Eversince the release of The ShawShank Redemption, studios, screenwriters and directors have once again started to make prison dramas that will captivate audiences. This trend ended in late 70s after films like The Great Escape and Von Ryan's Express. One prime and contemporary example is The Green Mile based on the novel by Stephen King and directed by Frank Darabont. Other similar films that have come out since then are The Hurricane and Bound by Honor. Both dealing with men separated from society and facing the harsh environment and realities of man made prisons. All three predecessors of The Shawshank Redemption had different feel and style attached to them. The case is somewhat similar with DreamWorks' latest film, The Last Castle starring Robert Redford and James Gandolfini. The second film by Director Rod Lurie is a prison drama that revolves around a Four Star General Irwin (Redford) and an Arrogant Colonel Winter (Gandolfini).

This year has been difficult for DreamWorks with only Shrek accepted by audiences and critics abroad. The Last Castle adds up to their small list of mediocre films. Cut d own from 2 hours and 30 min to 2 hours 5 minutes, The Last Castle suffers from what other prison dramas didn't. Rod Lurie tries to make the picture unconventional by taking out the obvious but necessary scenes. As seen in the trailers, the prisoners, lead by General Irwin revolt against the Military Prison commanded by Colonel Winter. Lurie made the right decision by taking out or not filming the 'planning scenes' as been seen other films like The Shawshank Redemption. This makes the film unique but sort of loses the audience in understanding the final outcome. There were quite several times after the revolt where I was unclear on the standpoint of a particular character. However, along with pertaining that uniqueness, the film falls into a serious trap. As you are introduced to the characters in the prison, you can easily guess 'who will live and who will die?'.

Overall, the performances were pretty impressive. I really admired the supporting cast of Steve Burton (Lt. Peretz) and Cliffton Colins Jr. They both lit the screen along with Robert Redford. Both in a way, play the sidekicks of General Irwin and Colonel Winter respectively and become the reasons to start and end the prison escape. I can see a bright future for Steve Burton (who should also play Tom Cruise' brother in a film) as well as Cliffton Colins who received his recognition in Academy Award Nominated Traffic. Although, the two leading stars (Redford & Gandolfini) performed well, I had two major complains with their characters. For one, General Irwin's character contradicts itself at many points in the film. His character continuously objects to prisoners' particular requests yet ends up doing accepting it anyhow. This was not a problem in his performance but yet a character development. I am not a fan of James Gandolfini but appreciate his acting abilities. But I wasn't pleased with his character in this film, probably because some of it resembled to that in The Mexican. One of the things that I really admired that he wasn't shown as born villain but rather a man of integrity who couldn't control his emotions earlier in the film.

The cinematography done by Shelly Johnson (Jurassic Park III) had its moments with some great 'concept shots' (focusing on one actor or object), especially the one in the beginning. However, The Last Castle being her second feature as a cinematographer, the work is praiseworthy.

As you all know, one of my favorite parts in a film is the background score. Composed by one of the best composers in Hollywood, J erry Goldsmith, suffers from redundancy and lack of involvement. Usually, Jerry's music are noteworthy and take a place in your memory like The Ghost and the Darkness, Executive Decision and of course Star Trek films and series. But there is nothing unique in this score that will mesmerize the audience.

Rod Lurie, who began his career as a Journalist made his film debut in 1999 with Deterrence followed by The Contender last year. In my opinion, he is not a master of filmmaker but definitely ranks as one of the best new filmmakers in Hollywood. His style of filmmaking is very simple and typical but there is something about it that makes you want to watch the film. His direction in The Last Castle is good, especially the action he storyboarded towards the end. But I think, he should step out of films involving Politics and Army. Even his next film, Clink Inc. for DreamWorks deals with a prison but is a comedy. I understand for a filmmaker at his level, it is hard to make transition but just hope that he does in time.

On the scale of 1-10, The Last Castle lands on 7 for me. It is a typical film th at endures numerous problems but the finale ends up saving it. The film is patriotic that will serve as an advantage based on the current events in United States. It is a stepping stone for director Rod Lurie but a small one.