THE LAST BOY SCOUT
A film review by Mark Santora
Copyright 1991 Mark Santora
I saw a preview of this film last Saturday with a sell out crowd. Needless to say, the crowd was a little rowdy. Anyway, the crowd will not influence this review.
Well, this film is the latest "buddy" film from writer Shane Black (of LETHAL WEAPON fame). Bruce Willis plays an ex-Secret Service guy who now owns his own private investigators license. Damon Wayans plays an ex-football quarterback who was banned from the game for drug use. Basically, these two get teamed up when Bruce is put on a case to watch an exotic dancer who just happens to be Daymon's girlfriend. She bites it and then it is off to find the bad guys. The bad guys are people who want to legalize sport gambling. Hence Daymon gets something to do than act stupid.
Plot wise the film holds together like all other action films. No need to get really specific, but it works. There is one problem. The direction, by Tony Scott is horrible. Tony Scott's previous work, including TOP GUN, REVENGE, BEVERLY HILLS COP II, and DAYS OF BLUNDER (oh, that's THUNDER, isn't it?), all headed towards a dark filmic style. Well, here he goes overboard. It just kills the film. There are parts that you want to scream at the screen for the idiot to put a few lights on so we can see what is going on. The direction seriously impairs the film.
Also, I will take *serious* issue with the opening credits. I am about to get technical on you. The film is shot scope, a ratio of 2.35 to 1. In other words, it uses the full screen. However, the opening credits are shot on a 1.33 to 1 ratio (that's the TV ration folks). What does all this mean? It means that when they go to transfer this to videotape it will just go along smoothly. Now some will say that it is parody off the Monday Night Football song as that is what type of song Bill Meadly sings. But they just seemed so cheap. I felt cheated. This did not put me in a good mood to start off this film.
Now, let's not forget character--in a Tony Scott film? Anyway, Bruce's wife and kid hate him because he is such a sleaze. This sets up nicely for the end of the film reunion with family giving it a second try. And the ending is so-o-o set up for a sequel.
Michael Kamen did the score. It reminded me a great deal of his DIE HARD music. Okay, there were some really nice parts, but hey, it's an action flick. No need for amazing musical treats like Lawrence of Arabia. If Michael Kamen decides to do another action flick, I hope he decides to use some new instruments and refrains.
Overall, the movie just makes it. Hampered by the direction and the somewhat predictable script, it is an okay action flick. Bruce Willis should really think about doing that third DIE HARD film, know what I mean? Damon Wayans should come out ahead of himself. He does a pretty good job with his shallow character. But Tony Scott has got to lay off the dark lensing. It is just too much. Take a date. Have a mindless evening. Other people will. Or save your money and see THE ADDAMS FAMILY, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and STAR TREK VI.
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