The Last Stop in Yuma County (2023) User Reviews

Crazy, enjoyable film

[Boristhemoggy · 7/10 · 15 May 2024]

While stranded at a rural Arizona rest stop, a traveling salesman is thrust into a dire hostage situation by the arrival of two bank robbers with no qualms about using cruelty-or cold, hard steel-to protect their bloodstained fortune.

It reminded me a little of Natural Born Killers, and From Dusk til Dawn. In that it's slightly offbeat, filmed in a very stylised manner, and every single person in the film carries out their role with skill and panache.

It's one of those crazy films where you simply don't know what's going to happen next, and when it does, you think nothing more crazy can happen, then it does!

It's never slow or dull, it's never silly, it's just excellent bloody adventure with tons of twist. I loved it and gave it a 7.

Consistently good but can't quite take it to the next level

[jtindahouse · 7/10 · 2 October 2023]

Short review: I enjoyed 'The Last Stop in Yuma County', however I feel like there was room for me to enjoy it even more. I typically love these single-setting mystery/thrillers. I felt like the film was consistently good throughout, but it was never quite able to take a step up and reach that next level to make it something truly great.

The film is a lot of fun though. There are all the usual rag-tag misfits in terms of characters. Some nice dashes of humour along the way and some good menacing villains that are not to be messed with. The ending was also pretty wild and made sure things ended on a reasonably memorable note. 7/10.

Only Stopping in to Give an 8

[simmans · 8/10 · 24 May 2024]

No in depth review.

If you like a snappy crime thriller, see this movie.

It's like Reservoir Dogs, mostly in that you wish there were more of it.

Like RD, it's so tasty, yet so brief, that you're left longing for more footage.

Oh no. I'm only at half my character count.

Remember Mr. Blonde? What's up with him? Give us a few more minutes with Mr. Blonde. Oh wait--he's dead?

What happened to Mr. Blue?

Why can't I have more of these guys?

That's what Yuma is like.

Dismiss any review that calls it slow.

The setup is meticulous and the payoff is brutal.

As the credits roll, for once, in an ocean of overlong movies, you'll be wishing Yuma had been bloated.

It isn't. It's trimmed so lean that you'll almost feel like you didn't get a full serving.

That's a compliment.

I gave the film 8/10 instead of 10/10. I deducted 2 points because I have a problem with the bathroom arrangement.

Send people out and around to the motel? What? Does Yelp not exist in 1974?

Well, that escalated slowly.

[FlexSupSimplex8 · 7/10 · 10 May 2024]

... and i mean this in a far more positive way than it sounds!

A slow-burning B-movie with a single-setting scenario and American Rust atmosphere, Yuma County introduces lovably one-dimensional characters (again I mean well, they are so by design) - right until the plot decides to have a lil bit of macabre fun and put them in the most complex, unresolvable, dilemmatic (most often life or death) situations. The second half of the movie recompenses for the viewer's patience with the first: it is dark and hilarious and sad and unnerving, and more; there's twists and turns worthy of a James Patterson novel, and soon enough it all escalates faster than you can say -escalation-...

In short: One can see where the good ratings throughout come from. This is an enjoyable little gem of a movie that also doesn't overstay its welcome. Technically and acting-wise it does a fine enough job as well.

Pisses me off how dumb everyone in this movie is...

[derbigpr · 6/10 · 11 May 2024]

Especially the sheriff and his incompetent partner. A bank got robbed in your middle of nowhere small town, and you, the sheriff, instead of being out on the road looking for suspects or for their trail, LITERALLY SIT IN YOUR OFFICE AND PLAY WITH TOYS?!?! And then your wife calls you and drops the phone just as you pick it up, and you don't think that's suspicious? And the dumb police officer doesn't recognize the car in front of the diner and doesn't think that the robbers of the bank could be here, or might have driven by, on THE ONLY ROAD TO MEXICO nearby?

