Review of Last Action Hero

When this first came out, I believe it received a lot of criticism. I think the criticisms have been unfair, for this is a very smart and funny send up of the action genre. I also think this is underrated, of course the plot is a little complicated, about a young boy getting sucked into the celluloid world of his hero, in places and it is slow to begin with. But there is a lot of fun to be had; including the spectacular set pieces and the expert direction of Hunt For Red October director John McTiernon. The scenery is lovely, the sets are colourful and the costumes are very nice. Plus the action is exhilarating. Arnold Schwarznegger I think is talented, and he gives a great performance here. Austin O'Brien is appealing as Danny, Charles Dance is terrific as Benedict and Ian McKellan is literally unrecognisable as Death. Other excitements to be had in this film are the many cameos from the likes of James Belushi, Sharon Stone, Joan Cartwright and Jean Claude Van Damme. All in all, a fun and smart take on the action genre, on par with Loaded Weapon 1 and High Anxiety and better than the disgusting trash of Disaster Movie, Epic Movie etc. 8/10 Bethany Cox