Plot
Former secret service agent Joe Hallenbeck (Willis) is now working as a private detective, and he’s hired to protect an exotic dancer named Cory (Berry). After Cory is killed, however, Hallenbeck and her boyfriend, disgraced ex-football player Jimmy Dix (Wayans), team up in order to investigate what really happened. After a few attempts on their life, they stumble upon a high-ranking conspiracy involving local politics and national football…
Review
While existing as the very definition of a formulaic, by-the-numbers nineties actioner, The Last Boy Scout remains enjoyable and is still one of Tony Scott’s most beloved films. Made before Scott progressed to his infamous rapid-editing style, it’s a violent, explosion-peppered neo-noir which is more memorable than the fast-paced action blockbusters he was later known for.
Undoubtedly though, the best thing about the movie is Shane Black’s dialogue. Full of quotable lines, the Lethal Weapon screenwriter litters proceedings with hard-boiled zingers and tough-guy retorts, which somehow manages to elevate the picture’s over-the-top antics (for example, we open with a pro footballer shooting other players during a game). Plus, Bruce Willis is on top cynical-wisecracking form, while Damon Wayans holds his own. Even if his character never seems too upset about the fact that his girlfriend (a then-unknown Halle Berry) was just killed in front of him.
Verdict
While the very definition of a formulaic, by-the-numbers nineties actioner, The Last Boy Scout remains enjoyable and still exists as one of Tony Scott’s most beloved films.
