Rating of
3.5/4
Last Man Standing review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 07/10/12
John Smith (Bruce Willis) arrives in Jericho and is harassed by gang members. After a scuffle, he is hired by gang head Strozzi (Ned Eisenberg). Another gang leader named Doyle (David Patrick Kelly) wants to recruit Smith. Stories about Hickey (Christopher Walken) were told to John. Spectacular cinematography, detailed storytelling, apt score and solid screenplay from the director (Kikushima and Kurosawa were credited since this is an official Yojimbo remake). Some noteworthy quotes from Smith - "She was just trying to make a living in a world where big fish eat little fish." "People don't own other people." "But something would turn up. It always does." "No matter how low you sink there's still a right and wrong. You always end up choosing." Action sequences reminded me of The Killer from John Woo mixed with western influences while Willis and Walken did a good job with their characters. Build-up of Hickey was spiffy as well. Themes of power, mistreatment of women, double crossing and morals were present. Only reservations this reviewer observes were the lack of a likable character in Smith who was too serious and mumbling of some lines in certain scenes. Nevertheless, Last Man Standing in my opinion is much better than Miller's Crossing and Road to Perdition with regards to entertainment value, watch-ability, script and style of direction. Not too may may agree, I guess it's the type of flick where acquired taste is involved. It's not a classic, but it's definitely worth the watch for action aficionado's who dig gangsters mixed in a western setting.
