The year is 1993, two years after Terminator 2 – Judgement Day and one year before True Lies. Arnold Schwarzenegger was at the height of his career when Last Action Hero premiered – a film that, in retrospect, arrived perhaps 30 years too early. While Schwarzenegger had demonstrated his comedic ability in films like Kindergarten Cop and Twins, audiences were largely unprepared for a film that satirized both him and the broader action genre.
Danny (Austin O’Brien), a young action movie enthusiast with a particular fondness for the Jack Slater (Arnold Schwarzenegger) films, receives a magical movie ticket. This ticket transports him directly into the film’s world, where he and Slater must collaborate to solve a murder case. The situation escalates when the film’s villain, Benedict (Charles Dance), obtains the ticket, threatening the stability of the real world.
Self-deprecating actors and genre-bending films that incorporate characters from diverse sources are now commonplace. While Last Action Hero wasn’t entirely unprecedented – T-1000 (Robert Patrick) had appeared in Wayne’s World (1992) – the concept of a big-budget Arnold Schwarzenegger action film that deliberately mixed genres and incorporated disparate characters was novel enough to surprise audiences. This unconventional approach complicated the film’s marketing, and it was, unfortunately, positioned as a more straightforward action film in the vein of Schwarzenegger’s previous work.
Upon its initial release, I found the film disappointing. My initial reactions were confusion and skepticism, struggling to reconcile the film’s comedic and self-aware elements with my expectations. This divergence from established norms contributed to Last Action Hero’s initial commercial failure, impacting Schwarzenegger’s subsequent career.
Having revisited Last Action Hero numerous times since its theatrical release, my appreciation for the film has grown considerably. Its prescience is now evident. Seeing the film in sharp 4K quality is a genuine pleasure, with the UHD 4K edition showcasing the film at its best. While the Dolby Atmos sound is generally satisfactory, some sequences exhibited a slightly diminished quality. Specifically, a scene outside the villains’ residence (during a conversation between Jack and Danny) sounded somewhat thin. While the audio represents an improvement over the DVD version, the film’s age is still apparent.
The release includes a selection of bonus materials, highlighted by a commentary track featuring director John McTiernan (Die Hard, Predator). Also included is an AC/DC music video featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in shorts, which is, frankly, quite awkward.
Today, Last Action Hero stands as an intelligent and humorous film that satirizes the action genre. Despite some elements potentially feeling familiar to contemporary audiences, the film’s screenwriters, Zak Penn (Ready Player One) and Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, Iron Man 3), were pioneers in this approach. Charles Dance’s (Game of Thrones) performance as the villain is a highlight, and Ian McKellen’s cameo offers a memorable cinematic moment. The film features numerous practical action sequences and impressive early special effects, complemented by quotable one-liners. However, Austin O’Brien’s performance as Danny, and the character’s inherent irritating qualities, detract somewhat from the overall experience. Furthermore, the filmmakers’ commitment to quirky elements occasionally feels excessive. While the intention to create a contrast with the “real” world is understandable, restraint might have enhanced the film’s impact.
In conclusion, Last Action Hero is highly recommended. For movie aficionados and Arnold Schwarzenegger enthusiasts, this film deserves a prominent place in any UHD 4K collection.
