Last Ride (2009 film)

Category: Australian crime drama.

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As soon as the credits rolled, my first thought was - never ask Hugo Weaving to look after my kids!

Now, I will definitely recommend this movie - it is a quality production that doesn't get anywhere near as much credit or exposure as it deserves, but be warned - this movie is not easy watching.

The whole premise of Last Ride - based on the Denise Young novel of the same name - is that Weaving plays Kev, a father with a criminal record on the run from police with his young son in tow, and not having much money and wanting to avoid exposure, Kev puts himself and his son in some pretty uncomfortable situations as he takes increasingly desperate measures to avoid the consequences of his actions.

The ending is no surprise, but does feel somewhat weird when watching it in this high-tech internet-connected age, and doesn't so much feel like the end of a movie, but more like the ending to an emotional roller-coaster that has very few highs and plenty of lows.

Alongside that, the emphasis on country and regional Australia is very welcome - Australia has some gorgeous scenery, so a big thumbs-up for the cinematography!

I also really need to give Weaving five stars for his performance as a father who cares for his son, but also cannot stop his anger and rage from getting the better of him at times. There are two particular scenes that REALLY highlight this - the scene where he catches his son with make-up at the riverbed, and the reveal as to why Kev is on the run.

And on that particular scene, the way it is pieced together and filmed and the acting of those involved really does make you think the worst is happening - THAT is great film-making!

Now, given this is an Australian production, the producers obviously needed to make a little go a long way, and but in reality, this is the kind of film where the actors playing characters really does drive the movie along. 

If I had one criticism to make, it is that maybe this film is a touch too slow on the slow-burn storytelling. But that's really about it. Apparently, Roger Ebert named this as one of the films of 2012, and I'd have to agree with him.

STAR RATING: 4.5/5