Last Action Hero MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -3

Designed to challenge JURASSIC PARK for movie supremacy this summer, LAST ACTION HERO seems destined to come in second best. Its theme is rather clever, but its non-stop violence can't assure box office success. America's number one box office attraction, Arnold Schwarzenegger, plays a fictional movie policeman, Jack Slater, who takes the law in his own hands to kill and maim evil lawbreakers. One of Slater's fans, 11 year old Danny Madigan (Austin O'Brien), is magically transported into one of Slater's movies and accompanies him on his violent escapades. These include violent confrontations with armed gangs and a psychotic killer. Also present are auto chases, vicious fights, wanton killings, a harrowing building crane escapade and many other violent events. Fans of Schwarzenegger and violent action will probably like the film. Others will find that its wanton killings and destruction negate its entertainment value.

Blatantly glorifying violence, countless persons, including many men and some women and children, are shot down in cold blood, kicked, stabbed, beaten viciously, electrocuted or blown up. Many explosions, accidents, and shootings result in massive destruction of autos, buildings and other property. All this mayhem is usually portrayed as fun, exciting and comical. It's particularly disturbing that young Danny takes delight in much of the fighting and killing. In addition, Slater's fictional son stabs a man in one of Slater's movies. Along with all this violence comes a number of crudities and obscenities, and some profanity. Even young Danny blurts out an obscenity. Two explicit sexual references mar the dialogue and some women are seen in revealing costumes. Slater comments that he doesn't like all the killing and fighting he has to do. Apparently this is supposed to exonerate him and the film from its exploitive violence. However, it's obvious that LAST ACTION HERO unabashedly exploits violence to entertain and excite. Filmgoers should seek out more genuine, creative film entertainment.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232