I've had to adjust about 20 seconds of audio from 0:25 onwards and cut the title sequence due to a copyright claim against the video. The sound is a little odd for just this brief moment! Thanks for sticking with me 🖤
I had to borrow that moment from your vid (you know which one😉)... I hope you dont mind. You are brilliant❤ and please no remake of this flick. Its absolutely perfect
As a young kid, I grew up having Terminator 2, Alien and predator as my 3 favourite films for quite some time. My dad knew that with the Internet becoming a thing (we were always the first in the neighbourhood to have stuff like this. Sometimes, years before it became mainstream) that he wouldn't be able to shield me from many things in life. Including violent games and movies. His philosophy was that children are just very impressionable creatures on their way to becoming adults, not having all the systems in place to navigate everything needed to become fully functional adults. And that teaching how to navigate reality was better than trying to shield and lie about what difficulties our reality may hold. So he let me watch/play about anything while communicating about and keeping a check on my ability to comprehend the difference between fantasy and reality. If that's a good thing or not, it is up for debate. But it helped me really appreciate films and the likes, without them influencing my realised thoughts or values. I also absolutely loved satire movies like the Last action hero and Starship troopers for their violence, babes, and action, but later on, when I got older, I started to love them even more. For very different reasons. I grew up with adoring violence, guns, and war. Nowadays, however, I dislike war with all my heart. I can still appreciate action, but I myself am very much anti violence irl. Thank you for your essay and deconstruction of The last action hero. It was a lovely watch.
I'm still waiting for the "rabbit hole" video mentioned at 7:07 about hollywood media being self-obsessed, but I should probably finish this video first 😅
I don't give a shit what you say either, I love Last Action Hero and it's so underappreciated that your claim that it's one of the most underappreciated films of all time is one of the biggest understatements of all time.
I LOVE this film. It’s up there with Terminator, Total Recall and Predator for me. Arnold knew how to poke fun at himself and the genre and it’s BRILLIANT
Nobody was more self deprecating than Arnold. That's one of the many things that made him even more likable. He was the first person to bust his own balls.
I remember seeing this in the theater when it first came out with my dad. We both thought it was really good. I was surprised to learn that it was considered a flop later.
Arnold love to take digs at Stallone, from the blink and you miss it gag in Twins to the cardboard stand-up in Last Action Hero. He subtly says to Stallone "the best action movie you were ever in is Mine, in your dreams you could have been in Terminator." Arnold is a stone cold killer!
Charles Dance as Benedict in Last Action Hero is one of the most underrated and under appreciated villains in cinematic history and I hate that he’s forgotten about lol
“Hello? I’ve just shot someone. I did it on purpose” One of the best line deliveries in movies. It comes into my head every once in a while and it always makes me laugh.
@ultraviOlennce You're right, that quote's a great one. However, while being and staying critical _is_ important, one should also never forget that it's equally important to grant one's sense of criticism a well-earned break sometimes and "just enjoy the ride" now and then - because IMHO, being _always_ critical without any pause just gets way too tedious and frustrating in the long run. I for instance wasn't really aware of how important it is to keep that balance e.g. back in '93 when the movie came out, but well... Back then I was 21, now I'm 52, so I had 31 years in between to learn, grow, and pick up the occasional smart bit of knowledge and wisdom here and there, and I sincerely hope that I won't stop doing so for the foreseeable future - because I really wouldn't mind to not just getting older, but maybe also a wee bit wiser on the way (or maybe just a wee bit less silly, which I still manage to be now and then, when being so leads to still having fun and enjoying said ride).
I never understood why people didn't get it. My Mother and I went to see in it the theater on release and even as a young teenager I understood what the story was getting at. I still rewatch it on occasion to this day.
@@ghostpunkkilla I remember IN THEATER hearing 1 or 2 guys mention ammo count... They clearly thought it was going to be an Arnie action romp, not understanding it was a fantasy kids film, a campy modernized over the top spin of something akin to Never Ending Story.
The original Blade Runner didn't do well in theaters. Many just don't get it. Around the same time as this movie Chuck Norris did Firewalker. Because he wasn't doing the Braddock or other highly violent movies and had fun with a few action scenes, some hated it. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was very faithful to the book but many in the US hated it because they didn't read the book and hated British humor.
There's a scene skipped in this analysis of Arnold's action character (a literal fake character) confronting the real-world Arnold who has become an increasingly commercialized and fake persona (a figurative fake person, who is real, and is Arnold Schwarzenegger played by Arnold Schwarzenegger). The Rock is our real-world analog of that commercialized Arnold archetype.
I'm not the biggest fan of the Rock and I don't hate him. But I feel the scripts today are not that good as they was in the 80's and 90's. Sci-Fi was really good back then and not everything has been done to death.
Arnold was okay with showing himself getting beat up, and losing a fight. He never had any stipulation about showing vulnerability. It made his power all the more remarkable.
I'll say it. I dont like The Rock. Then again, I also think people need to stop telling John Cena that he's funny, and that Dave Bautista is a terrible actor.
@@Turd_Ferguson0 I never thought of the rock that way and now that's how I will always look at him from now on, I'm middle aged and I daydreamed about having an indestructible killer robot as a friend
I interpreted Ian Mckellan's "Death" as being a fictional character in the movie shown, but an actual character in the real world, thus keeps his powers. A sort of universal truth that transcends reality and fiction, unbound by the medium.
This movie was so misunderstood at the time of release. People said there were so many mistakes, or inconsistencies like one minute Arnold has bullet holes in his shirt and the next scene his shirt is like new were all done deliberately making fun of the action genre. Everything was intentional, and if you get that, it makes the movie so much more fun.
I learned not to listen to movie critic. Most are biased against certain genres. Unless its an independent film featuring gay cowboys eating pudding...
LAST ACTION HERO NEVER FADED FROM MY CONSCIOUSNESS!!! I was a only child of a broken home in a new state going to a school where i was 1 of 4 white kids and had a alcoholic stepdad and a wade of food stamps in my sock . I was alone until 8:00pm every night . I was that kid i watched on my tv . I was alone with nothing but my thoughts of becoming the action heros i waited to crash through my door and save my mom from another beating or my self from being scared to wear new jackets or shoes to school . Your break down was a awesome transition of my view of this film and i can't thank you enough . I truly appreciate the time and thought you put into this .
@@WheeledHamster California is only beautiful in very specific spots. Walk through areas such as East 6th St & San Pedro St, then you'll understand the hype is only hype.
@dakotatotten5355 you and me both! The world has a way of silencing people with good imaginations calling us dreamers. But to imagine something better when tragedy is in front of you day after day is honestly the reason the human condition carries on. We all have a bit of Danny in us for better or worse.
I can relate to Danny so much because I was day dreaming as a child, as well. It all started during my parent's war of the roses. Reality was too much for me, so I escaped from it.
I was around 10 years old when it came out, and ten year olds loved this movie . so there is a huge demographic of middle aged people who remember this movie with nostalgia
As a 10 year old child I felt like it was a pretty weak action film on its surface, and was the beginning of the end for Arnold's golden years, but as an adult I appreciate it a lot more for the satire.
its funny, when you look at certain movies that bombed at the box office, they are seemingly far deeper than their action movie shells make them out to be. This movie and Demolition Man are great movies once you shed the preconception of what an action movie is and what it can be.
sometimes they fail BECAUSE they hit too close to home and someone got mad. that's the problem with movie critics. if you happen to be a person of some influence the critic is nothing but a sock puppet for you (same goes for any news outlet or media source actually)
The villain enters the real world and shoots someone in an alleyway. "I just killed somebody!" No real response. "I did it on purpose!" and then the people yell at him. "No one cares, shut up and keep it down." The whole contrast between action movies and real life, and the reaction of this for both villain and hero is fantastic on how the react to this and how they see they see the real world. Also, him seeing Arnold Swartzenagger is hilarious.
You just told the story of my life. And millions of others as kids. No AI voice going 1,000 miles an hour non-stop. You narrated it like it should be. We need more reality in our Viewing. Actual talent.
That's why I watch pretty much nothing but old black and white TV shows and movies. Especially TV shows. Westerns and private detective and police dramas along with twilight zone and Hitchcock half hour and hour long episodes are absolutely amazing! They all have the same 150 actors or so that just pop up over and over and over again and they are very wonderful programming. All black and white Hitchcock {Hitchcock Presents and the Alfred Hitchcock Hour} and Have Gun - Will Travel are two {three} of the best ever. 77 Sunset Strip is another one of the best along with Naked City and Route 66. You should try them. The first episode of Route 66 will blow your mind!
Shhh - the history of storytelling started in the 50s-60s with only a few stand-out exceptions. The people before then sat in drooling clusters for entertainment. Surely plays about plays didn't exist since Ancient Greece. 😂
Just showed it to my son. He loved it so much that I’ve already bought it in BluRay and he’s seen it 3 times since last Friday. I love this movie as well so it’s fun to see him enjoy it like I did when I was his age.
way ahead of its time. when i grew up i thought i was just a dumb kid because i found out everyone hated it. i rewatched it a couple years ago and confirmed that yes i was a dumb kid. i should have loved it much more than i did back then.
