The Last Marshal

Scott Glenn is about the only reason to sit through this routine cops and action thriller that plays like McCloud in Florida--if McCloud were a violent racist redneck. At least that's how the movie starts out. Scott Glenn spews a stream of anti-Mexican racial invective in the opening sequence that is amusingly nasty and also brings to mind some of the more edgy elements of the first Dirty Harry movie. Actually The Last Marshal works pretty well until Glenn's character is sent to Florida on the trail of two suspects--then the movie not only turns into a standard issue fish out of water thriller but becomes spineless--once Glenn is paired up with a hot Hispanic female partner he becomes such an emotional softie that Alan Alda in his salad days would probably have been embarrassed. Scott Glenn is a fine actor and always worth watching, but it's a shame that he only gets leads these days in straight to video junk like this. Movie does at least have a sense of humor about itself, which helps.

Although cliches abound, this is an interesting film.

The acting of Randall Batinkoff, was quite subtle and appealing. Scott Glenn was focused and consistent with his characterisation. The direction by Mike Kirton, his first effort, was quite acceptable and his extensive stunt background was apparent. The score, editing and enthusiastic performances by the rest of the cast, many of whom obviously studied their roles, were noteworthy. Glenn's softening was blessedly unconvincing. There was enough torture and violence to warrant a "gratuitous" rating.

I rented this movie because I had a coupon for a free rental. I am glad that I did not have to pay because it is not worth paying for. The acting was very stiff and the editing was bad. The story could have been handled much better and when I read the back of the box I expected a sort of Miami Vice like movie but as it turned out Miami Vice had much better acting and much better dialog. If the four letter words were removed from the script this would have been a silent movie!

B-movies should be treated as B-movie. If you watch the previous condemning comments, well, I can agree to them at some extent but it should be noted that this movie offer a good characterization of the Marshal. A rough, tough, macho, reckless lawman whose approach to handle crime is out of date but proves to be effective, just like Dirty Harry's approach. However, he's also thoughtful, he feels uneasy for getting caught by a lady for uttering swear words. But Scott Glenn truly portrays this character convincingly, a man who's bold enough to assert himself as he is (of course by wiping out his enemies with style). Action scenes are mediocre, but what else do you expect? I think it's still not that bad.

This movie is obviously a B movie, but as far as B movies go, I will give it that. It's got plenty of action. A really good storyline. My one complaint is that William Forsythe doesn't pass off as a german very well. I thought Scott Glenn did a fairly good job. Sure some people won't like this movie, but I did. It was fun to watch. It's kinda like The Cowboy Way (which I never did like) although I may be stretching it a bit there. Either way, 7 out of 10 for me.