combatting “Terminator 2’s” nefarious T-1000 propelled him into the realm of cinematic legends merely two years prior — and the one-man-army style action films that dominated the ’80s were more than poised for satire and ridicule by that time. A brazen self-parody from the creator of “Die Hard” (whose second sequel sparked an FBI probe) and “Lethal Weapon” screenwriter Shane Black appeared to be a surefire pass to blockbuster bliss.
Thus, Columbia Pictures invested $85 million into “Last Action Hero” and its absurdly star-studded cast (including F. Murray Abraham, Anthony Quinn, Charles Dance, Ian McKellen, and a lengthy array of fantastic cameos) and anticipated the enchantment to unfold. Regrettably, timing its premiere just a week after Steven Spielberg’s record-shattering “Jurassic Park” proved to be an expensive blunder. Earning $50 million domestically and $87 million internationally placed “Last Action Hero” at $137 million globally at the box office, which was deemed a significant disappointment against the studio’s goals.
Critics were not favorable either, overlooking its daring and extravagant meta attempts at the genre, labeling the film as a colossal misfire. In hindsight, however, “Last Action Hero” was remarkably insightful. It provided Schwarzenegger a platform to showcase his comedic acting talents, featured skilled actors portraying outrageous villains and other delightfully entertaining stereotypes, and encapsulated the dream of every child enamored with action movies and their larger-than-life heroes.
