The goal is to survive watching this film

Tony Scott directs "The Last Boy Scout," a post-Hudson Hawk vehicle for Bruce Willis that opens with an act of incredible violence and keeps going down that road again and again until the end of the film.

I have to be honest. "The Last Boy Scout" is not my kind of film. I always struggle with the sort of film that seems to endorse violence towards women and, in this case, even children.

Unfortunately, the prevalence of violence in this film...hateful, excessive violence overshadows what could have been a decent film with a decent professional presentation, moments of great humor and significant "Tony Scott" type of action.

The film stars Willis as a cynical detective, and Damon Wayans an ex-football player who team up trying to solve a murder. Halle Berry, in yet another of her endless supply of bad roles, plays a stripper in the film, but is so horrid it's hardly worth mentioning.

The performances have their moments, and the production is serviceable, but it all gets lost in the hatefulness of the film and the violence, which is most certainly pushing the "R" rating to its limit.

Overall, "The Last Boy Scout" is simply too morally vacant and, seemingly, intent on being so. Perhaps I could look past it if it seemed to have a purpose. Yet, it doesn't. It seems like it's intentionally pushing the limits, with a reckless disregard for the welfare of women and children.

As a critic, I've worked hard to hone my ability to be objective and to critically evaluate a film. I'd like to think I'm pretty damn good at it. Yet, there comes a time when, as a critic, the critical evaluation is balanced with the concept of responsible filmmaking. "The Last Boy Scout" is irresponsible filmmaking because it hides its violence and hatred behind glossy camerawork and stylized direction.

A part of me wants to fail this film, but for some reason I can't justify it. It's not just the violence issue...the simple fact is the script is horrid, Wayans and Berry are both weak and Willis is only sporadic in his performance. Yet, I simply can't justify calling the film a complete failure. Production values are solid at times, and the camerawork certainly has its moments. Willis clearly is investing himself in this project, obviously intent on banishing the memory of "Hudson Hawk" forever. Instead, the film only furthers my impression that Willis is a gimmick actor who only shines when his role fits his limited range. Instead of distracting from "Hudson Hawk," it only reinforced it.

© Written by Richard Propes

How We Rated This Film TC Candler - D- Richard Propes - D+ Jacob Hall -

TC Candler's Comment

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Jacob Hall's Comment

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