The Last Stand

The Last Stand is currently streaming in Australia on Hoopla, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and fuboTV, and its case-by-case structure never gets in the way of the bigger story. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. With 3,013 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Arnold Schwarzenegger leads a cast that carries the story without ever feeling mechanical. Available now on Hoopla — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

The Last Stand is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The plotting gives The Last Stand its backbone, but it is the characters you come back for. Ray Owens is sheriff of the quiet US border town of Sommerton Junction after leaving the LAPD following a bungled operation. Following his escape from the FBI, a notorious drug baron, his gang, and a hostage are heading toward Sommerton Junction where the police are preparing to make a last stand to intercept them before they cross the border. Owens is reluctant to become involved but ultimately joins in with the law enforcement efforts. The writing gets a boost from Arnold Schwarzenegger and Johnny Knoxville, who sell every scene they're in. It was released in 2013. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — The Last Stand passes that test consistently. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For anyone who wants their crime drama to earn its twists, The Last Stand delivers. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Arnold Schwarzenegger anchors it, but the writing does the real work. If you are going to commit to one crime drama this month, make it this one.