The Last Stand
Lionsgate | Release Date: January 18, 2013
6.6
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 231 Ratings
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Positive:
131
Mixed:
81
Negative:
19
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7
Forrestgump1Jun 4, 2013
"Well to say The Last Stand is a comeback vehicle? i hope not, but the odds have it. Arnold is back in full swing as a gun toting sheriff ready to kill. With a few exceptions. "The Last Stand" proved to be quite, the exciting and intense"Well to say The Last Stand is a comeback vehicle? i hope not, but the odds have it. Arnold is back in full swing as a gun toting sheriff ready to kill. With a few exceptions. "The Last Stand" proved to be quite, the exciting and intense action film." B… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
rocketpackpandaJan 27, 2013
A romping good time. This is the Arnold we've missed. Unlike Stallone, who's films tend to play around with the morose side of cartoon violence, Arnie's new film embraces its ridiculous over the top conflict with glee. The action set piecesA romping good time. This is the Arnold we've missed. Unlike Stallone, who's films tend to play around with the morose side of cartoon violence, Arnie's new film embraces its ridiculous over the top conflict with glee. The action set pieces are fantastic, over the top and gleefully violent. Everything an Arnie movie needs. The villian is gleefully cheesy, racecar driving pablo escobar. The most interesting thing about this film though is the score and editing. The score is outstanding, it adds to the tension and ramps up every scene to that sweet spot, just to get you pumped to see Arnold tackle a dude off a roof and blow his brains out at the same time, or when you need to ramp up the tension for when the villain decides to use a super car to take out two SUVs. The editing though is a bit iffy. It's not bad outright, but it definetley stands out, because from a technical aspect everything else works like clockwork. The movie was great, Arnie looks leathery but was still great. This is the way to bring back your career!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
quincytheodoreFeb 6, 2013
Apparently the cast of The Expendables are moonlighting for different roles, respectively. Arnold Schwarzenegger took the role of an old, as he said so himself, sheriff of a small town near the border of Mexico and USA. As far as action flickApparently the cast of The Expendables are moonlighting for different roles, respectively. Arnold Schwarzenegger took the role of an old, as he said so himself, sheriff of a small town near the border of Mexico and USA. As far as action flick goes, The Last Stand will not disappoint, despite the cheesy lines and some acting flaws. Fist-to-fist brawls, gun fights in the middle of a street, and wild chase scenes contribute in overshadowing what shortcomings it may have.

A fugitive has eluded FBI when he was about to be transferred to another prison. Using trickery, his mercenary team and a sweet ride that could easily be featured in Fast and Furious, he dashed for the border. As we all know from previous dozens action movies, fleeing to Mexico is equivalent of a jail free ticket. Unfortunately this little town, which has Arnold as its sheriff, stands between him and complete freedom.

Honestly, whenever Arnold appears and tries to act, there's a lingering feel of awkwardness as if it'd be unintentionally comedic, although some scenes provide comedic relief at his own expense. However, his name still carries some weight, and I'm sure everyone has certain expectation when watching his movies. He puts decent performance, instead of putting air, he's showed as a weary battle-sicken man, but still a man who will hold his ground, with several questionable characters as his deputies.

The movie doesn't owe the fun thrill to Arnold alone, the pace is well structured, time frame is nicely done, and the others compliment the humor as well. Johnny Knoxville as Lewis Dinkum is admittedly downright ridiculous, he owns a museum of highly destructive weapons for plot convenient purpose. He also has perhaps the most notable shabby acting, the clown, if you will, thought he might induce some chuckles.

