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The Last Castle | Year: 2002 Classification: Action/Adventure Directed: - Rod Lurie Actors/Actresses: - Robert Redford - James Gandolfini Another Redford Classic A masterfull battle of strong wills. General Irwin (Redford) lead his men through building them up before he was sent to jail and he tries to lead the same way once incarcerated. Every man in the place, including the guards and warden (James Gandolfini) look at Irwin with respect, he has earned it through his legendary performances in combat. The warden is a colonel who has never seen combat. This is where the difference begin, not end. These two strong willed military men battle for the control of the prison, the mens hearts and minds. One trying to lead/control by fear, the other trying to lead by example. Throughout the movie you are constantly wondering what Irwin will pull out of his hat next, where he is going with his line of thought. The final "battle" scenes for control of the prison are very entertaining. Lots of action and the mind games play on throughout. It is like a chess game, move, counter-move. An outstanding movie that should be added to anyone's collection. Weak Screenplay I used to listen to Rod Lurie on KABC talk radio each Saturday. He had a show on movies and he was very entertaining. His views were strong and very unlike the political correctness that started to sweep this country. I remember when he got his first screenplay together and had to leave the show to direct his first movie. He is the rare movie critic that actually switched careers to make movie. For that, he deserves respect by all. Now...this film was weak. I agree, the core antagonist/ protagonist relationship was weak...in fact, very weak. The warden was insulted because he has never really done a tour of duty, so collecting war memorabilia is for the weak. This is his soul motivation to prove himself. Yes, man is that fragile, but it needed to be developed thoroughly to base an entire movie on. The rest of the flic makes one wonder if these guys are really in a prison. There is almost no conflict among the prisoners...they seem so united and too respectful of Redford's character. The movie lacked energy and intensity. The scene with the rocks that Redford dragged went on and on with no climax that moved me. In short, this was a good looking Hollywood movie that was boring...you keep wondering why this movie was made. Maybe on repeat viewings it will be insightful...however not by me. I'm glad I borrowed it from the library! Keep trying Rod! Creative This movie is creative, but at a less intuitive rate. There is much to be gathered here, despite the predictability on the surface. I think it speaks much to the next 20 years of the United States. Give it a viewing and then give it a couple days to grow on you. The acting is very good, as is the cinematography. The editing is very good, as is the transfer to DVD. Overall, one to put on your second-tier viewing list. Buy The Last Castle at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on The Last Castle Search with the Priority Search Engine on The Last Castle This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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