There is the realm of critics and viewers who castigate Tony Scott's "Crimson Tide,"(also featuring James Gandolfini before he became Tony Soprano) and many of the films Michael Bay made (Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, The Rock),and Scott's "Man on Fire". You know, all the really good stuff, made by directors who know how to create films which compel us simpletons to turn up the volume at home, or just say "Wow. WOW!" as we walk across the parking lot to the car, and then discuss the film with our partner all the way home."The Last Castle" is one of these flicks. Two-starred in Maltin, the reviewer doesn't get it, calling the plot-lines obvious, the story predictable, the pace per formula. Who cares? Robert Redford and James G have so many scenes where you are simply galvanized by the struggle of good versus evil. And what is so intoxicating about that battle in this film, (set in a military prison where Redford is a disgraced, former Marine general, and Gandolfini is the commanding officer), is the "good" is the evil, and the "evil" is the good (see Shakespeare, William!). As good as Redford and Gandolfini are, the young Mark Ruffalo, just steals the film as a prisoner, the cynical conflicted son of a Congressional Medal of Honor winner who was a POW with Redford.What a wonderful surprise, to come across this on a retirement afternoon on HBO2. Just an inspiring Friday afternoon matinée!

Just finished watching this on BBC1 for the first time ... This film is definitely about to land itself in my DVD collection as I had never even heard of it before now. Underlying the synopsis of the film is that wherever there is a will there is a way and in this case it's towards the winning over of one's peers. Psychologically clever and thrilling to watch at the same time there are moments where one begins to watch the film wondering how Redford's lead character is going to cope with life in prison and as the film progresses one can only admire the way he wins and earns the respect of his peer group. Ultimately good triumphs over what begins as a hidden evil which becomes ever more apparent as the film progresses too. I really enjoyed this because of the cleverly written synopsis coupled with strong performances throughout from the cast. Thank you for reading - this is all of course in my humble opinion. Recommended to a friend? Basically YEAH!

First of all, if you are a person who cares about facts to movie - perhaps you should skip this. As other reviews here had pointed out, "it seems impossible for such a siege". "It is impossible for a 3 Star General to be locked with low tiers inmates". "The 3 Star General could have used his connections to ....." This is a freaking movie for god sake. Just enjoy it!I will say its 2 good hours well worth watching this movie.James Gandolfini (Sorry, i'm not familiar with him) is absolutely excellent in the show. I feel like punching my fist to his Col. Winter character. I think not many actors can make me dislike a character so much. That shows how much he succeed in the role. Robert Redford does what he does. Good to see young Mark Ruffalo.The plot is nothing fantastic, but its nothing bad too. (See other reviews) I do have to highlight that there is loose ends to the movies (especially on the Daughter portion) that did not provide closure for me. That's just my personal need for closures, beside that, everything is well....Enjoy it.

The Last Castle is an army feel good movie set in an prison.The good. Well planned out tactics. Solid action. A bit of suspense and intrigue. Nice acting. Well paced scenario.The actors. Robert Redford, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo, and Delroy Lindo give us a credible performance. Their lack of brilliance is not a reflection of their capabilities, but rather what they were given to work with.The bad. Too much army heroic mentality. Not every soldier is like that.The ugly. Single minded characters, lack of normal complexity.The result. A satisfying testosterone flick. Do not expect more.