The Last Marshal (1999)

The Age of Commercialism

Lack of good storyline.

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Cole McCleary (Glenn) is a tough, racist, hard-drinkin', hard-fightin' and hard-swearin' Texas Deputy Marshal. Naturally, his superiors and colleagues don't approve of his rogue ways. They seem to be oblivious to the fact that he always gets results. When super-evil bad guy Torres (Castellanos) and his "weak link" partner T-Boy (Cruz) do some REALLY bad stuff and abscond to Miami, Cole follows them.Now a complete fish out of water, this throwback of a Texas lawman must contend with a multi-racial environment and a lot of bright colors and upbeat people. He's NOT happy about this. His new partner is Jamie (Batinkoff), a young, hip dude who Cole doesn't really take a shine to. It turns out the criminal mastermind behind all the murder, drugs, kidnappings and probably a lot of other things is DeClerc (Forsythe). Cole must take down the evil empire in his own way - as well as get involved with Rosa (Marie) in a romantic relationship, showing he may have a soft spot after all.Scott Glenn is simply awesome in his role as Cole. He's completely believable as the old-school Texas badass who hates everyone in equal measure. He's grizzled and plays by his own rules. You should watch this movie for his performance alone. Sure, towards the middle of the film there's some unnecessary justifications/psychological explanations for his ways, but you kind of HAVE to do that, and it doesn't take long. One of the more interesting aspects of The Last Marshal is how true it is to its title - Cole truly is the last of a dying breed, and a man out of time. The movie should have explored this aspect just a little bit more - how no-nonsense enforcers like Cole are slowly being replaced by pretty boys who are just prissy and ineffectual.Speaking of the title, it is misspelled in the film. Director Kirton (also responsible for the Forsythe vehicle Strike Force 2003, and who has an extensive stunt background) finds some good locales - from the Texas-set opening of the film, to the Miami "Steak n' Strip", a combination steakhouse and strip joint, one of the most macho eateries we've yet seen on film. Kirton scores big points for releasing such a politically incorrect (for the most part) film in 1999. In fact, except for the music, this movie could have been made in the 80's.We can't forget William Forsythe with his "German" accent and his sidekick Sunny (Boyle). He and his goons certainly raise a high bar for pure evilness. But Cole only wants the goons. He's not interested in solving every single problem in life. Just the ones that came to his Texas turf and ruined his day. The Last Marshal has DTV violence and fun clichés in equal measure. Just check out the classic-of-all-classic Black yelling police chief Lukowski (Wilcox).What the world needs now, more than ever before, is Cole McCleary.For more action insanity, please visit: www.comeuppancereviews.com

I cannot understand why people condemn a film like this, what do they want, Scott Glenn is fantastic in the lead role, he hates everyone, but even though he is an old time cop (Just like Frost in the UK) he gets the job done in his own way, and along that way there is plenty to enjoy, he is a hard drinking swearing son of a bitch, and as l have said he hates everyone, there are some funny moments, but plenty of action as well, there are the usual Police Lt. who shouts all the time, there is a faggot who is the hotel clerk, and a real nasty baddie-well 2 of them really so you really root for The Last Marshall l rate this movie as one of my favourites and l give it 9/10

As noted above this film borrows from every action film of the last 25 years. It's part Dirty Harry, part Death Wish, part Lonewolf McQuaid and part Terminator 2 (sans robots). The plot is just ridiculous and has so many flaws, but that is what makes the film.Cole McClary is brilliantly racist homophobic US Marshall. The dialogue throughout the film is just farcical. The scene where he arrives in Miami and meets his new partner (who introduces himself as Don Johnson) is pure comedy gold.This film taught me lots I didn't know about the US Marshalls and the DEA. For example, DEA agents must have training in the art of ninjitsu. It's acceptable when rading a house to snap the neck of a guard. Speedboats can catch motorbikes. US Marshalls can commit extra-judicial executions. When your drug deal/party is busted, gun down all of your guests. If you're a Marshall, you needn't worry about not reporting the people you kill. That's OK.A quality film. A definite must for fans of classics such as Death Wish 3.

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.