Iffy for 15+
Arnie's lawman vs. outlaw action tale gets pretty bloody.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Last Stand is an old-school action flick starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. There's a high body count and lots of bloody violence (shootings, explosions that lead to strewn limbs, etc.), as well as frequent strong language ("motherf---er," "a--hole," "bitch," etc.), but no sexuality beyond a couple of kisses. Families concerned with consumerism should note that the film features plenty of Chevy vehicles and references to a particular very expensive Corvette. Ultimately, despite the movie's violence, at its core it has a decent message about protecting your home, your friends, and your town.
- Families can talk about the amount of violence in The Last Stand. If it had been slightly less bloody, do you think that would have changed the impact? Did some of the deaths seem gratuitous, or were they necessary to the plot?
- How is The Last Stand a classic example of the "lawman vs. outlaw" genre? Was there any doubt who would win in the end? Does it make the movie less enjoyable if you know the action star is bound to get the bad guy?
- Arnold Schwarzenegger makes several jokes about being old. Do you think he's past his prime as an action star, or does the "old man" still have decent moves?
The good stuff
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Messages: The Last Stand's overwhelming message (amid lots and lots of action violence) is that even a small group of people can make a big difference. The sheriff and four deputies manage to defeat a criminal druglord who's outsmarted the FBI. The movie also espouses the military ideals that you never leave one of your own, that you don't let your fellow soldiers die in vain, and that, even if you're outnumbered, it's your duty to defend your home and your people.
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Role models: Sheriff Owens is completely devoted to his town. He goes beyond the scope of his job (albeit in a sometimes violent way) to help the FBI stop a murderous drug cartel kingpin from escaping U.S. borders. His deputies sacrifice their time -- and, in one case, their life -- for the cause. There are clear lines between "good guys" and "bad guys."
What to watch for
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Violence: There's a high body count, and people die in all sorts of ways. Being shot is the most common (some at close range, with blood spurting out of the bodies), but others are blown apart (limbs are strewn around), thrown off the side of a building, crashed into, etc. The sheriff and the prisoner get into a prolonged hand-to-hand fight that's bloody but not deadly.
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Sex: Two passionate kisses: one between the escaped prisoner and his hostage and the other between exes who reconcile. In one scene, a criminal remarks on a female character's body and says he would "kill for that ass" as he points a gun at her.
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Language: Frequent but not constant use of words including "motherf---er," "f--k," "a--hole," "bitch," "s--t," "d--k," "hell," "ass," "damn," and more. Exclamations like "Jesus Christ!" and "goddammit!" are also used.
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Consumerism: The escaped prisoner drives in a customized Chevy Corvette ZR1, and parts of the movie seem like a commercial for the performance sports car (which costs more than $100,000). And, later on, the sheriff saves the day in the mayor's Chevy Camaro; he also has a Chevy truck, and the government agents drive in Suburbans. The main character wears a Timberland fleece in one scene.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: An adult character is shown drinking beer in one scene, and another man is locked up for drunken and disorderly conduct (but he's sobered up by the time he's introduced).
Fan Reviews provided by
5
It was good. by hueyak
I DID NOT WANT TO SEE THIS MOVIE - had to go with my wife. Movie opens up with Arnold's one liners, my wife and her sister are laughing and I'm completely bored. As the movie progressed it started to get my attention. When the first fire fight with the Sheriff's happen's, I was hooked - they did a good job. I enjoyed it.
4
A fun movie by askbernie
I don't know what is the matter with the critics. They only like artsy-fartsy movies, I guess. This movie is just plain fun! Why can't we just go and enjoy a good old fun romp?
Lots of funny lines, action, slapstick.... you get the picture. Not Academy Award material, but let's face it.... most of them aren't. Just go for the fun of it.
4
The Last Stand - ing by Darkola
If your looking for a good, cheesy flick with plenty of action, then yes, this was a pretty good movie, and worth seeing at the show. I wasnt expecting alot from this movie, as I myself feel that Arnold is just a par actor, nothing over the top, and feel he has gotten worst with being off for so long, but did find myself liking this movie, the mix of good action, and offbeat comedy made this movie all that much better. The story itself was pretty good also, nothing really to far fetched. The acting ranged from pretty good to just ok, but feel for this type of movie, thats the kind of acting you want, something more in the form 0f 80's tv action program acting, good but cheesy at the same time. I'd give this 2 1/2 stars out of 4 myself, and would recommend seeing this on the big screen if ya have nothing better to see. Feel free to add me as a fan to see my latest reviews if you were happy with this one ............ Enjoy :)
4
Good old Arnie ! by JJHowe
I thought the movie was good, being a long time Arnold fan. I'm not going to say that it was his best movie, but better than some of his other movies. I enjoyed it and I feel like it was worth going to the theater to see. I will also be buying this when it come out on Blue Ray. Good to see Arnold on the big screen again. He's a bit slower, but still tough. I would say go see this movie and if your an Arnold fan like myself than it will be a must see !
3
I only went because my son wanted to go by aprilfoolsday
It was a good story about a convict, car chase and small town sheriff, it did have some good actors, Forest Whitaker was great, and Johnny Knoxville was funny, and Arnold, was just Arnold, nothing great.
4
Not bad by robbowman111
Wasn't the best movie I've seen in a while. But worth seeing if you're an Arnold fan. He did an pretty good job for someone who's pushing 70!! But I really think he needs to hang up the "Action Hero" titles & try some other types of roles.
5
The Last Stand by sonhawk
I LOVED it. It was action packed and funny. Want to see it again. Can't wait until i can purchase it for keeps. I also liked the meaning of some of the charactors standing up for what is right, like not being bought off to let a bad guy go free. Greed is such a bad thing these days. Can't wait to see another Arnold movie. Glad he's back.
4
Arnold Said That He Would Be Back, and He's Back! by TallSexyWhiteDude
Unlike most action movies that Arnold has done in the past, this one has much more humor and doesn't take itself too seriously. Plenty of action, and even a good fight scene at the end. Fun movie that every guy should see.
4
Overly Contrived But Entertaining. by Alon Patterson
Elderly action stars seem to be filling the screens these days with ever more violent and action packed features. Some not quite elderly guys are steadily working their way to that big geriatric feature in the sky this year as well. While it's widely held it's long past time for a number of these fellows to retire, they're still delivering a solid product to their audiences, new and old. Arnie's a little wrinkled and his doubles work double time here but all in all, this isn't a bad film. The formula is so mechanical you could turn off the sound and get the same effect though. Big guns, blood and gore, explosions, happy ending more or less, all wrapped up in a neat little 1:40 feature. Sure, there are plot holes here big enough to drive the Gov's honkin truck through but who cares? Nobody will be going to see this for its story. Is it worth the price of a ticket? Yes. Is it a great film? No. See it though. You won't be disappointed.
5
Great Movie. Full of Action and Arnold is Wonderful by buffetfan1102
I had doubts about this movie but was very happy that I saw it, It has a great story and very entertaining. You won't be disappointed. Lots of police action, car chases and shooting