AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on October 23, 2026, 06:18:04 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/bVDtefL.jpeg)
Studio: Arrow Video
Release Date: October 13, 2026
Rating: R
Film: 3/5
Plot
Once a first-rate Secret Service agent, Joe Hallenbeck (Bruce Willis) is now a gruff private investigator whose latest gig is protecting a pole dancer (Halle Berry). When she's murdered, he grudgingly teams up with her boyfriend, Jimmy Dix (Damon Wayans), an ex-quarterback with a gambling problem, and the two go after her killers. Before long, they stumble onto a plot by a well-known football magnate (Noble Willingham) to bribe federal legislators into legalizing sports gambling.
My Thoughts
I hadn't watched The Last Boy Scout in more than 30 years and, outside of the opening scene, remembered very little about it. Revisiting it now, I can see why Shane Black became one of Hollywood's hottest screenwriters during this era. While formulaic in his own way, the film features a wisecracking lead, an unlikely buddy paring, and an ever growing conspiracy that’s just a little too convenient to be believable.
That said, the movie is a bit of a mixed bag. Willis stars as John McClane, I mean Joe Hallenbeck, and he doesn’t break any new ground with the character at all. Seriously, it’s like he was plucked right off of the Die Hard set and given a “Hello My Name is Joe” badge in order to not forget that he’s in a new movie. Regardless, Black’s one-liners occasionally land, but just as often they come across as cringe-worthy and dated. Furthermore, the chemistry between Willis and Wayans never completely gels, which isn’t a good thing since the film relies so much on their partnership.
Oddly enough, I ended up having a good time with the film. The story is completely over-the-top, the stunts have aged considerably, and the portrayed conspiracy becomes more ridiculous the longer it goes on. There were several moments where I was laughing out loud, but not always for the reasons director Tony Scott and writer Shane Black intended. Unfortunately, the humor comes from the absurdity of the plot rather from the stunted dialog. Still, there is that charm that these early-90s action films have and ultimately made it worth my time.
Arrow’s new 4k presentation is quite good. The film was restored from the original 35mm camera negative and was approved by director of photography Ward Russell. It boasts both Dolby Vision as well as HDR10 with well-preserved natural film grain and plenty of detail. Fine textures in clothing and facial features never fail to impress. Scott’s trademark visual style is on full display with harsh sunlight, lots of smoke, and the grime of the early 90s Los Angeles benefit from the higher resolution that 4K offers. Contrast is strong, black levels are deep (although occasionally slightly crushed), and the HDR grading adds subtle depth without making the image look like a digitally shot production we’ve grown used to with modern films.
Arrow includes a newly created Dolby Atmos track that expands upon the film's original audio presentation. Explosions, gunfire, chases, and Michael Kamen's score are given additional breathing room, creating a larger and more immersive soundstage. Dialog remains clear and centered throughout, while the surrounds and overhead channels help create a more atmospheric presentation during action scenes. Bass response is strong and the overall dynamics are impressive given the film’s age.
Video 9.5/10
Audio 9.5/10 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:
- Audio Commentary
- And Then Some (NEW)
- The Daughter of the Last Boy Scout (NEW)
- The Art of Tony Scott
- Shane Black at the American Cinematheque
- Extended & Alternate Scenes
- Original Screenplay
- Image Galleries
- Trailers
- Insert booklet about the production
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCHJC9G8e2o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCHJC9G8e2o)
Conclusion
It was interesting watching the film with the backdrop of all of the legal gambling that’s now allowed in American sports, particularly football. In that respect, Black’s script was way ahead of its time. While it has flashes of the writer’s other films, the story is just a bit too far-fetched and the dialog a bit too clumsy. Furthermore, the chemistry of the two leads never falls into the genuine category and it’s pretty easy to see how the film essentially was a break-even production when all was said and done. Recommended for fans.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized Portrait Displays' (https://www.portrait.com/) Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner