The Last Castle (2001)

This is a very good movie. One mistake by the leading character at the beginning of the story probably changed the course of the following events. Don't deconstruct someone's obsession with a collection and memorabilia especially when you are part of that. Redford's character provided a hero and a leader at a time when it was very much needed. People in powerful positions can use their power to make a difference or to do wrong. When two men stand off using their power to control and shape others' lives they better have the intestinal fortitude to see it through. The acting is good. It is about American patriotism and leadership. There are choices to be made and sides to be taken. Although not an American I felt pride and respect watching this movie. There is a lack of female characters but it was about men in a men's prison.

(plot) A court-martialed general manages to fire up over a thousand prisoners and rebel against the corrupt system that imprisoned him. The only problem is that James Gandolfini stands in his wayI didn't dislike Last Castle at all. As a matter of fact, I had a decent time with it. It pushed some emotional buttons for me, and passed the time nicely. At over two hours long, I didn't look at the clock once. The acting is phenomenal, and the story does more than enough to engage your interest. The problem? It's a little too routine, and has a "Been here, done that" aura surrounding it. But it's above the norm for the acting, and the acting alone. Redford & Gandolfini are both outstanding. Redford is the perfect hero in every way. He is able to make us believe in his plight, and I couldn't wait to see him get back at Gandolfini. James Gandolfini plays one of the most heartless people I've ever seen. I hated him, and that just shows how good of an actor he is. Mark Ruffalo is also excellent in one of his earlier rolesFinal Thoughts: I did like it, but it is rather predictable as well. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though. It has much more good than bad. Worth the watch6.4/10

The Last Castle is an army feel good movie set in an prison.The good. Well planned out tactics. Solid action. A bit of suspense and intrigue. Nice acting. Well paced scenario.The actors. Robert Redford, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo, and Delroy Lindo give us a credible performance. Their lack of brilliance is not a reflection of their capabilities, but rather what they were given to work with.The bad. Too much army heroic mentality. Not every soldier is like that.The ugly. Single minded characters, lack of normal complexity.The result. A satisfying testosterone flick. Do not expect more.

Despite, the bad reviews that have been posted on this site, I find The Last Castle to be one the most interested and thrilling movies I have ever had the pleasure to watch. The need by others to find faults and negative comments were just not called for. This is a movie shows how one man with a huge ego and in a position of power can single handedly break a man's pride and spirit and that of another who shows a group of men that despite their circumstances your pride and self respect is something no one can take from you unless you allow them to. If this is what is considered a bad movie, I'd like to know what a good movie is. The Last Castle is a movie that you have to watch to judge it yourself and not base it on the opinions of others. If you are unsure, just watch the movie, judge it for yourself and then post your own review.