking: Schwarzenegger doing what he does finest—delivering one-liners, wielding inconceivable weapons, and standing tall in opposition to overwhelming odds.
Again within the Saddle
The premise is simple however efficient: Schwarzenegger performs Ray Owens, a former LAPD narcotics officer who has retreated to the quiet life as sheriff of the sleepy border city of Sommerton Junction, Arizona. When infamous drug kingpin Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega) escapes from FBI custody in a modified Corvette ZR1 able to reaching 200 mph, he heads straight for the Mexican border—with Sommerton as the one factor standing in his method. As Agent John Bannister (Forest Whitaker) scrambles to intercept Cortez, Ray and his makeshift staff of deputies put together for a violent confrontation.
The Last Stand will likely be Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s first main function since Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines in 2003.
Outdated-College Allure in a Fashionable Bundle
What units “The Last Stand” aside is its acutely aware rejection of the frenetic enhancing and shaky-cam methods that plague many modern motion movies. Kim Jee-woon, making his English-language debut after acclaimed Korean movies like “I Noticed the Satan” and “The Good, the Unhealthy, the Bizarre,” brings a refreshing readability to the motion sequences. The shootouts are staged with precision, permitting viewers to recognize the geography and choreography of every encounter.
The movie builds intentionally towards its climactic showdown, taking time to set up the city and its quirky residents. Luis Guzmán gives comedian aid because the reluctant deputy Mike Figuerola, whereas Johnny Knoxville hams it up as Lewis Dinkum, a neighborhood eccentric with an arsenal of unlawful weapons. These supporting characters may have been one-dimensional, however the script provides them simply sufficient character to make them compelling companions for Ray’s final stand.
Schwarzenegger: Older however Unbowed
On the heart of all of it is Schwarzenegger, who brings a weathered gravitas to Ray Owens. Now in his mid-60s throughout filming, he strikes extra intentionally than in his “Terminator” heyday, however the movie well incorporates his age into the character. Ray is skilled, world-weary, and below no illusions about his capabilities. When he declares, “I’ve seen sufficient blood and loss of life. I do know what’s coming,” we consider him.
The motion choreography accommodates Schwarzenegger’s limitations whereas nonetheless delivering satisfying moments of bodily prowess. One notably memorable hand-to-hand fight sequence in a diner showcases Ray’s tactical considering as a lot as his brute energy. When he utters the inevitable “I’m outdated, not out of date” variation (predating his related line in “Terminator Genisys”), it feels earned moderately than determined.
Villains and Automobile Chases
Eduardo Noriega makes for a serviceable villain, although Cortez lacks the memorable qualities of Schwarzenegger’s finest adversaries. Extra spectacular is Peter Stormare as Cortez’s mercenary henchman Burrell, who brings a menacing presence to the proceedings along with his dead-eyed stare and environment friendly brutality.
The movie’s automobile sequences deserve particular point out. The Corvette ZR1 turns into virtually a personality in itself, with cinematographer Ji-yong Kim capturing its velocity and energy in exhilarating chase scenes. A cornfield pursuit stands out as notably progressive, with stalks parting like waves earlier than the dashing automobiles.
Cultural Subtext
Beneath its easy motion exterior, “The Last Stand” makes some attention-grabbing observations about American identification. The sheriff defending a border city from overseas invaders may have veered into jingoistic territory, however the movie is extra nuanced than that. Ray himself is an immigrant (as signaled by Schwarzenegger’s unmistakable accent), defending American values whereas acknowledging the nation’s complexity. The city’s residents, a various group who come collectively to defend their group, symbolize an idealized imaginative and prescient of American unity.
Shortcomings
Not all the pieces works completely. Among the humor falls flat, notably in scenes involving the city’s bumbling deputies. Forest Whitaker, a proficient actor, is essentially wasted in a task that requires him to stare at screens and bark orders. And whereas the deliberate pacing principally works within the movie’s favor, some viewers would possibly discover the center part sluggish.
The violence, whereas not extreme by style requirements, is surprisingly graphic at occasions. Kim Jee-woon brings a few of his Korean thriller sensibilities to sure kills, which may be jarring for viewers anticipating a PG-13 motion romp (the movie is rated R).
Conclusion
“The Last Stand” is a throwback in the very best method. It reminds us why Schwarzenegger turned a star within the first place: his simple charisma, bodily presence, and skill to ship absurd dialogue with conviction. The movie is aware of precisely what it’s and makes no apologies for it.
In an period of franchise installments and cinematic universes, there’s one thing refreshing a couple of self-contained motion movie that units up its stakes, delivers on its guarantees, and rolls credit. “The Last Stand” could not rank amongst Schwarzenegger’s all-time classics like “Terminator 2” or “True Lies,” however it gives ample proof that even in his 60s, he remained a compelling motion hero.
For followers of conventional motion cinema and Schwarzenegger lovers particularly, “The Last Stand” stands tall as a worthy addition to the style—a final hurrah that proves the outdated guard nonetheless has some struggle left.
