Last Man Standing MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -3

Its the 1930s, and bootleggers and organized crime are flourishing. As our hero (Bruce Willis) lurches into the dusty South Texas border town of Jericho in a Model A Ford, hes hoping for a tank of gas and maybe a cold beer. After his tires are slit and headlights smashed by Jerichos welcoming committee, the visitor introduces himself to the sheriff (Bruce Dern) as John Smith. Forced to stay there for a few days, John learns that the undertaker operates the towns most lucrative business. Thats because the ghost town harbors two sophisticated Chicago mobs competing for bootlegged liquor from Mexico. After outsmarting the thugs in their attempt to assassinate him, John proves himself to be a fearless gunman. He manages to get hired by the two factions, and double crosses both with the help of a prostitute who spies for him. LAST MAN STANDING is another senseless, shallow glamorization of crime and corruption. Willis star status wont be enough to make this unimaginative action movie a box office hit, but the films hot, dusty setting may boost theaters cold drink sales.

Non-stop gang massacres include merciless beatings, bloody shootings and a womans face mutilated. Theres even a huge fire with gruesome views of blazing victims. Point blank close-up shootings are as casual as a handshake and much more frequent. Barbaric disrespect for life abounds. Even the town undertaker proudly displays in a picture window the latest victims laid out in wooden coffins. Also offensive is the films foul language, especially the 13 regular profanities. Smith seduces the gang bosss girlfriend, who is also the town prostitute. They are shown having sex once, with nudity implied as they are under the bed covers. When the couple is interrupted, a brief rear view of Smiths nude body is shown. He does show compassion for a young widow and the prostitute who helps him, enabling both to escape the clutches of the mob. It wi

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: New Line Cinema, 575 8th Ave., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10018