'The Last Stand' Opens Jan.18th with Arnold Schwarzenegger

On Jan.18 Arnold Schwarzenegger returns to the big screen in the action thriller "The Last Stand."

The film directed by Jee-Woon Kim tells the story of a drug cartel leader who busts out of a courthouse and speeds to the Mexican border. He must face off against a sheriff and his inexperienced staff. The film premiered on Tuesday and scored good reviews with Todd McCarthy of the Hollywood Reporter who stated that "Arnold ain't all he used to be but still has a little punch left in this just passable violent action potboiler."

Justin Chang of Variety stated that "Schwarzenegger, when he's not plowing his way through reams of semi-intelligible dialogue, proves he's still capable of firing off a few rounds and pulling broken glass out of his leg."

Christy Lemire of the Associated Press was also complimentary of the film stating that director "Kim keeps things moving briskly and the members of the strong supporting cast don't seem to mind that they're playing flimsy types. Everyone's just here for a mindless good time."

"The Last Stand" marks Schwarzeneggers first lead role since "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" in 2004. The actor took a hiatus from the film world to become the governor of California and then returned to the big screen for cameos in "The Expendables." Johnny Knoxville recently made a cameo appearance in "Fun Size" and will also star in the ensemble film "Movie 43." The actor is currently filming "Carnaval" with John Cusack.

"Stand" also stars Genesis Rodriguez, Johnny Knoxville, Rodrigo Santoro, and Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker. The film is set to open nationwide in 2,800 venues under Lionsgate.