A Hilarious Showcase of Three Legendary Actors

Rating: 10/10 (2 February 2018)

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect coming into Last Flag Flying, given the lack of the marketing surrounding the film and given that I did not enjoy Linklater's Boyhood (2014). But seeing three actors of such a high caliber was enough of a draw. While the movie appears to be a very emotional drama, it was very surprisingly to find that for the most part, its a road trip comedy. Bryan Cranston as the immature Sal is a strangely genius casting move. Everyone knew Bryan Cranston always had serious dramatic chops and could be charming, but he reaches a new form here as minute to minute, he is simply hilarious. The contrast with Fishburne's minister provides even more comedy when the two finally begin to get along. Carell's Larry Shepherd is the sad, emotional aspect of the story and he really brings in one of his best performances and makes the audience feel every burning pain as he goes through the proceeding to bury his fallen son. Linklater has perfectly crafted three unique and highly interesting, well-developed characters that are at the heart of the movie, providing hilarious, entertaining, thoughtful and even sad scenes throughout this movie. It's such a shame Last Flag Flying was so overlooked, given the quality of these actor's performances, the depth of skill demonstrated by the director and simply being a great time. It's one of the best road trip movies ever made, and one of the best movies of 2017.