Forrest Whittaker as John Bannister, the FBI agent in lead of the operation is adequate, considering he has acting mettle more than the rest. Peter Stomare as the slightly psychopathic accomplice does just that, a slightly psychopathic second villain. The rest are bundles of misfits, mandatory hot chicks, and agents who will eventually come just in time to miss the action. Direction and choreography are well thought-out, divided in a focused pace while clever camera angles capture the action quite amazingly. The Last Stand has hackneyed acting and lines, has plenty of quirkiness, but serves its bullet-whistling and car-chasing fun like it's supposed to and quite entertainingly in that regard.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
TheManWhoLaffsJan 21, 2013
Critics, man. What a bunch of bummers...same with some of the users, too. What do you expect from an Arnold flick? Do you think he's going to be remaking The Magnificent Ambersons or The Man Who Would Be King? Much like both ExpendablesCritics, man. What a bunch of bummers...same with some of the users, too. What do you expect from an Arnold flick? Do you think he's going to be remaking The Magnificent Ambersons or The Man Who Would Be King? Much like both Expendables films I went for the nostalgia of the days when I couldn't wait for the next Arnie flick or Stallone, etc. Sure, this is the last gasp, but I'm there for it. Just for fun. If you are going to see The Last Stand may I recommend low expectations and look forward for a fun, if cliche' d, ride. You've been on the Matterhorn at Disneyland a hundred times as a kid, but something about that rickety old thing makes you want to go one more time.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
analogkid280Jan 20, 2013
Fast cars, wild action, enough guns to make Joe Biden change his diaper. Like a grandma with a shotgun pointed at your face what is not to love about this movie. This is all 80's throwback from a time when rated R movies were fun and cheesy.Fast cars, wild action, enough guns to make Joe Biden change his diaper. Like a grandma with a shotgun pointed at your face what is not to love about this movie. This is all 80's throwback from a time when rated R movies were fun and cheesy. Almost all the actors get a LOL moment with the best reserved to old Arnie who does what he has done best for the past 30 years, delivering one liner after one liner.… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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8
JPG127Jan 21, 2013
This was a good action movie. Only slightly more than the trailer, but still entertaining. If you are in the mood for a good drama, go see Zero Dark Thirty. If you want a good action, see this.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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9
sunnyrJan 18, 2013
Arnie has still got it.....Nothing special, but just some good time...Good comedy and Action...must watch for an Arnold fan....It is good to see Arnold back, and looks like he can still produce some of his old touches.Th e movie does not haveArnie has still got it.....Nothing special, but just some good time...Good comedy and Action...must watch for an Arnold fan....It is good to see Arnold back, and looks like he can still produce some of his old touches.Th e movie does not have a great story line , but just the Fact it is Arnold movie, should see it through.....… Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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10
TheStampManJan 19, 2013
My official review of "The Last Stand" can be summed up into a single word: America! Now I know you're asking "Stamp, what does America have to do with The Last Stand?", and I'm glad you asked, Jeeves. My thesis is as follows. "The LastMy official review of "The Last Stand" can be summed up into a single word: America! Now I know you're asking "Stamp, what does America have to do with The Last Stand?", and I'm glad you asked, Jeeves. My thesis is as follows. "The Last Stand", Arnold Schwarzenegger's newest theatrical release, and The Great United States of America go hand in hand because of the ridiculously good-looking and super fast Corvette( America's sports car); Arnold, himself, is an American dream come true; and because of U.S. citizens taking up arms to make a last stand against evil. Pun intended, although I'm not sure if it counts because that's what the title is talking about. Moving on, I left the theater entertained, motivated, and grateful to live in a great country. Last but importantly, they mention Jesus. Let's take a moment for a standing ovation for Jesus. Our lives are better for it. In conclusion, I officially award "The Last Stand" with my first ever Stamp Of Approval.… Expand
1 of 13 users found this helpful112
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7
fantasyJan 22, 2013
Arnie is back, older, a little paunchier, but no matter what, he is still Arnie. And using his Austrian broken English he delivers what you would expect. No this is not a perfect movie but if you're looking to pass a few hours and beArnie is back, older, a little paunchier, but no matter what, he is still Arnie. And using his Austrian broken English he delivers what you would expect. No this is not a perfect movie but if you're looking to pass a few hours and be entertained in which you know the ending he delivers a fun flick. Blood, guts, violence with some humor sprinkled in, in which non of it is remotely believable. Just a fun way to enjoy Arnie one more time.… Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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8
TheQuietGamerJun 9, 2013