I also think the ending also is aware that this type of movie is dying that the viewer should move on with their life. This conclusion is drawn from when jack tell danny he has his whole life ahead of him
@DM420xx i used to just view it as "cheezy cliche ending" now i know it actually has it's purpose (not cause of this video i rewatched it 2years ago or something and re-fell-in-love with it and realized it isnt all surface lvl. But this vid explained a sht ton i never thought about)
To Me that was the *Saddes* Part. Now it's *Fucking* Depressing, now that You *think* about it. Because The *Ride* is *Over.* And he's *No* Longer going to be with *Danny* in the *Real World* and he didn't just look at *Danny* as a *Movie Idol* but as a *Father* figure that he needed. And now he's *forced* to move on with his *Life* because *Jack* wasn't going to *Survive* in the *Real World.* after that *shot* close to the *Heart.* If it was a *Serious movie* it would've been very *Depressing* but I don't know how The *Genius* Director was able to pull this off without making it look *Depressing* but just *Lighthearted* I don't know I guess the *part* where *Jack* waved his *hand* up *sold* up for *Me.* kind of as a *reminder* to *Danny* that *"No matter where You are, I'll always be here with You"* and I think he even said it.
Benedict was such a great Villian! The way he gets annoyed with Anthony Quinn's mixed up metaphors... The Monologues and 4rth wall breaking are so well done!
this is the best review ive ever seen for a movie that was seemingly a basic movie but im so glad someone else saw it for the brilliance it really was.
This is one of my all time fave movies. I grew up with this as my Dad was a huge Action/Arnie fan and I was weened on a good diet of it growing up. I have since thought as I have got older that Danny is in fact imagining the whole event and this is actually a genius way of showing his dissociation from the real world hell he is living in. This is why he sees Benedict as breaking the fourth wall and talking directly to us as you see this a lot in Villains in both movies and theatre. It is like when you have a dream and sometimes you see yourself watching you or you see yourself as someone else entirely. Overall, this is a great video and I have sent it to my friends who also love this movie! x
4:12 I like how The Last Action Hero and Demolition Man came out in the same year and both had comedic nods towards their stars’ respective ‘rivals’. They actually have quite similar tones thinking about it.
When I see videos like this, I really remember that I appreciate I was born the year I was born and that I was " a part" of this time in cinema. Films and celebrities were something else before social media and widespread Internet access. More magical. ❤
what about the part about all of the violence? The Columbine shooting was in 1999. Coincidence, or a result of years and decades of the glorification of force and killing as tools of power, both in government and in civilian life. Did WW2, Korea, and Vietnam, and all of the movies related to them, push a culture of violence-worship on the US? The movies of the time are good, but a lot of them revolved around revenge and murder or, at the very least, solving dangerous problems with all manner of guns, rocket launchers, etc., instead of prevention, diplomacy, and other non-violent forms of dispute settlement.
So no magic then, all reality, no fun, all serious, no fantasy, everything *must* be a guideline on how to live. No such thing as critical thinking, subtext, escapism. You’re describing propaganda not entertainment. ‘It’s violent movies’ ‘It’s heavy metal’ ‘It’s gangsta rap’ ‘It’s video games’ Maybe…. It’s people…? People not being raised to become healthy and sane individuals? It’s the through line throughout all those; your kid, your fault.
It was really ahead of its time. I remember back then people didn't really know what the film was about. Too childish for adults, too violent for kids, not appealing for teenagers. Bad marketing and bad timing.
@@cuckoonut1208 Yep... The mistake was they took Last Action Hero seriously. LAH still plays good today. Jurrasic... well we all know now that Trex was more likely a giant carnivorous chicken with teeth, not a hairless lizard.
"Think of villains, Jack. You want Dracula? Dra-cuu-la? Wait, I'll get him for you. Dracula? Pah! I can get King Kong! We'll have nightmares with Freddy Krueger, we'll throw Adolf Hitler a surprise party, Hannibal Lecter can do the service, and then we'll all go to Rosemary's baby christening. All I have to do is snap my fingers and everyone comes! They're lining up to get here, and you know why, Jack? Shall I tell you why? Hmm? Because here, in this world, the bad guys can be the winners!" That sounds absolutely terrifying, and when I look at our current world, it's unfortunately true. The bad guys can be the winners in our world.
One big stand out moment from the movie was when Benedict was in the real world and see the prostitute, asking in disgust and disbelief "How old are you?" And then seeing the murder/shooting on the street over a pair of shoes and being absolutely baffled why someone would kill someone for shoes and worse nobody seemed phased. You can see the character get shook and scared that in the real world there are more evil and vile acts than anything Hollywood was allowed to show in the Jack Slater movies
I've always loved this movie - always thought that it was underrated, got stuck with getting across the message it was trying to get across. Nice teardown.
I love that when Benedict becomes aware, he really becomes aware. Not just of the Jack Slater movie, but also the main film as well, and our real world.
I know how difficult this review was to produce. It was excellent. Your parallel drawing to the joker was on point. One movie is left with a positive feeling to the future, the good guy riding off into the sunset, the other with a dark view that tells us we are all f***ed. Please make more. They are greatly appreciated, and even if your channel doesn’t blow up, it will be worth it for those of us who care.
Also, not to be argumentative, but the reason Danny gets mugged is so he has the handcuff key later in the film, and he escapes from the handcuffs. not saying both couldn't have been done better, but that is why that scene stayed in.
Great vid, nicely done. I was born in '81 and grew up watching 18 rated films like Aliens, Robocop & Terminator. I do remember the big action films definitely changing in nature around 1993/94 and this is the first time I've seen someone else pointing it out. For me, Last Action Hero is probably the last gteat Arnie flick I thoroughly enjoyed.
This movie is very underrated and surprisingly dark when you think about it. The tragedy of Jack Slaters son, Danny's latchkey lifestyle and the danger of the real world when the movie villain realized that in real life, bad guys win all the time.
Danny needed to get robbed at the start of the movie to get the police handcuff key to later use in Slater V when he’s handcuffed. Meta. Death says it himself “I Don’t do Fiction”.! This is to state that death is a real thing that we cannot escape in reality. Extra Meta Deep. Also Jack still shows some crazy Action Hero Strength and Resilience, he took a bullet like a Hero.
Starship Troopers is overrated. Its a well-known and highly acclaimed cult classic that's far less smart than it gets credit for. It's an on the nose satire of fascism from someone that didn't understand what fascism was and was proudly anti-intellectual.
I absolutely love how you crafted this video essay, Eleven Yearz! Your channel feels like a perfect reflection of Last Action Hero itself-a brilliantly underrated gem that was misunderstood by critics and audiences at the time. Wishing you all the best with future videos, and I can’t wait to dive into the rest of your content. Keep up the great work!
Man that scene with Jack slater meeting Arnold was insane to me. Like if I was in any of the two's shoes I'd prob go insane knowing both of us are the real deal in their own confusing way.
2 different movie universes working in tandem. Jack is from the PG-13/PG action hero universe where death is inconsequential, sex and unrealistic violence is glorified, and there is always a way for the good guy to live in the end, Always. Danny lives in the R rated universe where actions have consequences. People die, even good people. He lives in the world of Coppola, Hitchcock, Depalma, Kubric and Scorsese films...
I hoped more people could see that. Danny's world isn't actually 'the real world' then they slip into a movie world. Indeed, as you described, both are movie worlds. You very keenly note that both are movie worlds but one is a PG13 and you're right the NY movie is an R-rated movie. Good call!
I like this take. Gives the film a pretty impactful loss of innocence/coming of age element. In our youth we tend to love the harmless fun of a popcorn action flick despite the glorified vices, then we grow up and see the horror of the real world and our taste for entertainment takes a darker turn.
How come in every single media ever created, every story, every moment where an adult shows kindness to a child, the fan theory always has to be “yurp, he’s a pedo”.
I don't get it either and it pisses me off. Nick in this film is being like a surrogate grandparent to a kid that doesn't have living grandparents, or never sees them, and he shouldn't be seen as a fucked up creep just for being a cool old dude that likes action movies.
It's not every adult who shows kindness. It's every man who shows kindness. Women are not viewed as being predatory...even when they are. Men are viewed as being predatory...even when they are not.
@@Multicam44 for real!! he says: nah the ticket is yours, Danny... and I think the magic was yours too. Proving the movie wasnt trying to lowkey him as a predator
Because THEY are. When that claim comes out of thin air, it was born in their minds. Crawling around in there waiting to be projected onto normal people.
The level of detail in this video and you only have 300 subs is madness. I was hoping you had a big selection of similar videos when I clicked onto your channel. Keep up the good work!