The whole premise of this movie is irritatingly stupid, that's why I'm giving it only a 6/10. It's very unrealistic and therefore frustrating to watch. Yes it's tense, but the tension comes from a bunch of incredibly unrealistic little pieces of scenarios and unbelievable coincidences that together amount to a lot of plot armor basically.

Also, the movie ends in the most unfair and frustrating way possible. Essentially, it feels like the movie was made to make the viewer mad.

Simple story in the middle of no where, and it works.

[apollothesun · 7/10 · 11 May 2024]

...I was really surprised the movie was this good. Its premise is simple. Small diner in middle of nowhere. Where nothing really happens. Life is a cup of coffee and you live on.

The assemblance of character cast was interesting. No big names, just simple people that made it work. They are good at what they do. They entertain us, that made the difference. It gave the moments grit from all sides of life. Crooks, geeks, elderly, blue collars..etc.

Directer did great job, keeping us idling along just right. It never got boring. Kept us waiting for what could or would happen next.

Ambiance worked great. Dry, hot, desolate weather. How can anyone live here? But they do.

Very enjoyable, flick.

Rest or full stop?

[kosmasp · 9/10 · 8 February 2024]

No pun intended - the movie almost entirely plays in one location. Something that some may not feel to hot about, but the movie has enough ideas and enough suspense (plus twists) for it to work! Not to mention the actors to really elevate it. That is Richard Brake to name one - so good, so charismatic ... so powerful! But even the "old couple" is able to smitten the viewer. Especially grandpa - a hand gesture alone says more than a thousand words ... and works like charm too.

That all said, the movie is boiling hot - not just because the AC is not working. You have to wait for something to happen at first ... but when the movie lets the lid off ... well it really blows off entirely. Morality may be hard to find - but that is what we get served ... which also may not be exactly what you will be ... expecting! Enjoy this for what it is ... a great b-movie with an idea and dialog that go hand in hand ... I've got some silverware to sell you - watch out for the audio extra during the end credits.

Last stop of greed

[aimless_fool · 6/10 · 12 May 2024]

Summary: The movie is entertaining with a theme of western slow burner. But does not go beyond a good one time watch.

Details:

• The western vibe with desert, dust, heat, guns, bad guys, is all spot-on and gets you hooked into the story

• In the beginning the slow-burn is good but soon the movie picks up pace and there are lot of small twists and turns

• But you dont really feel bad for any character or emotionally moved/attached(except maybe for the scenes with baby) or have deep philosophical state of mind at any point in the movie or in the end.

• it has traces of Tarantino style western, coenesque theme of idiocy meeting evil with surprising coincidences/accidents but fails to match up to their level.

• Basically its a movie about greed which keeps you glued when its on but after watching the movie you are underwhelmed and forget this movie quickly.

One of the Best Indies in Years!

[zack_gideon · 8/10 · 24 May 2024]

This is by far one of the best indie films I've seen in a very long time. It's a great combination of good acting, balancing humor and suspense while leveraging a great script that is impossible to predict.

Indie films usually struggle with budget and acting, so if you can strip the need for budget and get some quality actors to come on board you're gonna have a shot at a winner...this is one of those times.

Joceline Donahue (from The House of the Devil) and Jim Cummings hit the ball out of the park with their acting in this. Also, even being in just one remote setting primarily, the film never gets boring and the last third is super engaging. Great effort guys!!! Kudos to all involved! 8.2/10.

Highway to Danger

[cutie7 · 7/10 · 19 April 2024]

"The Last Stop in Yuma County," the debut film from director Francis Galluppi, offers an intense and thrilling ride that packs a lot into its singular, rural Arizona setting. The story revolves around a traveling salesman who, while stranded at a desolate rest stop, suddenly finds himself caught in a harrowing hostage situation initiated by two ruthless bank robbers. Galluppi's choice to set the entire drama in one location amplifies the claustrophobic tension, which is skillfully maintained throughout the film. The retro style pays homage to the gritty crime thrillers of the 70s, providing a nostalgic touch that enhances the overall visual appeal and atmosphere.

