Is Last Licks Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Modern Cinema cinema, the 2017 release of Last Licks stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Thirty two year old married with children Frank is sitting at a bar trying to engage who he thinks is his long-lost uncle into a conversation about his father, the bartender's long deceased brother, when strange things are said to him by a male customer, in another reality a priest, then by a bizarre female customer, Mona, in another reality a nurse. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Thirty two year old married with children Frank is sitting at a bar trying to engage who he thinks is his long-lost uncle into a conversation about his father, the bartender's long deceased brother, when strange things are said to him by a male customer, in another reality a priest, then by a bizarre female customer, Mona, in another reality a nurse. The "Barman," in fact an ER doctor, tries to explain some "cosmic" things to Frank until Frank eventually realizes that his life is slipping by and he is not where he thought he was in this new and original surreal drama which is primed to evolve into a NYC emergency room farce."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. John L Payne does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Joe Quartararo is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 9 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Last Licks truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Last Licks explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Joe Quartararo respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Last Licks is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of John L Payne or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Last Licks is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.