Thanks again for all the great feedback, emails and comments I’ve received so far. I’d like to give another update since this video has been performing rather well over the last few weeks. In the years since this upload, I’ve produced more videos in a similar style that explore the movies Hellraiser, Point Break, Terminator 2 and the 80s band Depeche Mode among other things. Feel free to check out my channel and help me get closer to that 1000 subscriber milestone! Thank you again for all the support, it really means a lot 🖤
Wow, 3 year old video with a 15 hour old comment from the maker. That algorithm doing funny things. I liked it. I loved Schwarzenegger when I was little and this movie was indeed the point where that childhood fascination started to wear off. I guess I was scheduled to mature over the same couple of decades that the Hollywood blockbuster finally did as well. This was a lot more analysis than I ever imagined I would sit through of a Schwarzenegger movie and probably more than it deserved, regardless of what conceptually strong ideas managed to graze the script. An interesting and depressing reflection on Danny, though, to be sure. One that hits quite close to my own experience of that era. It's a bittersweet thing to reminisce over. Also a great job in terms of presentation on your part. Excellent, subdued delivery and background ambience. Just the kind of thing the brain can convince itself that it is winding down to, when it is actually being bombarded with information.
What an absolutely stellar analysis. If it weren't for the lesser movies you referenced at the end like the Marvel movies that never had that level of self-awareness and for which the fourth wall break is just another funny gimmick I would have liked it twiced if I could. Last Action Hero always struck me like on of those misudernstood movies that are way better in hindsight. A little bit like Alien 3. Expectations were so high, it's timeslot so unfortunate (following Jurassic Park) and the studios meddles wiht it so much that is was destined to fail. I really would like to ask McTiernan if the camera in the reflection was really intentional. You are right that would elevate it even further. But I don't quite get along with the implicit suggestion that would entail. Sure it is the cherry on top but the movie had a lot of very good satirical moments that weren't just funny but really had a very well though out self-reflective way to deal with its genre it was parodying. It had so many little moments I only noticed the ultra violent titles of the movies just now. Just incredible. Edit: I wouldn't be surprised if the camera was intentional. Charles Dance is a british stage actor. They are known for their acting and commitment. I wouldn't be surprised if he urged to leave the reflection in. I'll dive headfirst into interviews about that movie as soon as I'm finished writing this edit. Maybe I'll come up with something. I'll let you know. Charles Dance really elevates all roles he is in. He was outstanding in Game of Thrones and in Last Action Hero he brought a lot of the (at the time I felt almost too gritty) dark atmosphere. When he realized that in reality his wildest expectations were even surpassed concerning the dehumanizing violence he witnesses I felt really shocked when I first saw that movie. These feet sticking out behind the garbage cans was a very uncompromising comment on the state of current day society I had never expected from such a movie.
Before peeps say something about the camera, remember that a first mirror is show without them. This is to certify the director is not dumb and when you actually see the crew, its intentionally.
Benedict was originally supposed to be played by Timothy Dalton. Charles Dance replaced him. It makes sense to me, because Benedict is like a dark James Bond type character. Goldeneye with Pierce Brosnan wouldn't come out until two years after this. At the time, I believe Timothy was still planning on doing a third film.
To be fair, the intruder not only sells the tumultuous scenario that NY is in and how Danny may get wrapped up in action movies as a way to feel in control, its also how he gets the handcuffs key that helps him toward the end.
Thank you for doing this deep dive analysis in Last action hero. I always knew there was something truly special about this film and it wasn't for the audience at the time to understand until many years later. And how it handles its meta narrative. This film can possibly go deeper into that meta narrative and I love how you brought up the Danny psych analysis theory. I never thought of that before and I actually like it!
Just stumbled upon this - so glad I did! I saw this film in the cinema, on my birthday. I loved it! It had a quality I couldn't quite explain, but which you've certainly helped me tap into now. Charles Dance is incredible in this - the best villain in any movie. Subbed!
Well thought out, well written, and well executed, sir! (no pun intended) I'll be looking forward to future analysis, in whatever video format you choose. I see that you haven't done much with the channel as of late, but I encourage you to keep up the fantastic work. Who knows... You might even save the internet!
Hi there, just came upon this video and I really enjoyed it! You brought up some things about the film I'd never heard about and the theories were very interesting. The scene of Charles Dance is pretty mind blowing, intentional or not! Upon rewatching the movie I noticed another thing I had never given much thought before. In the scene where the film gets its title of "Last Action Hero", the teacher at Danny's school is showing a clip of Hamlet to the class. As she sets the scene for the tape to play, she says that "...although Hamlet at times is seemingly incapable of taking action..." (an interesting choice of words, given the revelation that these characters are doomed to play a role) "...he is actually one of the first action heroes!" The line itself draws a clear contrast between Jack Slater's brazen action star and the internally conflicted, flowery prose of Hamlets character and his monologuing. If Hamlet can be called the first action hero, monologuing and incapable of action because that's the way he was written, then Jack Slater, or more appropriately Schwarzenegger, can safely be called the last. A hero to end all action heroes. May as well shut the book, Arnold finished the genre and it's whole arc by being the most explosive action icon in real life and then becoming self-aware of it all in the movie. And honestly, I think they were right. No one, not even Dwayne Johnson has quite taken up the mantle in the same way. Bruce Willis is a close second but I still think Schwarzenegger is the king. That line and the film's title in a way is the ultimate meta prediction on the genre, and the fact that they were ultimately right in a lot of ways makes it even more badass to me. Like the filmmakers really knew what they were doing and where the industry was headed. It's definitely true that some of the more clever ideas in the film can get buried under the heavily satirized action scenes at times, but it was always going to be a fine line to walk without being too obvious or on the nose. Ultimately, a lot of the more cerebral parts of the movie do feel like a "slight of hand" like you said; always working its magic beneath the surface but always careful to not call too much attention to itself. This is a fantastic video and you should be very proud of it. Making something like this is a LOT of work. Whatever you're up to now I hope you're able to put your skills as a researcher, movie buff, and storyteller to good use. I don't know how active you are in making videos for TH-cam now, but I'll sub and look forward to the possibility of seeing a new video sometime in the future. In the meantime, I'll watch your video on Point Break. I'm looking forward to it. Cheers!
I heard you say, _”Thank you for watching”_ but in reality we should not only do the “thing” of “Liking” and “Subscribing” but in a standing ovation is what this brilliantly crafted important message open letter to society needs. It’s us the newly enlightened viewer that should say, *Thank You* my good sir ! Special note, I shared this video with someone of whom I deeply respect and appreciate that works in Hollywood and still has his strong unwavering morals that are simultaneously attached to intelligence and integrity 10 minutes into the video.
Ever thought that Danny could have been genuinely attacked in the robbery and it led to a psychotic break? The final straw in a bleak and spiralling adolescence? That would explain the off tone and heightened violence far better than it being fictional to the Film's narrative, and why 'Danny Madigan' slips away into a fantasy World for mental comfort with His Hero/dream Father figure 'Jack Slater'. That's how I always took the tone of it. Especially seeing Danny bring Him home to Mom. Pure broken Childhood wish fulfilment stuff. I suspect possible domestic abuse from the deceased Dad, but definitely NOT p*dophila by the hands of that dear sweet old Cinema owner, 'Nick'. That's the most ridiculous theory I've heard on this Movie, ever. Those Clowns need their devices confiscating forever. But it's most likely just grief and feeling severely vulnerable that forces Danny to "Man-up" too fast and see violence as a magic solution to all His problems. Sorry for the Tl;dr, but that got me in my feelings a bit - I adore: 'Last Action Hero' and 'Nick' was probably the nicest paternal type figure 'Danny' knew in the irl setting of it. He sought Him out for safety. A ray of light in the darkness. Much like the projector beam in that darkened Theatre room... ...Absolutely loved your analysis, tho', subbed!
For me, I saw Danny as a portrait of an abandoned GenX child, lacking father figure and latching on to action movies as a way to cope with his inability to live up to his fictional heroes. Once hs's "met" them, he realizes their limits and shortcomings.
Great video, I enjoyed it Sir. Wow, just realizing it was created 4 years ago. Classics never die :) Last Action Hero was a good movie. Most people didn't get it. I'm glad you did!
It’s very rare for me to watch a video longer than 15 minutes but this was, like, playing a fun game of chess with a fellow film lover. Extremely well done. Earned a sun!
@gamingforpizza5142 That's because he's just a person. He'll have opinions not everyone will agree with. That used to be okay. Arnold as we know him is bigger than that, and will always be a legend.
As a 90's kid, and huge fan of _LAH_ I was well into my 20's when I learned how it faired upon release. Which came as a great shock to me. All these years I've held the belief that audiences recieved it the exact same way they did with _Starship Troopers_ several years later; they just didnt get it; and apparently still don't. Thusly, _LAH_ remains one of the most criminally underrated, underappreciated and misunderstood films of all time...imho.