More or less what I was expecting and wanting. It starts off a little slow, focusing on bland backstory's and lame jokes, but once the bullets start flying the movie takes off. It's meant to play off of Arnold's age and does it well. ThatMore or less what I was expecting and wanting. It starts off a little slow, focusing on bland backstory's and lame jokes, but once the bullets start flying the movie takes off. It's meant to play off of Arnold's age and does it well. That being said the movie also has poor acting despite it's above average plot. Still I came into this movie to watch Arnold (not even going to try to spell his last name XD), my all-time favorite action star, kill some dudes, and the movie delivers on that front. So if you come into this movie expecting a straight up popcorn worthy action flick, rather than a deep movie with excellent acting, you wont be disappointed.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Bruce722May 31, 2013
The Last Stand was exactly what I thought it would be. Arnold Schwarzenegger proves he's still about the same actor he's always been. You're going to get some decent fight scenes, a bunch of over-done gun battles, some solid one-liners, and aThe Last Stand was exactly what I thought it would be. Arnold Schwarzenegger proves he's still about the same actor he's always been. You're going to get some decent fight scenes, a bunch of over-done gun battles, some solid one-liners, and a severe lack of acting. If you're an Arnie fan like myself, you don't mind the flaws and enjoy it for what it is. The rest of the cast was about what you'd expect also. Luis Guzman played his usual comedic relief stereotype Hispanic role and Johnny Knoxville was hilarious as usual. I wish he would've been featured more but his role wasn't critical. I'm a huge Jaimie Alexander fan so I loved that she was in this film. She is stunningly beautiful and a very underrated actress who has the ability to do a lot of physical stunts without the need of a double because she's also impressively athletic. Hopefully she shines enough in these smaller roles to get a chance to become more of a leading actress. As for the plot, it dragged a bit early and there were some silly parts, especially involving Burrell's initial escape, but it developed well and once the meat of the movie got going it was enjoyable. Some of the action sequences were overdone but like I said, it is an Arnie movie. Overall, enjoyable and entertaining with some flaws but not enough to ruin the experience.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
SmeeApr 25, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its a good pop corn movie and Arnold is always best. Supporting actors bit lame but anyway its a quite watchable movie.Last wrestling fight was quite amazing and so real.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
DanKageakaTKApr 23, 2013
an ok story mixed with Tarantino style gun work makes this a great action movie. Arnold does a great job and delivers. i was very impressed on the amount of gore, and the detail in using it. not a lot, if any that i could tell of cg. a greatan ok story mixed with Tarantino style gun work makes this a great action movie. Arnold does a great job and delivers. i was very impressed on the amount of gore, and the detail in using it. not a lot, if any that i could tell of cg. a great action movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
oblique15Oct 20, 2013
This was pretty good, at first I was losing interest cause of a few sill characters, but it picks up! The bad guy on this movie is annoying, hes one of those you want Arnold to get a hold of witch makes the movie fun to watch.Also a few goodThis was pretty good, at first I was losing interest cause of a few sill characters, but it picks up! The bad guy on this movie is annoying, hes one of those you want Arnold to get a hold of witch makes the movie fun to watch.Also a few good one liners from Arnold that I liked.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
BreakingBradJan 24, 2013
The Last Stand delivers exactly what it promised, a heart pounding action film that proves to be an exciting return for Arnold Schwarzenegger to the big screen. I realize he has made a few cameo appearances like in "The Expendables 2," but it
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
ZarchonFeb 4, 2013
Good action picture. Sure Arnold is old and isn't great looking. This is an Arnold movie. It has a good plot, moves along briskly and was fun to watch. If you saw Bullet to the Head with Stallone and liked it, you will like this one too.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
ThegodfathersonApr 29, 2013
Ahhnie is back with a vengeance! In the Last Stand! This Cheesy Mexican popcorn flick is really awesome. The film starts off slow but then it gets interesting. I'm pretty glad Arnie made this film. It's just bloody f**king fun with guns andAhhnie is back with a vengeance! In the Last Stand! This Cheesy Mexican popcorn flick is really awesome. The film starts off slow but then it gets interesting. I'm pretty glad Arnie made this film. It's just bloody f**king fun with guns and hot cars. Just don't take brainy nerd to this movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
WalkingJ-DogFeb 26, 2013
Arnold is still giving good performances and this film is no exception it's a fun film to watch and the action is really fun to watch and while the story was not the greatest the cast did their best to make you watch a really enjoyable film
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
TeeeJan 22, 2014
This film did not disappoint. So Arnie is a bit slower and bit wrinklier but that didn't stop me believing he could woop the baddies. It felt like a Taratino movie with the graphic blood and violence but I loved it.
Action, humour (johnnyThis film did not disappoint. So Arnie is a bit slower and bit wrinklier but that didn't stop me believing he could woop the baddies. It felt like a Taratino movie with the graphic blood and violence but I loved it.
Action, humour (johnny knoxville!) fast cars and a nasty badguy - what's not to like?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
NotoriousFraudSep 5, 2014
"You make us immigrants look bad."

