Last Hit

An action crime thriller directed by David M. Parks, written by Anthony Leone and Ovsanna Yepremyan and starring Mike Ferguson, Twana Barnett, LeeAnne Bauer and Levee Duplay.

Vincent (Ferguson) and Maya (Barnett) are a couple in Los Angeles who make a living by collaborating with a few others and acting as sort of mercenaries for crime boss, Dante (Duplay), killing people and stealing money. When they are assigned what they plan to be their final job for him, things do not go according to plan and they end up empty-handed. Regardless, the couple still stick to their retirement plans, much to Dante's dissatisfaction, who is determined to make them execute one final mission.

Heavily-tattooed criminals, plenty of guns, shooting, a lot of hand-to-hand combat, threats, kidnapping, double-crossing, profanity. All these are what one will see by viewing this feature. But the story covers significantly more, with a great deal of character development present as the protagonists contemplate their life and their actions. The fight scenes are arguably the highlights, even if they are a bit unrealistic and limited. Daniel Taranto's ominous, tense and suspenseful music enhances the scenes and the aerial shots of Los Angeles look great.

Taking under consideration that this is an action film, it could be forgiven for the not-very-great acting. And, for the same reason, it could also be forgiven for having a predictable screenplay. These flaws do not spoil the show completely, however, they do bring it down.

Ferguson't character is a seasoned outlaw, covered in tattoos, a guy who longs to abandon criminal activities and live a peaceful life, along with Maya. He and Maya believe in principles and trust but are willing to resort to violence if necessary. Bauer plays Lana, a member of the couple's team, an ambitious woman who has her own agenda. Duplay is supposed to be portraying the antagonist, although his character's menace is overshadowed by the presence of Jack (Cody Cowell) and Tommy (Trent James) two other members of the group.

Unsurprisingly, since this story has criminals as protagonists, the script examines living a life of crime, organised crime in particular and things that tend to accompany such a lifestyle, such betrayal and manipulation. From a different point of view, this is also a feature about self-reflection and the desire to start a new life.

An action crime feature with fighting and killing, tension and drama. And it could also be categorised as a neo-noir film.