THE LAST STAND (2013): Arnold’s Small-Town Showdown Packs Some Fun

The Last Stand marked Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first starring role after his tenure as the Governor of California, and it seemed designed to reintroduce him as the action hero fans loved in The Terminator (1984) and Commando (1985). Directed by South Korean filmmaker Kim Jee-woon, the movie mixes high-octane shootouts, small-town charm, and a touch of humor. Throw Johnny Knoxville into the mix as comic relief, and you’ve got the makings of a fun, if somewhat uneven, action flick.

While The Last Stand has its moments of over-the-top entertainment—especially for fans of both Arnold and Knoxville—it never quite reaches the heights of Schwarzenegger’s classics. It’s a solid return to form, but not enough to put Arnold back on the pedestal of his ‘80s and ‘90s heyday.

A Simple, Classic Action Plot

The plot of The Last Stand is as straightforward as it gets: Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega), an escaped drug lord, speeds toward the U.S.-Mexico border in a souped-up Corvette ZR1. His path to freedom takes him through the small town of Sommerton Junction, where Sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger) and his ragtag group of deputies—including Knoxville’s eccentric gun nut, Dinkum—must stop him before he crosses the border.

This small-town setting gives The Last Stand a different vibe than most of Arnold’s larger-than-life blockbusters. Instead of futuristic dystopias (Total Recall, The Terminator) or urban battlegrounds (True Lies), the film has a grounded, almost Western feel, with Ray Owens as the grizzled lawman taking on a band of outlaws.

However, the simplicity of the plot is both a strength and a weakness. While it keeps the movie moving, it also feels formulaic, lacking the twists or high-stakes drama that elevated Schwarzenegger’s best work. Compared to Predator (1987), where the tension builds as the crew is hunted, or Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), which mixes action with emotional depth, The Last Stand feels like a lightweight outing.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Older, Wiser, and Still Kicking

As Sheriff Ray Owens, Schwarzenegger leans into his age and experience, playing a character who’s no longer the unstoppable force of nature he was in Commando or The Running Man (1987). Owens is a former LAPD officer who’s settled into a quiet life in a sleepy border town, but when trouble comes knocking, he proves he still has what it takes to bring the pain.

Arnold’s performance is refreshingly self-aware, and he gets plenty of moments to show off his action chops while acknowledging his age. Lines like “I’m old” and his weary demeanor add a touch of humor and humanity to the role, making it clear he’s not trying to replicate his younger self. That said, there’s still plenty of old-school Arnold badassery to enjoy, from wielding a shotgun in a cornfield to engaging in a brutal fistfight with the villain in the film’s climax.

While Schwarzenegger’s charisma carries the movie, it’s hard not to compare this performance to his more iconic roles. In True Lies (1994), he balanced humor and action effortlessly, and in Predator, his physicality and presence were unmatched. In The Last Stand, Arnold feels slightly restrained, as if the movie isn’t fully embracing his larger-than-life persona.

Johnny Knoxville: The Wild Card

For fans of Jackass, Johnny Knoxville’s role as the eccentric Dinkum is one of the film’s highlights. Armed with a collection of hilariously oversized weapons (including a vintage Gatling gun), Dinkum brings a chaotic energy to the movie that offsets its otherwise straightforward tone. Knoxville’s over-the-top antics and bumbling enthusiasm add a layer of fun, especially in the action-packed third act when he joins the fight against the bad guys.

Knoxville’s chemistry with Schwarzenegger is surprisingly enjoyable, with their contrasting personalities playing off each other well. While Dinkum is clearly the comic relief, his contributions to the action feel genuine, and he gets some standout moments that showcase his Jackass-style absurdity.

That said, Knoxville’s role is more of a sideshow than a central element. Fans hoping for more of his trademark brand of chaos might find his screen time a bit limited. Still, his presence adds a unique flavor to the movie, making it feel like a blend of classic Schwarzenegger action and Knoxville’s wild antics.

Action That’s Fun but Unremarkable

When the action kicks in, The Last Stand delivers some satisfying moments, particularly in the climactic showdown between Sheriff Owens and Cortez’s gang. The small-town setting lends itself to creative set pieces, like a firefight in a diner and a standoff in a cornfield. The practical stunts and old-school shootouts are a welcome change of pace from the CGI-heavy action of many modern movies.

However, the action lacks the sheer intensity and inventiveness of Schwarzenegger’s best films. In Commando, the body count and explosive finale became instantly iconic, and in Terminator 2, every action sequence felt groundbreaking. The Last Stand plays it safe by comparison, offering serviceable but forgettable set pieces that never quite reach the level of awe-inspiring.

A Decent Villain but Low Stakes

Eduardo Noriega’s Gabriel Cortez is a competent antagonist, but he’s no match for the likes of the T-1000 (T2) or Bennett (Commando). Cortez is more of a plot device than a fully developed character, and while his high-speed escape adds tension, he never feels like a genuine threat to Arnold’s Sheriff Owens.

The stakes, too, feel surprisingly low for a Schwarzenegger movie. While the idea of a small-town sheriff taking on a drug lord has potential, the execution lacks the urgency or danger that made Predator or Total Recall so compelling.

Final Thoughts: Fun but Forgettable

The Last Stand is a decent return to the big screen for Arnold Schwarzenegger, offering enough action and humor to satisfy fans without breaking new ground. It’s a solid, straightforward action movie that benefits from its small-town setting, Knoxville’s wild antics, and Arnold’s undeniable charisma.

However, compared to Schwarzenegger’s classics, The Last Stand feels like a minor entry in his filmography. It lacks the innovation of Terminator 2, the intensity of Predator, or even the over-the-top absurdity of Commando. Instead, it’s a fun, disposable action flick that’s enjoyable in the moment but unlikely to leave a lasting impression.

For those who grew up loving Arnold’s movies—and those who have fond memories of Jackass—The Last Stand is worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best of Schwarzenegger’s legendary career. It’s a warm-up act, not the main event.