David Warbeck ("The Beyond") stars as Captain Morris, an officer in Vietnam who agrees to head behind enemy lines to destroy a radio tower that has been broadcasting anti-American propaganda. A couple of people join him on his journey, including a weary photojournalist (Tisa Farrow, "Zombi 2") and a small commando squad, including Sergeant George Washington (Tony King, "Report to the Commissioner") and a soldier named Carlos (Bobby Rhodes, "Demons").
Directed with verve by Antonio Margheriti, whose career spanned a few decades and many efforts in different genres, "The Last Hunter" offers interesting material and deserves some respect for at least attempting to look at the horror and futility of war. It gives us a portrait of men in the military who are doing their best to cope and to amuse themselves. While not carrying the same dramatic weight as something like "The Deer Hunter" or "Apocalypse Now", it has its potent moments, especially towards the end when Morris is imprisoned and attacked by river rats. Its action scenes are certainly first rate - there's lots of gunfire, plenty of explosions, and some very enjoyable gore that's sure to turn off more squeamish viewers. On-location shooting in the Philippines also adds a substantial amount of atmosphere, even though "The Last Hunter" mostly takes place in the daytime.
It can boast a trio of charismatic performances from Warbeck, King, and Rhodes, and Farrow offers an engaging presence as a civilian who's a fairly tough cookie. Other familiar faces in the cast include Margie Newton ("Hell of the Living Dead"), John Steiner ("Tenebre"), actor / stuntman Massimo Vanni ("Zombi 3"), and Luciano Pigozzi ("Yor: The Hunter from the Future").
More than mere exploitation, "The Last Hunter" both begins and ends effectively, ultimately leaving us with a sinking feeling in our guts.
Seven out of 10.
Directed with verve by Antonio Margheriti, whose career spanned a few decades and many efforts in different genres, "The Last Hunter" offers interesting material and deserves some respect for at least attempting to look at the horror and futility of war. It gives us a portrait of men in the military who are doing their best to cope and to amuse themselves. While not carrying the same dramatic weight as something like "The Deer Hunter" or "Apocalypse Now", it has its potent moments, especially towards the end when Morris is imprisoned and attacked by river rats. Its action scenes are certainly first rate - there's lots of gunfire, plenty of explosions, and some very enjoyable gore that's sure to turn off more squeamish viewers. On-location shooting in the Philippines also adds a substantial amount of atmosphere, even though "The Last Hunter" mostly takes place in the daytime.
It can boast a trio of charismatic performances from Warbeck, King, and Rhodes, and Farrow offers an engaging presence as a civilian who's a fairly tough cookie. Other familiar faces in the cast include Margie Newton ("Hell of the Living Dead"), John Steiner ("Tenebre"), actor / stuntman Massimo Vanni ("Zombi 3"), and Luciano Pigozzi ("Yor: The Hunter from the Future").
More than mere exploitation, "The Last Hunter" both begins and ends effectively, ultimately leaving us with a sinking feeling in our guts.
Seven out of 10.