Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 22 2013

By Elliot Chan, Contributor

3/5

If you want a night full of cerebral challenges and dynamic character development, just ignore Arnold Schwarzenegger’s major comeback to cinema last week. But if you fancy gunshots, car chases, fist fights, and explosions, then The Last Stand will be for you.

The Last Stand offers exactly what you expect it to, including Schwarzenegger’s bang-on impression of himself playing an American sheriff. Yes, there was a novelty to his return, but in the end it leaves the same empty feeling most get when a once popular film star attempts to repeat their all too timely success. Fans will ultimately be disappointed in the efforts of the aging Austrian action hero; he is no longer Mr. Universe.

For the price of admission, The Last Stand offers quick cuts, fast-paced action sequences, and cringe-worthy comedy. The film’s Korean director, Kim Ji-woon, beloved overseas, is clearly taking tepid steps toward the very different world of American cinema. But at the very least, his vision is clear and concise, which makes his collaboration with Schwarzenegger worth checking out.