Last Action Hero (1993)

Directed by: John McTiernan | 130 minutes | action, adventure | Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, F. Murray Abraham, Art Carney, Charles Dance, Frank McRae, Tom Noonan, Robert Prosky, Anthony Quinn, Mercedes Ruehl, Austin O’Brien, Ian McKellen, Keith Barish, Jim Belushi, Chevy Chase, Chris Connelly Karen Duffy, Larry Ferguson, Leeza Gibbons, MC Hammer, Little Richard, Robert Patrick, Maria Shriver, Sharon Stone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Melvin Van Peebles, Damon Wayans, Noah Emmerich, Tina Turner

In the early 90s, everything Arnold Schwarzenegger touched seemed to turn to gold. Director John McTiernan was also in good shape and scored hits with instant classics such as the eighties hit ‘Predator’ (in which the Austrian oak played the leading role) and ‘Die Hard’. The duo decided to collaborate again in the nineties. ‘Last Action Hero’ was supposed to be a huge hit, but it didn’t. The film flopped and caused a dent in the reputation of the actor and filmmaker. How is that possible?

‘Last Action Hero’ revolves around Jack Slater (Schwarzenegger). He is a popular character from a series of Hollywood blockbusters. His biggest fan is Danny (Austin O’Brien). When this kid gets a magical movie ticket, he literally ends up in the movie. Fiction turns into reality. Danny wants to warn his (film) hero about a dangerous criminal gang. These villains prey on Danny’s movie ticket. With this ticket they can cause death and destruction in the real world. That can’t happen, so Jack and Danny go after the scum!

The reputation of ‘Last Action Hero’ was very bad for years. In recent years, the film has been judged more leniently. This is anything but a masterpiece, but there is certainly fun to be had in this film. The biggest enemy of this vehicle is its childish tone. McTiernan seems to be targeting children and teenagers and uses downright lame humor. Also, this movie is way too long. Half an hour could have easily been cut out of this 130-minute film. Sometimes the story drags on. The then inexperienced O’Brien also kills the film with his wooden playing.

Schwarzenegger is visibly having fun with his role, but his enthusiasm cannot save the film. With a shorter playing time, a slightly more serious tone and less cheesy jokes, this had become a classic. Now you have to make do with a childish fight film that wants to be funny too much, but has too few significant jokes for that. The action is okay, but nothing noteworthy. The potential is there: the story is well thought out and the protagonist has enough star power to carry the film. Unfortunately, a muddled script and the strange setting of the atmosphere ruin the end result. With the mind at zero, there are moments to enjoy cheesy action scenes and the always enjoyable charisma of the Austrian oak.