The acting is a real highlight, with performances that bring depth and authenticity to the high-stakes drama. This strong ensemble cast ensures that every moment of the film feels urgent and genuine, echoing the intensity often found in Safdie Brothers films, yet with a unique flair that sets it apart. Although the film is mostly engaging and well-executed, there are a few spots where the pacing stumbles and the focus wavers, hinting at areas where Galluppi might further hone his skills. Despite these minor flaws, "The Last Stop in Yuma County" is a compelling watch, especially for those who appreciate tightly wound narratives and a solid throwback vibe. It's a promising start for Galluppi, showcasing his potential to grow into a noteworthy filmmaker in the genre.

It's fun it's different, and it's a old western morality play. What's not to love.

[vitalymakievsky · 8/10 · 15 May 2024]

Nice interesting take on the heist take genre. Lots of inspiration from obviously Quintin, spaghetti westerns especially The Good the Bad and the Ugly. The story unfolds in this wild paranoid situation that can blow up at any moment. You will sit on the edge of the seat during this one.

This film is also set in what looked to me the 60s, so you get a great bit of Americana here and who doesn't love that? The small town in the middle of know where where the gas truck is late an the gas station is out of gas sets up the plot for the entire movie, which is great story telling device. Very possible scenario out west especially in the 60s. I also, love that everyone has a gun on them, which isn't that out of the ordinary in a small American town...though I am only speaking from a current modern perspective of living is small town USA.

Some of the negatives, is sort of basic Hollywood trope on how guns work, which is rather silly, but at least in this movie the unrealistic gun battle, is very important to set up the morality of the characters.

We all believe we are good people, but when the opportunity is there to get away with a crime, this is what really sets apart from the good the bad and the ugly.

Too many flaws to appreciate fully

[Klaaatu · 7/10 · 19 May 2024]

I'm giving this movie 7 stars out of ten even though I thought the story had way too many places where I had to suspend my disbelief.

I liked the direction and the cinematography, but seriously...

• How is it the general public is looking for bank robbers and the getaway vehicle but the police arent?

• When you're a criminal taking people hostage, why would you leave your hostages with a variety of weapons?

• If you're going to go in guns a blazing into a restaurant to save hostages, why wouldn't you look to your left where the criminals are sitting in the restaurant?

Given all these major plot holes. I still liked the movie - but seriously??

Could've been decent. Wasn't.

[bombersflyup · 3/10 · 13 May 2024]

The Last Stop in Yuma County has a simple, proven premise and plot that works, but the subpar characterization and acting negate what there is to like about the film, add to that no backstory.

One the robbers for instance has his gun visibly hanging out his pants from the start, while they're trying to remain inconspicuous. The protagonist instead of just keeping his mouth shut, goes and decides to make it the problem of the waitress. Then you have the sheriff and deputy who for some reason seem like they're on the wrong set, misplaced out of a stupid comedy. It engages I guess, but pretty disappointing and forgettable in the end.

The Great Greed

[Tweetienator · 6/10 · 18 May 2024]

The Last Stop in Yuma County is a fun little flick, well produced, the cast solid. I agree, not everything may really make sense in a logical kind of way, but the suspense and how the story takes its turns did hold my attention. Maybe the timing and mix of elements of comedy into the plot sometimes did not work too well, and are the weakest in link in the chain, but anyway, I was still well entertained. The Last Stop in Yuma County reminds me a little of Tarantino's The Hateful Eight, but without reaching its quality, of course - so if you are in the mood for a movie like The Hateful Eight or Bad Times at the El Royale comes to mind, you might give this one a try.

Literally everything here is wannabe

[Figliomio · 25 May 2024]

Literally. Yes, literally. Everything. Just about everything. No, totally everything, as in every thing detail, performance, line of dialogue, direction, cutting, camerawork. Script. No, especially script. Here, yes, meaning in this film, the particular film featured on this page. Is. Is as in 3rd person singular as refers to the film under discussion here. Is, you know. Wannabe. As in, not really. Nah, does not work at all. As in the director may have thought he was the reincarnation of the three Coen brothers at once. But he is not even one. He is less than one. He is not a brother at all. Nor Coen. He is a wannabe.