This movie was GREAT. It had action, comedy, a Great villain, decent and not overly-complicated plot, and a fun yet intelligent commentary of real action movies.
Love the movie "Last Action Hero". One of my guilty pleasures. The reason for the break-in is to show how violent Danny's world is. Danny was handcuffed in the bathroom by this criminal, and his mother couldn't even get off her shift to see if her kid was okay. That's the reason for that scene. It's trying to show you why Danny escapes into the movies, at first figuratively, then later on, literally.
You definitely hit the nail on the coffin. I use to love this movie as an almost teenager. As a boy myself impressionable to all media I indulged myself in movies. To this day there’s a part of me that always tries to connect to the hero of the movie. When you think about how deep this movie goes it’s kind of depressing. I too was that kid that grew up with an abusive father and perceived the world as a negative place and I loved my movies because it was my escape from a reality that I didn’t want to be a part of anymore. Danny is actually the star of the movie but his character was overshadowed by Jack because Arnold was a major Action Star. Thank you for making this video. It took me back to a time where I felt like I could accomplish anything.
If Danny not hallucinating maybe go with the more optimism.... Add an extra layer of meta. Danny's world is also a film. Different genre to the light action fair of Slater (more SeVen, Sixth Sense ,Jacobs ladder) so film within a film, within a film.
Ahead of it's time, pure genius! It's a perfect time to do a Part 2, especially since all our 80's action heroes are doing their last hurrah movies before they totally retire from Hollywood.
The MCU tricksters got away with the theft of Danny, his mom and Jack in the apartment. Tony Stark, Aunt Mae and Peter Parker. Not to mention the Multiverse of Madness
I had the privilege of seeing this in the theater when it was released. At the height of the action (spoilers!) when Slater takes the final shot and hits the bad guy in his false eye, he quips, “No sequels for you!” At the moment of the extreme closeup, the film broke! A classic frame melt and we’re sitting in the audience trying to figure out if that was the end of the film! We couldn’t remember if the credits had rolled at the beginning. Eventually the theater staff came in, apologized, and continued the film. In my opinion, the film break would have made this movie the stuff of legends! I wish I had the skills to do an alternate cut and maybe someone out there will see this and do it for me. I’d love to have a copy like that. I still watch my old DVD copy and I always stop the movie there. I always thought it was much deeper than the popcorn mentality. Thank you for seeing that, doing it justice, and sharing, Last Action Hero deserves it.
This was a gem of a movie when it came out and holds up well. The biggest issue at the time was that Hollywood had overused Arnie in the previous few years,and the critics had their fill and were looking to see him have a bomb. The run time was also long for a comedy action film at the time.
Jack Slater doesn’t have powers himself. He gets some abilities because of his world’s rules. Like how Danny is able to jump so high with a bike and then crash down without any injuries. That’s different for Death, ad it’s a supernarural being in the movie and He is still so in the real world.
Such a shame. This movie is criminally underrated. It's SO good.. it's funny has great action, it's self aware, one liners, interesting over the top hammy bad guys. an award winning performance from Charles Dance.. I loved it as soon as I first saw it. I can understand why people didn't like it, probably not what they expected.. but going in blind, I loved it and laughed all the way through. Similar humour to True Lies actually. Arnie is actually great at comedy.
during that summer of 1993. My Uncle took me and my older brother to see this movie in theaters. We were 4 and 8 years old. Not only was it cool spending time with a masculine figure in our family, but it was also hype to be able to go and watch macho meathead media as boys with the guys. This movie was an instant classic and the 4th wall implementations were immaculately conceived and integrated. Going to see this movie will always be one of my most treasured memories. I recently watched it with my own little girls at home. I hope it was at least half as epic to them as it was to me.
Love this. After rewatching again as an adult a few years ago, I realized how brilliant this movie was. I don't think hardcore fans of the action genre at that time realized a lot of their favorite movies were unrealistic and followed the same tropes. So they hated it 🤷🏿♂️
I've had to adjust about 20 seconds of audio from 0:25 onwards and cut the title sequence due to a copyright claim against the video. The sound is a little odd for just this brief moment! Thanks for sticking with me 🖤
I had to borrow that moment from your vid (you know which one😉)... I hope you dont mind. You are brilliant❤ and please no remake of this flick. Its absolutely perfect
Dinna fash; I wouldn't have seen this but for the re-post. Very interesting reimagining, well done!
As a young kid, I grew up having Terminator 2, Alien and predator as my 3 favourite films for quite some time. My dad knew that with the Internet becoming a thing (we were always the first in the neighbourhood to have stuff like this. Sometimes, years before it became mainstream) that he wouldn't be able to shield me from many things in life. Including violent games and movies. His philosophy was that children are just very impressionable creatures on their way to becoming adults, not having all the systems in place to navigate everything needed to become fully functional adults. And that teaching how to navigate reality was better than trying to shield and lie about what difficulties our reality may hold. So he let me watch/play about anything while communicating about and keeping a check on my ability to comprehend the difference between fantasy and reality. If that's a good thing or not, it is up for debate. But it helped me really appreciate films and the likes, without them influencing my realised thoughts or values.
I also absolutely loved satire movies like the Last action hero and Starship troopers for their violence, babes, and action, but later on, when I got older, I started to love them even more. For very different reasons. I grew up with adoring violence, guns, and war. Nowadays, however, I dislike war with all my heart. I can still appreciate action, but I myself am very much anti violence irl.
Thank you for your essay and deconstruction of The last action hero. It was a lovely watch.
I was wondering how I ended up on a three year old video, but I'm glad that I did!
I'm still waiting for the "rabbit hole" video mentioned at 7:07 about hollywood media being self-obsessed, but I should probably finish this video first 😅
I don't give a shit what anyone says this movie is a near masterpiece and one of the truly most underappreciated films of all time
I don't give a shit what you say either, I love Last Action Hero and it's so underappreciated that your claim that it's one of the most underappreciated films of all time is one of the biggest understatements of all time.
Last Action Hero can certainly hold up for saying a lot about why we naturally enjoy action movies.
HELL FKN YEAH!!! #agreed
Kind of like Kung Pow Enter the Fist
FACTS
I LOVE this film. It’s up there with Terminator, Total Recall and Predator for me. Arnold knew how to poke fun at himself and the genre and it’s BRILLIANT
And True Lies!
What about Conan The Barbarian? Come on, now! Lol
Absolutely agree!
Any commentary that includes Arnold is usually him laughing his ass off.
Nobody was more self deprecating than Arnold. That's one of the many things that made him even more likable. He was the first person to bust his own balls.
Last Action Hero is one of the most underrated films ever. It’s absolute genius.
I'd say Last Action Hero IS the most underrated film ever.
It's a postmodern masterpiece. This movie and Conan have at least as much heart as the Terminator movie.
I remember seeing this in the theater when it first came out with my dad. We both thought it was really good. I was surprised to learn that it was considered a flop later.
20/10 troll. I believed you. I really did.
@@applecrow8as underrated as Buckaroo Banzai?
That Stallone Terminator poster was one of the best bits of the movie.
I'd love to own that prop
It was super funny the first time and really set a precedent for how alternate the reality was.
Arnold love to take digs at Stallone, from the blink and you miss it gag in Twins to the cardboard stand-up in Last Action Hero. He subtly says to Stallone "the best action movie you were ever in is Mine, in your dreams you could have been in Terminator." Arnold is a stone cold killer!
@CasualNaps why do you think Arnold decided about the prop?
And, of course, both Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson turned down the Terminator role.
Charles Dance as Benedict in Last Action Hero is one of the most underrated and under appreciated villains in cinematic history and I hate that he’s forgotten about lol
To be fair Charles has probably forgotten the movie himself. He's done so much since then.
He's been one of my favorite villains since I was a kid lol
“Hello? I’ve just shot someone. I did it on purpose”
One of the best line deliveries in movies. It comes into my head every once in a while and it always makes me laugh.
@KAGEMUSHA-sb3mt the distant "hey shut up down there" reply...killed me as a kid
He did look like he was having fun.
“Be critical of the media you love, it’s the only way it’ll ever get better” is such a great quote.
Cheers!
It is, but be ready to be called a bigot if you dare to do it.
Cheers from France! 🍻
You'd think, but you'd be attacked as a toxic fan and the media continues to deteriorate
@@DarthWinterMadness Yeah now in days. This time period sucks I wish I was born 10 years earlier.😢
@ultraviOlennce
You're right, that quote's a great one.
However, while being and staying critical _is_ important, one should also never forget that it's equally important to grant one's sense of criticism a well-earned break sometimes and "just enjoy the ride" now and then - because IMHO, being _always_ critical without any pause just gets way too tedious and frustrating in the long run.
I for instance wasn't really aware of how important it is to keep that balance e.g. back in '93 when the movie came out, but well...
