On L List of Movie Reviews

(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)


Last Action Hero (1993)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 2/09, 3/24

LastAH
2/09: When I saw Last Action Hero in 1993, I thought it was ingenious and different with great writing.

After watching the film again, my opinion still holds up. I don't understand why it received low marks from critics because I've been able to enjoy the show by looking at it from several perspectives. What I love the most is movie magic. It reminds me of The Goonies and Hook which is the idea of going on a trip to a fantasy world where the rules are different.

Of course, action movies have always been against common sense by abusing the laws of physics which is a big part of Last Action Hero in a satirical way. It's cool when the kid noticed things like that and pointed them out.

A funny twist is the kid showing Jack Slater the poster of Terminator 2: Judgment Day as a proof of starring in it but only to reveal the face of Sylvester Stallone. It reminds me of the moment in Twins when Arnold Schwarzenegger mocked the size of Stallone's biceps after seeing the poster of Rambo III.

When Jack Slater was transported to the other world, I became disappointed by the failure to keep things as real as possible to show why the laws of physics must be strictly adhered. Of course, if Jack Slater is walking on the streets of New York City, he should've been instantly mobbed within seconds because it's Arnold Schwarzenegger.

All in all, Last Action Hero is a highly creative popcorn flick.

3/24: Raising my rating from '7' to '8', I'm surprised people don't think much of Last Action Hero.

If they want movie magic, this is it. Yeah, I can see the cheap image quality from time to time, but it's a creative movie that pokes fun of Hollywood films in general. The action might be exagerrated, but I've spotted so many logic problems like you can't believe.

However, what bothers me is when Jack Slater made the transition from the movie world to the real world, he's still doing the impossible stuff. That's when director John McTiernan shot himself in the foot. Had everything been strictly real, I would be more impressed. Nonetheless, everybody is great. Even I love the Amadeus tie-in as in "this is the guy who killed Moe-zart."

All in all, Last Action Hero is unique.