Released on January 18, “The Last Stand” fails to demonstrate an in-depth, structured storyline yet displays a vigorous and exhilarating movie. Making his US debut, South Korean director Ji-woon Kim not only created an impressive action film but appropriately suited the return of iconic action-hero Arnold Schwarzenegger, also known as “The Governator”.
In “The Last Stand”, Sheriff Owens (Schwarzenegger) resigns from his job at LAPD and leaves to small town of Summerton to live a life of nonviolence. However, Owens’s peace is violated when Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega), a notorious cartel leader, and his gang head towards the border. Driving in a customized Corvette along with heavy artillery, Cortez and his gang seem unstoppable until Owens attempts to intercept them in Summerton Junction.
Performing the first leading role since “The Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines” in 2003, Schwarzenegger once more proved to be outstanding and witty. Starring Sheriff Ray Owens, Schwarzenegger performs action scenes exceptionally and compliments the overall film. Despite his age, the 65-years-old former governor looks in-shape when facing the cartel gang and again turning himself into a gruesome hero.
As Director Kim’s first film in the states, “The Last Stand” shows a script full of clichés. It does not smoothly connect Sheriff Owens’s (Schwarzenegger) past with his battle against Cortez (Noriega). Also the script fails to carry out effective punchlines, and instead replacing them with stilted jokes. In addition, the excessive amount of action mixes the story sequence and obliterates the climax of the film.
Nonetheless, “The Last Stand” successfully fills in the flaws with action and “The Governator’s” return. By turning the former Terminator back into a strapping, merciless fighter, it already captivates the action-loving audience and millions of Schwarzenegger fans. With fancy cars, fiery explosions, and Sheriff Owens gunning down the cartel gangs with an oversized firearm, nobody would question the “logic” of the movie. Regardless of the inconsistency in plot, “The Last Stand” proves itself remarkable and sets the tone for coming action films in 2013.