Back then I was 21, now I'm 52, so I had 31 years in between to learn, grow, and pick up the occasional smart bit of knowledge and wisdom here and there, and I sincerely hope that I won't stop doing so for the foreseeable future - because I really wouldn't mind to not just getting older, but maybe also a wee bit wiser on the way (or maybe just a wee bit less silly, which I still manage to be now and then, when being so leads to still having fun and enjoying said ride).
It was too clever for the average movie goer who were probably just expecting an Arnie movie you didn’t have to think about.
Extremely underrated
I never understood why people didn't get it. My Mother and I went to see in it the theater on release and even as a young teenager I understood what the story was getting at. I still rewatch it on occasion to this day.
@@ghostpunkkilla I remember IN THEATER hearing 1 or 2 guys mention ammo count... They clearly thought it was going to be an Arnie action romp, not understanding it was a fantasy kids film, a campy modernized over the top spin of something akin to Never Ending Story.
The original Blade Runner didn't do well in theaters. Many just don't get it. Around the same time as this movie Chuck Norris did Firewalker. Because he wasn't doing the Braddock or other highly violent movies and had fun with a few action scenes, some hated it. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was very faithful to the book but many in the US hated it because they didn't read the book and hated British humor.
@@CurCam713 I love hitchhikers guide, but the movie truly was a mediocre interpretation of the source.
As a 10 year old I loved this movie, as a 40 year old I genuinely appreciate it.
I don't dislike The Rock. But he is a poor, POOR attempt at replicating Arnold Schwarzenegger.
There's a scene skipped in this analysis of Arnold's action character (a literal fake character) confronting the real-world Arnold who has become an increasingly commercialized and fake persona (a figurative fake person, who is real, and is Arnold Schwarzenegger played by Arnold Schwarzenegger). The Rock is our real-world analog of that commercialized Arnold archetype.
I'm not the biggest fan of the Rock and I don't hate him. But I feel the scripts today are not that good as they was in the 80's and 90's. Sci-Fi was really good back then and not everything has been done to death.
Arnold was okay with showing himself getting beat up, and losing a fight. He never had any stipulation about showing vulnerability. It made his power all the more remarkable.
I'll say it. I dont like The Rock. Then again, I also think people need to stop telling John Cena that he's funny, and that Dave Bautista is a terrible actor.
@@Turd_Ferguson0 I never thought of the rock that way and now that's how I will always look at him from now on, I'm middle aged and I daydreamed about having an indestructible killer robot as a friend
I interpreted Ian Mckellan's "Death" as being a fictional character in the movie shown, but an actual character in the real world, thus keeps his powers. A sort of universal truth that transcends reality and fiction, unbound by the medium.
If Benedict can shoot people, then death can send ppl hime to roost
"You may be a king or a lonly street sweeper, but sooner or later everyone dances with The Reaper"
This movie was so misunderstood at the time of release. People said there were so many mistakes, or inconsistencies like one minute Arnold has bullet holes in his shirt and the next scene his shirt is like new were all done deliberately making fun of the action genre. Everything was intentional, and if you get that, it makes the movie so much more fun.
I learned not to listen to movie critic. Most are biased against certain genres.
Unless its an independent film featuring gay cowboys eating pudding...
I think everyone understood that though....
I loved the movie. I think people don't understand satire.
@@edwardsmyth5733 you overestimate the intelligence of the average movie goer....
@@edwardsmyth5733 No, they didn't that's one reason why the general public hated it.
LAST ACTION HERO NEVER FADED FROM MY CONSCIOUSNESS!!! I was a only child of a broken home in a new state going to a school where i was 1 of 4 white kids and had a alcoholic stepdad and a wade of food stamps in my sock . I was alone until 8:00pm every night . I was that kid i watched on my tv . I was alone with nothing but my thoughts of becoming the action heros i waited to crash through my door and save my mom from another beating or my self from being scared to wear new jackets or shoes to school . Your break down was a awesome transition of my view of this film and i can't thank you enough . I truly appreciate the time and thought you put into this .
This movie just takes you away from the dark dirty New York to beautiful warm sunny CA.
@@WheeledHamster California is only beautiful in very specific spots. Walk through areas such as East 6th St & San Pedro St, then you'll understand the hype is only hype.
I use the phase "i'm the famous comedian arnold braunschweiger" more than I'd like to admit :)
@dakotatotten5355 you and me both! The world has a way of silencing people with good imaginations calling us dreamers. But to imagine something better when tragedy is in front of you day after day is honestly the reason the human condition carries on. We all have a bit of Danny in us for better or worse.
@dakotatotten5355 I hope your life has improved. 🙏
I can relate to Danny so much because I was day dreaming as a child, as well. It all started during my parent's war of the roses. Reality was too much for me, so I escaped from it.
I too would daydream and self insert with my own MC, kicking names and taking ass
in most cases IM not very fond of THIS reality myself
I think my "Last Action Hero" was Cloak and Dagger. I was definitely a daydreamer.
It's called Maladaptive Daydreaming. There are many semi-scientific articles about it on the internet. Very interessting to read.
@@MotiviqueStudio "Cloak and Dagger" with the unlikely casting of Dabney Coleman as the Dad/Hero was a fun flick to watch with my kids also!
I was around 10 years old when it came out, and ten year olds loved this movie . so there is a huge demographic of middle aged people who remember this movie with nostalgia
🎯💯👍🏼
I feel the same about Howard The Duck.
The game was amazing too. First Arnold game that was playable.
I was 9 years old when this came out!
As a 10 year old child I felt like it was a pretty weak action film on its surface, and was the beginning of the end for Arnold's golden years, but as an adult I appreciate it a lot more for the satire.
I guess I'm in the minority that got this film, immediately!! I loved it and thought this, true lies and T2 were his best films of the 90's !!
You and me both. It was BRILLIANT then. Brilliant now
The demise of that black mini-van is still the funniest car crash in cinema history.
The one at 28:08? Yeah that is hilarious 😂
its funny, when you look at certain movies that bombed at the box office, they are seemingly far deeper than their action movie shells make them out to be. This movie and Demolition Man are great movies once you shed the preconception of what an action movie is and what it can be.
sometimes they fail BECAUSE they hit too close to home and someone got mad. that's the problem with movie critics. if you happen to be a person of some influence the critic is nothing but a sock puppet for you (same goes for any news outlet or media source actually)
they’re both so satirical. genius if you ask me.
Yeah but do you know how to use the three shells…
Demolition Man was a hit. Critics didn't like it (except Ebert)
The villain enters the real world and shoots someone in an alleyway.
"I just killed somebody!"
No real response.
"I did it on purpose!"
and then the people yell at him. "No one cares, shut up and keep it down."
The whole contrast between action movies and real life, and the reaction of this for both villain and hero is fantastic on how the react to this and how they see they see the real world. Also, him seeing Arnold Swartzenagger is hilarious.
Oh come on, Arnold deserves that you spell his last name correctly :D
Schwarzenegger
But that's not how people react in real life either - Danny lives in a different genre of movie world but it is still fake.
@@diarmuidosullivan7391you sure? i mean chicago is a war zone. is it that far removed from reality?
The camera reflection is absolutely intentional. He even looks at the reflection right before looking back at the camera.
You just told the story of my life. And millions of others as kids. No AI voice going 1,000 miles an hour non-stop. You narrated it like it should be. We need more reality in our Viewing. Actual talent.
That's why I watch pretty much nothing but old black and white TV shows and movies. Especially TV shows. Westerns and private detective and police dramas along with twilight zone and Hitchcock half hour and hour long episodes are absolutely amazing! They all have the same 150 actors or so that just pop up over and over and over again and they are very wonderful programming. All black and white Hitchcock {Hitchcock Presents and the Alfred Hitchcock Hour} and Have Gun - Will Travel are two {three} of the best ever. 77 Sunset Strip is another one of the best along with Naked City and Route 66. You should try them. The first episode of Route 66 will blow your mind!
You realize of course Hamlet was well known for having a play within a play just like this has a movie within the movie.
Shhh - the history of storytelling started in the 50s-60s with only a few stand-out exceptions. The people before then sat in drooling clusters for entertainment. Surely plays about plays didn't exist since Ancient Greece. 😂
And everyone died
It also had a high count. Like maybe Horatio was the last and only one alive at the end? Spoilers for a 1000 year old play
Not to mention the scene from Hamlet, then the actors being put into that film, within the film inside Danny's head, within the film we are watching!
@AdaptiveRider Fortunately the movie Inception didn't exist yet or will all have lost our mind
one of the greatest movies ever made, ive always thought so.
Just showed it to my son. He loved it so much that I’ve already bought it in BluRay and he’s seen it 3 times since last Friday. I love this movie as well so it’s fun to see him enjoy it like I did when I was his age.
I used to watch it so much as a kid my parents hid the video so i would be forced to watch something else
Free on prime video this month !
way ahead of its time. when i grew up i thought i was just a dumb kid because i found out everyone hated it. i rewatched it a couple years ago and confirmed that yes i was a dumb kid. i should have loved it much more than i did back then.
