Schwarzenegger's Last Stand

I love me some Arnold Schwarzenegger. I grew up on a steady diet of his action films from the 80s, 90s, and early 00s. I count Terminator 2 as one of my favorite films of all time, in large part because it stars Arnold (brilliant story and direction are also pluses). I dare you to imagine any other actor in that role and have the film be as good.

His post-governor film career is one that has me very interested. After so many years away from the business, can he still do it? He was never renowned for his acting chops; it was always his imposing physical presence that made him a star. He’s been in politics for several years, and time, as it does for all of us, is catching up with the man. Will being away from acting essentially since 2003 affect him? 

His first starring role since Terminator 3 back in 2003 will be in The Last Stand. The plot synopsis and first poster have been released for the film, which hits on January 18, 2013.

“After leaving his LAPD narcotics post following a bungled operation that left him wracked with remorse and regret, Sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger) moved out of Los Angeles and settled into a life fighting what little crime takes place in the sleepy border town Sommerton Junction. But that peaceful existence is shattered when Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega), the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the western hemisphere makes a deadly yet spectacular escape from an FBI prisoner convoy. With the help of a fierce band of lawless mercenaries led by the icy Burrell (Peter Stormare), Cortez begins racing toward the US-Mexico border at 250 mph in a specially outfitted Corvette ZR1 with a hostage in tow. Cortez’ path: straight through Sommerton Junction, where the whole of the US law enforcement, including Agent John Bannister (Forest Whitaker) will have their final opportunity to intercept him before the violent fugitive slips across the border forever. At first reluctant to become involved, and then counted out because of the perceived ineptitude of his small town force, Owens ultimately rallies his team and takes the matter into his own hands, setting the stage for a classic showdown.”

I like it. A washed up cop seeking to redeem himself against a dangerous fugitive sounds like a perfect first role for Arnold. He can be tough without being too much of a muscle-bound lunkhead. Plus, the synopsis sounds pretty cool. Maybe the film will be worth watching on top of the Arnold factor.

We’ll get a chance to see Arnold on the big screen very soon. He reprises his character Trench in The Expendables 2, which releases this weekend.