Kim Jee-Woon's "The Last Stand" is a fantastic throwback to the 80's era of action movies that made Arnold Schwarzenegger a mega star and a box office goldmine. When the leader of a drug cartel busts out"You make us immigrants look bad."

Kim Jee-Woon's "The Last Stand" is a fantastic throwback to the 80's era of action movies that made Arnold Schwarzenegger a mega star and a box office goldmine. When the leader of a drug cartel busts out of a courthouse and speeds to the Mexican border, where the only thing in his path is a sheriff and his inexperienced staff. Arnold is great as Sheriff Ray Owens, most of the other characters are just comic relief like Luis Guzmán as a deputy and Johnny Knoxville as a crazy troublemaker and museum owner. Eduardo Noriega does alright as the main villain who spends most of the movie in a car, the villain for the first acts of the movie is a mercenary played by Peter Stormare who is about as intimidating as all the other villains played by Peter Stormare. The second best character is the female deputy played by Jamie Alexander, she holds her own in a gunfight and does help get the bad guys. The movie is tons of fun and i highly recommend it to anyone who likes action.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
DeanomiteJan 25, 2020
Kim Jee woon is a very talented South Korean director (best movie is I Saw the Devil) and this benefits from very sharp direction and cinematography. Arnold does a fine job as always, Forest Whitaker also is always good to see. I could takeKim Jee woon is a very talented South Korean director (best movie is I Saw the Devil) and this benefits from very sharp direction and cinematography. Arnold does a fine job as always, Forest Whitaker also is always good to see. I could take or leave Johnny Knoxville. The action scenes are pretty snappy overall but i get the impression is giving us what he thinks we want, but i prefer his Korean films.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
KelvinSelimorAug 23, 2021
The Last Stand. The Governor is back in action. An excellent action movie with an unkillable Arnold Schwarzenegger who returned to the cinema again. Cool shooting scenes and a good plot and desert landscapes.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 26, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First off, this is quite a (deliberately) funny movie at the start, which doesn't take itself too seriously I reckon, certainly when introducing the viewer to the 'typical sleepy town of Sommerton Junction' and its zany characters, like the local eccentric Lewis Dinkum (played by Jackass star Johnny Knoxville).

Its an easy watch which provides some shock moments and plenty of action scenes. Its quite tense and suspenseful at points as well. I thought Forest Whitaker was especially well cast in his role as an agent desperately trying to track down the drugs baron, reminding me of other action/dramas he's been in, such as Vantage Point (which I believe I've also reviewed).

To me it seemed a bit like a spoof movie, in as much as the plot is quite unoriginal and rather cheesy you could say (especially in terms of the accents used and nationalities represented - I don't mean Arnie either), its not overly memorable I suppose, as you might expect but it has its plus points. Its quite fast paced and frantic at points, with lots of gunfire and some souped up vehicles present, some good use of special effects. If you like high speed car chase scenes or movies with cars in general, I suppose, then this may interest you because there are a fair amount of scenes showing the authorities chasing the fugitive in a fancy (read sleek/stylish and high powered) car, which for some reason made me think of Knight Rider, only the car doesn't talk of course. Its probably more relevant to compare it to more modern films like the Fast and Furious franchise.

It should also be noted that there's a good use of the musical score with stringed instruments heavily present to add to the tension in pivotal scenes, the usual elements found in such movies. However, it also piles on the cheese with what I'd say is rather over the top sentimental pieces played unnecessarily at times.

I found the camerawork to be a bit frustrating at times, in as much as some scenes set in the dark of night (a lot of it is set in low light conditions, happening at night) were rather hard to follow as the camera angles made it hard to see precisely what was happening but then given the bloody violence present, in a sense perhaps thats just as well, it just seemed a bit too confusing and frantic perhaps even at times, moving and cutting from one angle to the next quite quickly.

I liked how the pace and tension slowly built up, from a slow start to the point at which we (as viewers) should know there's going to be real trouble but don't know when its going to hit, as it were. Its nothing new by any stretch of the imagination, if anything I'd question how realistic it is but mainly from a plot point of view, not in terms of the effects used which did seem quite realistic but its a fairly decent action/drama movie, in terms of being tense, suspenseful and entertaining generally.

There's one scene where the female character is talking to 'sherrif Arnie' and he supposedly admits to her a secret which is that he claims he's more afraid than her - it was hard not to laugh at that for one thing! and yup, I did warn you that its rather cheesy! there is some really 'oh brother!' type dialogue. This movie reminded me of the fact that America loves an underdog and I suppose you could claim the town of Summerton is an underdog in itself. Still, all in all, I felt it was an enjoyable watch, with some otherwise funny dialogue and decent enough acting from the cast.

Content wise, as previously mentioned there's bloody violence, with plenty of frantic gunfire and some very strong language present, hence the 15 certificate this movie carries.

Plot wise, the start was a little bit slow but it introduced the main characters well enough I suppose and given the more frantic scenes and the issues with the camerawork, I'd say its probably just as well the plot started unravelling quite slowly at first, or I might have been really quite lost by it. By the way, yes, for some unknown reason 'that' Elvis song seemed to come to mind when I sat thinking about what title to give this review - ie. a little less conversation, a little more action please - its different to the somewhat boring usual titles I use though, so I hope you like it lol.

It features some decent special effects and I liked one or two of the characters. Its tense and suspenseful in parts and is certainly entertaining, although really rather cheesy as well. Its a bit over the top action wise but then thats hardly an surprise given the facy its an Arnie movie, right? I just wish the female character was slightly more gutsy and less scared than she's depicted, even though she does take on a hands on part of the action. Action wise this is pretty good and thats likely the main thing you'd be looking for when renting or buying a movie like this, I reckon, so hence the recommendation, just perhaps don't expect too much originality.… Expand
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