Not even close to being one of the greatest. Get real.
I also think the ending also is aware that this type of movie is dying that the viewer should move on with their life. This conclusion is drawn from when jack tell danny he has his whole life ahead of him
@DM420xx i used to just view it as "cheezy cliche ending" now i know it actually has it's purpose (not cause of this video i rewatched it 2years ago or something and re-fell-in-love with it and realized it isnt all surface lvl. But this vid explained a sht ton i never thought about)
Why are they still making terminator movies 25 and even 30 years later.
@@lk8300 they arent... they arent even making movies imo lol
@@lk8300 greed and agenda
To Me that was the *Saddes* Part.
Now it's *Fucking* Depressing, now that You *think* about it. Because The *Ride* is *Over.* And he's *No* Longer going to be with *Danny* in the *Real World* and he didn't just look at *Danny* as a *Movie Idol* but as a *Father* figure that he needed.
And now he's *forced* to move on with his *Life* because *Jack* wasn't going to *Survive* in the *Real World.* after that *shot* close to the *Heart.*
If it was a *Serious movie* it would've been very *Depressing*
but I don't know how The *Genius* Director was able to pull this off without making it look *Depressing* but just *Lighthearted*
I don't know I guess the *part* where *Jack* waved his *hand* up *sold* up for *Me.*
kind of as a *reminder* to *Danny* that *"No matter where You are, I'll always be here with You"* and I think he even said it.
This was one of the best video essays I've ever watched. The fact that this video alone didn't bump your subscriber count is criminal.
Benedict was such a great Villian! The way he gets annoyed with Anthony Quinn's mixed up metaphors... The Monologues and 4rth wall breaking are so well done!
this is the best review ive ever seen for a movie that was seemingly a basic movie but im so glad someone else saw it for the brilliance it really was.
Thank you for the kind words 🙌
your wife is basic
It's one of my favorite Arnie films.
Same @@suicidesamuraiz
As a 6 year old back in 93, I loved this movie.
Me as well
As an 11 yo back in 93, I loved this movie too !
This is one of my all time fave movies. I grew up with this as my Dad was a huge Action/Arnie fan and I was weened on a good diet of it growing up. I have since thought as I have got older that Danny is in fact imagining the whole event and this is actually a genius way of showing his dissociation from the real world hell he is living in. This is why he sees Benedict as breaking the fourth wall and talking directly to us as you see this a lot in Villains in both movies and theatre. It is like when you have a dream and sometimes you see yourself watching you or you see yourself as someone else entirely. Overall, this is a great video and I have sent it to my friends who also love this movie! x
4:12 I like how The Last Action Hero and Demolition Man came out in the same year and both had comedic nods towards their stars’ respective ‘rivals’. They actually have quite similar tones thinking about it.
When I see videos like this, I really remember that I appreciate I was born the year I was born and that I was " a part" of this time in cinema.
Films and celebrities were something else before social media and widespread Internet access.
More magical. ❤
what about the part about all of the violence? The Columbine shooting was in 1999. Coincidence, or a result of years and decades of the glorification of force and killing as tools of power, both in government and in civilian life. Did WW2, Korea, and Vietnam, and all of the movies related to them, push a culture of violence-worship on the US? The movies of the time are good, but a lot of them revolved around revenge and murder or, at the very least, solving dangerous problems with all manner of guns, rocket launchers, etc., instead of prevention, diplomacy, and other non-violent forms of dispute settlement.
Bet you're fun at parties.@@itoibo4208
So no magic then, all reality, no fun, all serious, no fantasy, everything *must* be a guideline on how to live. No such thing as critical thinking, subtext, escapism.
You’re describing propaganda not entertainment.
‘It’s violent movies’
‘It’s heavy metal’
‘It’s gangsta rap’
‘It’s video games’
Maybe…. It’s people…? People not being raised to become healthy and sane individuals? It’s the through line throughout all those; your kid, your fault.
What are you both yapping about? 🤣
I’ll never understand why people hated this movie in 1993.
I would have been as over the moon about it then as I am now!
Jurassic Park with its shiny new CGI technology stole the thunder.
It was really ahead of its time. I remember back then people didn't really know what the film was about. Too childish for adults, too violent for kids, not appealing for teenagers. Bad marketing and bad timing.
@@cuckoonut1208 Yep... The mistake was they took Last Action Hero seriously. LAH still plays good today. Jurrasic... well we all know now that Trex was more likely a giant carnivorous chicken with teeth, not a hairless lizard.
Because it's a parody and most people weren't ready for that
"Think of villains, Jack. You want Dracula? Dra-cuu-la? Wait, I'll get him for you. Dracula? Pah! I can get King Kong! We'll have nightmares with Freddy Krueger, we'll throw Adolf Hitler a surprise party, Hannibal Lecter can do the service, and then we'll all go to Rosemary's baby christening. All I have to do is snap my fingers and everyone comes! They're lining up to get here, and you know why, Jack? Shall I tell you why? Hmm? Because here, in this world, the bad guys can be the winners!"
That sounds absolutely terrifying, and when I look at our current world, it's unfortunately true. The bad guys can be the winners in our world.
for it is us who give our power away, we're stuck in a loop
You are completely right. The Holy Bible says satan is god of this world. From what I've seen, that's hard to deny.
@@ventiankraus777 that just means our lower being is in charge, we can raise our brainwaves and raise our consciousness.
One big stand out moment from the movie was when Benedict was in the real world and see the prostitute, asking in disgust and disbelief "How old are you?"
And then seeing the murder/shooting on the street over a pair of shoes and being absolutely baffled why someone would kill someone for shoes and worse nobody seemed phased.
You can see the character get shook and scared that in the real world there are more evil and vile acts than anything Hollywood was allowed to show in the Jack Slater movies
@@ventiankraus777Chapter and verse?
I've always loved this movie - always thought that it was underrated, got stuck with getting across the message it was trying to get across. Nice teardown.
“Here’s a couple of acres” always make me chuckle. Underrated and real dark in places. Great vid bro 👍
I don’t get that line
I love that when Benedict becomes aware, he really becomes aware. Not just of the Jack Slater movie, but also the main film as well, and our real world.
I know how difficult this review was to produce. It was excellent. Your parallel drawing to the joker was on point. One movie is left with a positive feeling to the future, the good guy riding off into the sunset, the other with a dark view that tells us we are all f***ed.
Please make more. They are greatly appreciated, and even if your channel doesn’t blow up, it will be worth it for those of us who care.
Thank you for the kind comments. I'm currently working on two new videos due to positive responses I received from this video. Stay tuned!
21:34 "Hey, Claudius. It's Hamlet. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
@@fawziekefli2273 Indeed. It was surely a Princess Bride reference?
Also, not to be argumentative, but the reason Danny gets mugged is so he has the handcuff key later in the film, and he escapes from the handcuffs. not saying both couldn't have been done better, but that is why that scene stayed in.
Never made that connection, thank you
Yeah it took me a while but I got that eventually.
yup, exactly my thoughts as well.
I saw this in a theatre in 93, when I was 12. It was and still is awesome! Got it on blu-ray and I even have the soundtrack on cd!
Great vid, nicely done. I was born in '81 and grew up watching 18 rated films like Aliens, Robocop & Terminator. I do remember the big action films definitely changing in nature around 1993/94 and this is the first time I've seen someone else pointing it out. For me, Last Action Hero is probably the last gteat Arnie flick I thoroughly enjoyed.
This movie is very underrated and surprisingly dark when you think about it. The tragedy of Jack Slaters son, Danny's latchkey lifestyle and the danger of the real world when the movie villain realized that in real life, bad guys win all the time.
exactly, the darkest part is when the villain realize that in the real world everything is worse
All the time? Life is win/lose,one way all the time is right out of a movie😜
latchkey...is Danny a GenX?
@@Kenshiroit YEs.
Danny needed to get robbed at the start of the movie to get the police handcuff key to later use in Slater V when he’s handcuffed. Meta.
Death says it himself “I Don’t do Fiction”.! This is to state that death is a real thing that we cannot escape in reality. Extra Meta Deep.
Also Jack still shows some crazy Action Hero Strength and Resilience, he took a bullet like a Hero.
This and Starship Troopers are criminally underrated and unappreciated
@@nevercommentnotevenonce9334they sucked his brains out...
Everyone seems to adore starship troopers so I may disagree on the underrated part
Starship Troopers is overrated. Its a well-known and highly acclaimed cult classic that's far less smart than it gets credit for. It's an on the nose satire of fascism from someone that didn't understand what fascism was and was proudly anti-intellectual.
While entertaining, Verhoeven’s Starship Troopers is a poor adaptation of Heinlein’s novel.
its bcuz satire wasn’t a thing yet. both movies predicted that shxt tho
I absolutely love how you crafted this video essay, Eleven Yearz! Your channel feels like a perfect reflection of Last Action Hero itself-a brilliantly underrated gem that was misunderstood by critics and audiences at the time. Wishing you all the best with future videos, and I can’t wait to dive into the rest of your content. Keep up the great work!
