Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Most Underrated Movie: Last Action Hero

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Arnold Schwarzenegger is widely admired for his career as an unstoppable action hero, yet one of his films has not received the recognition it truly deserves. Being raised on action films, and with the genre being a staple in my movie-watching habits and storytelling connection, it’s no surprise that I was also brought up on the work of Arnold Schwarzenegger – the Austrian bodybuilder who transitioned into an action star, gracing some of the greatest action films ever produced, including “Commando,” “Predator,” and of course, the “Terminator” series.

To set the record straight, let me be candid – “Last Action Hero” is without a doubt Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most underappreciated film. Directed by John McTiernan of “Die Hard” and “Predator” fame, “Last Action Hero” tells the tale of Danny Madigan (Austin O’Brien), a boy who adores action movies and finds himself magically transported into the world of his favorite Arnold Schwarzenegger franchise, the fictional Jack Slater series. As an action movie enthusiast myself, I could easily identify with Danny. However, it wasn’t just wish fulfillment that made me such a fan of “Last Action Hero”. In reality, “Last Action Hero” is an Arnold Schwarzenegger action film that lives up to the hype in every aspect.

Last Action Hero Puts Arnold Schwarzenegger Into An Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie

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As the global movie sensation following the success of 1991’s “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”, I, Arnold, could have easily opted for safer roles after reaching such heights. Yet, I, in my pursuit to push boundaries and not rest on laurels, decided to poke fun at myself through the movie called “Last Action Hero“. Despite its comedic title, it wasn’t a farce. Instead, the in-movie “Jack Slater” franchise was portrayed realistically, providing a glimpse into what my cop action series might look like on the big screen (although, let’s be honest, the animated cat Whiskers added a level of fantasy that no Schwarzenegger action movie ever could).

In the beginning of “Last Action Hero,” we see the ending of “Jack Slater III,” which presents Jack Slater as a relatable hero in an over-the-top universe, leaving him tormented by guilt and PTSD due to his failure to save his son from the wicked Ripper (played by Tom Noonan). The opening of “Jack Slater IV” introduces Charles Dance’s character, Benedict, a formidable adversary for Schwarzenegger, who devises a scheme to employ Houdini’s ticket to liberate the villains from various movies and bring them into reality. In essence, both the films-within-films of the “Jack Slater” series and the larger narrative of the movie itself make “Last Action Hero” a double serving of an Arnold Schwarzenegger film in every wonderful way, demonstrating its innovative nature as well.

Last Action Hero Has A Lot Of Meta Fun Before It Was Cool

In the 21st century, there’s been a significant surge in popularity for self-referential, in-story remarks and breaking the fourth wall, which is evident in both action and superhero films. The Deadpool franchise deserves much credit for this trend, but it was actually the 1993 film Last Action Hero that set the stage for such meta humor decades earlier. This movie cleverly allowed for meta fun when its character Danny was drawn into a Schwarzenegger-themed in-universe movie – quite fitting since Last Action Hero itself is a real-life Schwarzenegger film.

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One of the most memorable jokes from Last Action Hero revolved around the rivalry between Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone during the ’80s and ’90s. In the Jack Slater universe, where Stallone was the star, his character highly praised Schwarzenegger by saying, “He’s fantastic, this is his best performance ever!” to a bewildered Danny.

The unique charm of “Last Action Hero” lies in its playful take on classic action movie elements such as Arnie’s famous one-liners (“I took care of that guy, if you catch my drift”), the use of hard rock soundtracks (fun fact: I discovered many of my favorite bands like Megadeth and AC/DC while watching “Last Action Hero” as a child), and the abundance of explosions in ’90s action flicks (“This movie has already had more than a dozen explosions,” Danny remarks at one point). The climax, where Jack saves the real-life Arnold Schwarzenegger from the Ripper, is full of tension and features an incredibly self-referential action finale. To top it off, there’s a dash of humor as Jack, in a candid moment with a slightly taken aback but courteous Arnold, says: “Look, I don’t really care for you, alright. You’ve only caused me trouble.

Similarly, Last Action Hero demonstrates that action films, like the Jack Slater series, have a profound impact on individuals such as Danny, fueling their aspirations for something greater in their lives and world. Despite his deep affection for action movies, Danny is acutely aware of the harsh realities when he and Slater transition between worlds, often cautioning Slater about the consequences of mortality. Growing up in a single-parent household and struggling with poverty, Danny serves as both an audience surrogate and a reflection for viewers, particularly younger ones. He underscores the distinction between fantasy and reality while also highlighting how the escapism provided by action films can motivate individuals in challenging circumstances to strive for improvement in their lives.

Last Action Hero Is A Great Action Movie On Its Own Terms

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Leaving aside the unique blend of reality and fiction found in “Last Action Hero”, this film offers a thrilling adventure as an action movie. It’s a shining gem from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s peak years, with impressive stunts, fights, gun battles, and chase scenes that are executed with style, power, and energy. The character of Jack Slater also experiences a true action hero’s transformation through his relationship with Danny. Although his world is torn apart when he learns he’s a fictional character, Jack remains steadfast in his role as a hero by attempting to thwart Benedict’s plan to summon an army of villains from movies. However, the real journey of a true hero for Danny lies in helping Jack become the best possible version of himself.

In the climactic scene atop the building, the movie mirrors the beginning of “Jack Slater III,” but with a twist: this time, it’s the Ripper who captures Danny instead of Jack. This first-act to third-act symmetry is common in action films, but here it’s refreshed by Jack and the Ripper’s conflict taking place in an unfamiliar setting. Additionally, Jack rescues Danny when he couldn’t save his own son earlier, and defeats Benedict while uttering the famous line “No sequel for you!” As the movie concludes, Jack, having gone on a meta-adventure, emerges as a changed man within the Jack Slater universe. On another level, the film offers an action-packed journey that delivers pure entertainment as a standalone action flick.

Although Last Action Hero didn’t fare well at the box office due to being released alongside Jurassic Park, it has managed to amass a loyal fanbase over time. This demonstrates that the worth of an action movie isn’t solely determined by its initial box office performance. I’ve long considered Last Action Hero as one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s finest performances, and I hope its growing cult following encourages more action enthusiasts to feel the same way.

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2025-01-20 11:10