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Stars: Richard Dreyfuss, Mira Sorvino, Pruitt Taylor Vince
Director: Adam Lipsius
Distributor: 101 Films

“Have I ever asked for forgiveness?”

For a film with a synopsis that reads, “An old man suffering from cancer seeks revenge on the thieves who have destroyed his life.”, one would hope for the WILDest OAP adventure yet – maybe even a madness with reminiscence to the likes of Death Wish or Hobo with a Shotgun… Unfortunately that isn’t the case with The Last Job. Also known as Crime Story across the pond. 

Richard Dreyfuss – a legend of cinema – comes out for one last job as retired mob boss, Ben, whose steady life transcends into turmoil when a robbery takes place at his home where his dementia-stricken wife, Nan (Megan McFarland), enables the crime to take place without realising. Infuriated at the events that took place while he was working at the sleazed-up bar he owns, Ben has no choice but to pursue the thieves no matter the cost. 

However, Ben’s family trauma isn’t exclusive to that of himself or his wife as his daughter, Nick (Mira Sorvino), who is enduring her own despair as her sister is dying from cancer, leaving young children behind. Ben, living with cancer himself, attempts to balance the needs for a family with both bizarre and unfortunate situations at bay, all accompanied by a wonderful narration throughout the film.

For Dreyfuss, as an actor, a film like The Last Job is a severe low point in the career of a man who was one of the best in the business in the 1970s. Worryingly, this film could come as a shocking revelation for those wondering what that great actor from Jaws is up to nowadays. Almost unrecognisable, yet edged with hints of the actor he was, there is a slightly charming aspect of seeing Dreyfuss again. 

For what can be a speculative blend of family-drama and crime, The Last Job fails to invoke any interest or excitement. Adding to the misery, for  too often, this film is viewed like a pisstake or parody. It’s bad. An unfortunate mess. 
Ultimately, The Last Job should hopefully be the last film in which we see this quality and type.

The Last Job is now available to watch and own in the UK on DVD and digital. Many thanks to Aim Publicity and 101 Films for the pleasure of this film.

1 Star

Dom.

For John.

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This article’s featured image: By Source, 101 Films, Fair Use