The next step is realizing that our reality is an illusion as well. Great analysis by the way.
Man that scene with Jack slater meeting Arnold was insane to me. Like if I was in any of the two's shoes I'd prob go insane knowing both of us are the real deal in their own confusing way.
2 different movie universes working in tandem. Jack is from the PG-13/PG action hero universe where death is inconsequential, sex and unrealistic violence is glorified, and there is always a way for the good guy to live in the end, Always. Danny lives in the R rated universe where actions have consequences. People die, even good people. He lives in the world of Coppola, Hitchcock, Depalma, Kubric and Scorsese films...
I hoped more people could see that. Danny's world isn't actually 'the real world' then they slip into a movie world. Indeed, as you described, both are movie worlds. You very keenly note that both are movie worlds but one is a PG13 and you're right the NY movie is an R-rated movie. Good call!
Sounds neat and different but it's clearly real life?
Very interesting perspective, thank you
WRONG
I like this take. Gives the film a pretty impactful loss of innocence/coming of age element. In our youth we tend to love the harmless fun of a popcorn action flick despite the glorified vices, then we grow up and see the horror of the real world and our taste for entertainment takes a darker turn.
I still watch this movie occasionally. I loved it as a kid! It’s better than the critics say
This was great. I hope you made more videos like this!
I am SO hyped I came across this. This was my favorite movie for a while as a kid. Definitely watching it tonight
How come in every single media ever created, every story, every moment where an adult shows kindness to a child, the fan theory always has to be “yurp, he’s a pedo”.
I don't get it either and it pisses me off.
Nick in this film is being like a surrogate grandparent to a kid that doesn't have living grandparents, or never sees them, and he shouldn't be seen as a fucked up creep just for being a cool old dude that likes action movies.
It's not every adult who shows kindness. It's every man who shows kindness. Women are not viewed as being predatory...even when they are. Men are viewed as being predatory...even when they are not.
@@Multicam44 for real!! he says: nah the ticket is yours, Danny... and I think the magic was yours too. Proving the movie wasnt trying to lowkey him as a predator
@@nevercommentnotevenonce9334100%
Because THEY are. When that claim comes out of thin air, it was born in their minds. Crawling around in there waiting to be projected onto normal people.
The level of detail in this video and you only have 300 subs is madness. I was hoping you had a big selection of similar videos when I clicked onto your channel. Keep up the good work!
This is the plan for 2023!
@ElevenYearz please do more mate your style is incredible 🙏
@@ElevenYearzjust rewatched this hoping they’d be more. The wait continues
Thanks again for all the great feedback, emails and comments I’ve received so far. I’d like to give another update since this video has been performing rather well over the last few weeks. In the years since this upload, I’ve produced more videos in a similar style that explore the movies Hellraiser, Point Break, Terminator 2 and the 80s band Depeche Mode among other things. Feel free to check out my channel and help me get closer to that 1000 subscriber milestone! Thank you again for all the support, it really means a lot 🖤
Subbed!
Wow, 3 year old video with a 15 hour old comment from the maker. That algorithm doing funny things. I liked it. I loved Schwarzenegger when I was little and this movie was indeed the point where that childhood fascination started to wear off. I guess I was scheduled to mature over the same couple of decades that the Hollywood blockbuster finally did as well. This was a lot more analysis than I ever imagined I would sit through of a Schwarzenegger movie and probably more than it deserved, regardless of what conceptually strong ideas managed to graze the script. An interesting and depressing reflection on Danny, though, to be sure. One that hits quite close to my own experience of that era. It's a bittersweet thing to reminisce over. Also a great job in terms of presentation on your part. Excellent, subdued delivery and background ambience. Just the kind of thing the brain can convince itself that it is winding down to, when it is actually being bombarded with information.
@@bloodriguez7550 the algorithm god has been on my side these past few weeks 🙏
Jurassic park was the main attraction that year. But people kinda watched it on video and pay per view. I like it because it had a comedic tone.
What an absolutely stellar analysis. If it weren't for the lesser movies you referenced at the end like the Marvel movies that never had that level of self-awareness and for which the fourth wall break is just another funny gimmick I would have liked it twiced if I could. Last Action Hero always struck me like on of those misudernstood movies that are way better in hindsight. A little bit like Alien 3. Expectations were so high, it's timeslot so unfortunate (following Jurassic Park) and the studios meddles wiht it so much that is was destined to fail. I really would like to ask McTiernan if the camera in the reflection was really intentional. You are right that would elevate it even further. But I don't quite get along with the implicit suggestion that would entail. Sure it is the cherry on top but the movie had a lot of very good satirical moments that weren't just funny but really had a very well though out self-reflective way to deal with its genre it was parodying. It had so many little moments I only noticed the ultra violent titles of the movies just now. Just incredible.
Edit: I wouldn't be surprised if the camera was intentional. Charles Dance is a british stage actor. They are known for their acting and commitment. I wouldn't be surprised if he urged to leave the reflection in. I'll dive headfirst into interviews about that movie as soon as I'm finished writing this edit. Maybe I'll come up with something. I'll let you know. Charles Dance really elevates all roles he is in. He was outstanding in Game of Thrones and in Last Action Hero he brought a lot of the (at the time I felt almost too gritty) dark atmosphere. When he realized that in reality his wildest expectations were even surpassed concerning the dehumanizing violence he witnesses I felt really shocked when I first saw that movie. These feet sticking out behind the garbage cans was a very uncompromising comment on the state of current day society I had never expected from such a movie.
Before peeps say something about the camera, remember that a first mirror is show without them. This is to certify the director is not dumb and when you actually see the crew, its intentionally.
Benedict was originally supposed to be played by Timothy Dalton. Charles Dance replaced him. It makes sense to me, because Benedict is like a dark James Bond type character. Goldeneye with Pierce Brosnan wouldn't come out until two years after this. At the time, I believe Timothy was still planning on doing a third film.
To be fair, the intruder not only sells the tumultuous scenario that NY is in and how Danny may get wrapped up in action movies as a way to feel in control, its also how he gets the handcuffs key that helps him toward the end.
Thank you for doing this deep dive analysis in Last action hero. I always knew there was something truly special about this film and it wasn't for the audience at the time
to understand until many years later. And how it handles its meta narrative. This film can possibly go deeper into that meta narrative and I love how you brought up the Danny psych analysis theory. I never thought of that before and I actually like it!
Just stumbled upon this - so glad I did! I saw this film in the cinema, on my birthday. I loved it! It had a quality I couldn't quite explain, but which you've certainly helped me tap into now. Charles Dance is incredible in this - the best villain in any movie. Subbed!
Well thought out, well written, and well executed, sir! (no pun intended) I'll be looking forward to future analysis, in whatever video format you choose. I see that you haven't done much with the channel as of late, but I encourage you to keep up the fantastic work. Who knows... You might even save the internet!
Hi there, just came upon this video and I really enjoyed it! You brought up some things about the film I'd never heard about and the theories were very interesting. The scene of Charles Dance is pretty mind blowing, intentional or not! Upon rewatching the movie I noticed another thing I had never given much thought before.
In the scene where the film gets its title of "Last Action Hero", the teacher at Danny's school is showing a clip of Hamlet to the class. As she sets the scene for the tape to play, she says that "...although Hamlet at times is seemingly incapable of taking action..." (an interesting choice of words, given the revelation that these characters are doomed to play a role) "...he is actually one of the first action heroes!" The line itself draws a clear contrast between Jack Slater's brazen action star and the internally conflicted, flowery prose of Hamlets character and his monologuing. If Hamlet can be called the first action hero, monologuing and incapable of action because that's the way he was written, then Jack Slater, or more appropriately Schwarzenegger, can safely be called the last. A hero to end all action heroes. May as well shut the book, Arnold finished the genre and it's whole arc by being the most explosive action icon in real life and then becoming self-aware of it all in the movie. And honestly, I think they were right. No one, not even Dwayne Johnson has quite taken up the mantle in the same way. Bruce Willis is a close second but I still think Schwarzenegger is the king. That line and the film's title in a way is the ultimate meta prediction on the genre, and the fact that they were ultimately right in a lot of ways makes it even more badass to me. Like the filmmakers really knew what they were doing and where the industry was headed. It's definitely true that some of the more clever ideas in the film can get buried under the heavily satirized action scenes at times, but it was always going to be a fine line to walk without being too obvious or on the nose. Ultimately, a lot of the more cerebral parts of the movie do feel like a "slight of hand" like you said; always working its magic beneath the surface but always careful to not call too much attention to itself.
This is a fantastic video and you should be very proud of it. Making something like this is a LOT of work. Whatever you're up to now I hope you're able to put your skills as a researcher, movie buff, and storyteller to good use. I don't know how active you are in making videos for TH-cam now, but I'll sub and look forward to the possibility of seeing a new video sometime in the future. In the meantime, I'll watch your video on Point Break. I'm looking forward to it. Cheers!
