Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first full movie since becoming governor of California looked like generic action tripe in the initial teaser trailer. It made me question why Korean wunderkind Kim Ji-woon would make such an ordinary movie his Hollywood debut.
This full length trailer answers that question. While the story may still be pretty generic, the action looks absolutely stunning. I don’t think I have been this intrigued since John Woo came to the States with HARD TARGET. Schwarzenegger looks every bit his age, but that seems to be worked into the storyline and to great effect.
Plot: After leaving his LAPD narcotics post following a bungled operation that left him wracked with remorse and regret, Sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger) moved out of Los Angeles and settled into a life fighting what little crime takes place in sleepy border town Sommerton Junction. But that peaceful existence is shattered when Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega), the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the western hemisphere, makes a deadly yet spectacular escape from an FBI prisoner convoy. With the help of a fierce band of lawless mercenaries led by the icy Burrell (Peter Stormare), Cortez begins racing towards the US-Mexico border at 250 mph in a specially-outfitted Corvette ZR1 with a hostage in tow. Cortez’ path: straight through Summerton Junction, where the whole of the U.S. law enforcement, including Agent John Bannister (Forest Whitaker) will have their final opportunity to intercept him before the violent fugitive slips across the border forever. At first reluctant to become involved, and then counted out because of the perceived ineptitude of his small town force, Owens ultimately rallies his team and takes the matter into his own hands, setting the stage for a classic showdown.
THE LAST STAND also stars Forest Whitaker, Johnny Knoxville, Jaimie Alexander, Luis Guzman, Peter Stormare and Genesis Rodriguez, I am always wary when I see Johnny Knoxville in a movie that is not JACKASS. The guy is very likeable but usually does not evoke a standard of quality one would hope for from a serious action movie.
THE LAST STAND will cross the border on January 18, 2013.