★★★★☆

 

Last Run was a highly enjoyable movie for me. I must confess to generally liking the roles Armand Assante plays. Generally I see him doing a great job in what appear to be rather low budget movies. This is another fine example of that trend.

The title doesn’t really convey the premise of the movie unless you are deep into Cold War era spy games. The smuggling of operatives out of Russia was, in many places, called “a run.” In large part they might have acquired that phrase from the trucking industry where hauling a load from one point to another is called a run as well.

Last Run – On Location

I’m old enough to remember when shooting “on location” was considered dramatically more expensive that building sets on a studio lot. Perhaps that is still true when big name actors and large crews are involved. What I’ve been noticing with the indie type films is that shooting on location appears to be the norm. It gives the film a sense of realism which cannot be duplicated on a set. Of course this necessitates a lot of shooting outdoors which comes with its own weather related hazards.

What I really liked about this movie was the fact they shot in run-down locations. Why most people think of “spy movies” they think of James Bond and $1200/night hotel rooms driving $100,000+ automobiles. The reality was far more “low rent.” This movie brings that to the forefront.

Premise

One last big name Russian defector to get out of the country prior to the election. He is an old enemy for the team, but he has information which will bring down the soon to be elected President of Russia. Frank Banner’s (Amand Assante) team is called out of retirement to make the run. They know the person and are apparently the only team left which has actually done a run given the end of the Cold War.

Last Run is a good one to have on your rental list for a rainy Saturday when you just want to watch a well told story. If you want to see some more good work by Armand you should check out his reoccurring role as Rene’ ‘La Grenouille’ Benoit (the Frog) on NCIS.

For additional rental list ideas please visit list one and list two.