In the Last Action Hero delete scene, Danny said to Jack his father died from cancer.
"Rubber baby buggy bumpers. I'll bet you didn't know I was going to say that!"
I heard you say, _”Thank you for watching”_ but in reality we should not only do the “thing” of “Liking” and “Subscribing” but in a standing ovation is what this brilliantly crafted important message open letter to society needs. It’s us the newly enlightened viewer that should say, *Thank You* my good sir !
Special note,
I shared this video with someone of whom I deeply respect and appreciate that works in Hollywood and still has his strong unwavering morals that are simultaneously attached to intelligence and integrity 10 minutes into the video.
One of the most criminally underrated/unjustifiably criticized films of all time
Ever thought that Danny could have been genuinely attacked in the robbery and it led to a psychotic break? The final straw in a bleak and spiralling adolescence? That would explain the off tone and heightened violence far better than it being fictional to the Film's narrative, and why 'Danny Madigan' slips away into a fantasy World for mental comfort with His Hero/dream Father figure 'Jack Slater'.
That's how I always took the tone of it.
Especially seeing Danny bring Him home to Mom. Pure broken Childhood wish fulfilment stuff.
I suspect possible domestic abuse from the deceased Dad, but definitely NOT p*dophila by the hands of that dear sweet old Cinema owner, 'Nick'. That's the most ridiculous theory I've heard on this Movie, ever. Those Clowns need their devices confiscating forever.
But it's most likely just grief and feeling severely vulnerable that forces Danny to "Man-up" too fast and see violence as a magic solution to all His problems.
Sorry for the Tl;dr, but that got me in my feelings a bit - I adore: 'Last Action Hero' and 'Nick' was probably the nicest paternal type figure 'Danny' knew in the irl setting of it. He sought Him out for safety. A ray of light in the darkness. Much like the projector beam in that darkened Theatre room...
...Absolutely loved your analysis, tho', subbed!
For me, I saw Danny as a portrait of an abandoned GenX child, lacking father figure and latching on to action movies as a way to cope with his inability to live up to his fictional heroes. Once hs's "met" them, he realizes their limits and shortcomings.
I'm one of us, 90s kids growing up watching/idolizing graphically violent films. This was an amazing take... Thank you!
It was a an escape for the pathetic existence we felt.
Great video, I enjoyed it Sir. Wow, just realizing it was created 4 years ago. Classics never die :) Last Action Hero was a good movie. Most people didn't get it. I'm glad you did!
It’s very rare for me to watch a video longer than 15 minutes but this was, like, playing a fun game of chess with a fellow film lover. Extremely well done. Earned a sun!
Arnold is a legend.....!!!!!
He was, until he joined the Democrats and said "screw your freedom".
@gamingforpizza5142 That's because he's just a person. He'll have opinions not everyone will agree with. That used to be okay. Arnold as we know him is bigger than that, and will always be a legend.
As a 90's kid, and huge fan of _LAH_ I was well into my 20's when I learned how it faired upon release. Which came as a great shock to me.
All these years I've held the belief that audiences recieved it the exact same way they did with _Starship Troopers_ several years later; they just didnt get it; and apparently still don't.
Thusly, _LAH_ remains one of the most criminally underrated, underappreciated and misunderstood films of all time...imho.
Exactly and like LAH I loved Starship Troopers as a kid in Johnny we trust
Roughnecks
Another meta moment: Danny's teacher showing them Hamlet was played Laurence Olivier's wife.
She calls him the FIRST action hero.
This movie was GREAT. It had action, comedy, a Great villain, decent and not overly-complicated plot, and a fun yet intelligent commentary of real action movies.
Absolutely brilliant!! More please!
Incredible take on an incredible movie that changed the course of film history. Really great video man!
Love the movie "Last Action Hero". One of my guilty pleasures. The reason for the break-in is to show how violent Danny's world is. Danny was handcuffed in the bathroom by this criminal, and his mother couldn't even get off her shift to see if her kid was okay. That's the reason for that scene. It's trying to show you why Danny escapes into the movies, at first figuratively, then later on, literally.
If there was ever a character from this movie I'd love to see an exploration and movie from, it's be Benedict
You definitely hit the nail on the coffin. I use to love this movie as an almost teenager. As a boy myself impressionable to all media I indulged myself in movies. To this day there’s a part of me that always tries to connect to the hero of the movie. When you think about how deep this movie goes it’s kind of depressing. I too was that kid that grew up with an abusive father and perceived the world as a negative place and I loved my movies because it was my escape from a reality that I didn’t want to be a part of anymore. Danny is actually the star of the movie but his character was overshadowed by Jack because Arnold was a major Action Star. Thank you for making this video. It took me back to a time where I felt like I could accomplish anything.
If Danny not hallucinating maybe go with the more optimism.... Add an extra layer of meta. Danny's world is also a film. Different genre to the light action fair of Slater (more SeVen, Sixth Sense ,Jacobs ladder) so film within a film, within a film.
Ahead of it's time, pure genius! It's a perfect time to do a Part 2, especially since all our 80's action heroes are doing their last hurrah movies before they totally retire from Hollywood.
Last Action Hero is one of the greatest action movies of all time!
Totally underrated movie. People didn't get the joke.
This is one of best movie analysis I have ever watched. It also made me realise some things about myself. Thank You!
Thank you for watching 🙏
Great video. But, T-100? Where do you get that from T-800, Cyberdyne Systems model 101? ;-)
I've always loved Last Action Hero, I saw it at the cinema when it came out.
I've never really tried to read anything in to it
The MCU tricksters got away with the theft of Danny, his mom and Jack in the apartment.
Tony Stark, Aunt Mae and Peter Parker.
Not to mention the Multiverse of Madness
Charles Dance was incredible in this movie.
I had the privilege of seeing this in the theater when it was released. At the height of the action (spoilers!) when Slater takes the final shot and hits the bad guy in his false eye, he quips, “No sequels for you!” At the moment of the extreme closeup, the film broke! A classic frame melt and we’re sitting in the audience trying to figure out if that was the end of the film! We couldn’t remember if the credits had rolled at the beginning. Eventually the theater staff came in, apologized, and continued the film. In my opinion, the film break would have made this movie the stuff of legends! I wish I had the skills to do an alternate cut and maybe someone out there will see this and do it for me. I’d love to have a copy like that. I still watch my old DVD copy and I always stop the movie there. I always thought it was much deeper than the popcorn mentality. Thank you for seeing that, doing it justice, and sharing, Last Action Hero deserves it.
I love this video essay so much dude, outstanding work
This was a gem of a movie when it came out and holds up well. The biggest issue at the time was that Hollywood had overused Arnie in the previous few years,and the critics had their fill and were looking to see him have a bomb. The run time was also long for a comedy action film at the time.
Jack Slater doesn’t have powers himself. He gets some abilities because of his world’s rules. Like how Danny is able to jump so high with a bike and then crash down without any injuries. That’s different for Death, ad it’s a supernarural being in the movie and He is still so in the real world.
Such a shame. This movie is criminally underrated. It's SO good.. it's funny has great action, it's self aware, one liners, interesting over the top hammy bad guys. an award winning performance from Charles Dance.. I loved it as soon as I first saw it. I can understand why people didn't like it, probably not what they expected.. but going in blind, I loved it and laughed all the way through. Similar humour to True Lies actually. Arnie is actually great at comedy.
Was very dissappointed when I saw this at the movies back then. Now I want to watch it with all this in mind. You really put it in perspective.
Very well done. Truly enjoyed your narrative and made me see this film in a new light, even if it was always a favorite and highly underrated.
during that summer of 1993. My Uncle took me and my older brother to see this movie in theaters. We were 4 and 8 years old. Not only was it cool spending time with a masculine figure in our family, but it was also hype to be able to go and watch macho meathead media as boys with the guys. This movie was an instant classic and the 4th wall implementations were immaculately conceived and integrated. Going to see this movie will always be one of my most treasured memories. I recently watched it with my own little girls at home. I hope it was at least half as epic to them as it was to me.
Excellent video you should do more like this. Needs more views. I grew up in the 80s and 90s as well, was a great time to be alive.
When I watched this movie, I was a little kid and loved it having had no idea it was critically panned.
Love this. After rewatching again as an adult a few years ago, I realized how brilliant this movie was. I don't think hardcore fans of the action genre at that time realized a lot of their favorite movies were unrealistic and followed the same tropes. So they hated it 🤷🏿♂️
You did so good on this video my friend. Excellent job ❤
This movie got like 40% on rotten tomatoes... but it’s way better than that... this movie is more like 90% ... it’s up there with the classics...
This movie and Hook (and a bad acid trip) forced me to remove the rose-colored glasses. I regret nothing.
Hook... I remember that movie. Watched it with my mother. Shes dead now. I remember every movie I saw with her.