Not original, but COMPETENTLY done

[dcoke25 · 7/10 · 26 May 2024]

You've seen this movie before, this doesn't really do anything new that those haven't done. It's well acted, tightly and competently written, and rather predictable. They try to throw a wrench at the end, but eh, I've seen enough of these types of movies before. The "sweater unraveling movie".

You start out with a loose thread, and the initial pull on it; "No Gas at the Gas Station, since they're in a super remote area, and no gas for the next 100 Miles." Then more and more people come to pull on that loose thread speeding up the destruction of that sweater, 'til it's a pile of yarn. There's your movie.

Its strength is in the acting, and doing CRISP, CLEAN, BELIEVABLE DIALOG and ACTIONS. No one really behaves in a way that doesn't make sense, all actions taken in this movie makes sense and the results of those choices also makes sense. It's a tight and clean script. Which also what makes it mediocre. It's a little too by the books and safe. They realize that by the end and TRY, but fail, TRY to throw a slight curve ball, but you as a wise audience member calls it from a mile away.

You watch this once, and you're good. You won't feel like you were robbed of your time, but ONCE is more than enough. There aren't clever clues foreshadowing the next move in the series of events, hidden in the scenery. It bears everything out in the open.

It's a deliciously nerve-wrecking set-up...!!!

[PANDIAN120621 · 8/10 · 11 May 2024]

With each new narrative development, the film's game of cat and mouse grows more complex... Some people lay on to the danger they're in, while others are blissfully unaware. The diner becomes a pressure cooker, and you never know who's going to make the move, either accidentally or on purpose, that sets the whole thing off...

You can feel Quentin Tarantino's artistic DNA coursing through this story... There are little moments of blackhearted comedy among the bloodshed, but through it all, The Last Stop in Yuma County makes sure that those gunshots resonate. It isn't about the violence overall as we're watching people die messy, unnecessary deaths that come about for no good reason. They just happened to run out of gas at the worst possible time...

Galluppi isn't afraid to kill any of his darlings. Who's left standing by the day's end becomes just as surprising as the insanely entertaining journey getting there... The single location setting is richly textured, with production designer Charlie Textor ensuring the rest stop has as much personality as the elite group stuck there. The vibrant color grading further enriches the production value. Despite the desolate setting...

Also the primary thing that stands tall is the camera work gorgeous enough that reflects the mood of the desert...Also the score combines with what's in the frame in such a way that it satisfies the haunting minds of the atmosphere...While the sound design helps to design or to establish the tension that the least or minute barren desert too contributes...

And finally what to say about the casting everybody did their job in perfection that you can't move the eyes off the screen & therefore keeping our adrenaline pumping until the last act...One can't forget "FARGO" or even " THE HATEFUL EIGHT" Where the director honors the G. O. A. T...

Overall it's everybody's cup of coffee to rejuvenate consuming the medium called Cinema...

Just plain wonderful.

[BandSAboutMovies · 8/10 · 29 September 2023]

The first movie from director and writer Francis Galluppi who comes right out of the gate with a movie that uses one location -- a truck stop where everyone's waiting for a tanker truck to fill up the gas pumps -- and sets the tension on high and just lets everything boil.

The Knife Salesman (Jim Commings) is one of those people that just can't wait to leave. Charlotte (Jocelin Donahue, The House of the Devil) is the waitress stuck there all day, dropped off by her husband, the sheriff (Michael Abbott Jr.). And then there are the two strangers that blow in full of menace, Travis (Nicholas Logan) and Beau (Richard Brake, the best part of many Rob Zombie movies). They just stole more money than you'd think was possible and are so close, so very close to Mexico.

So many people come in and out of the diner with various agendas: Deputy Gavin (Connor Paolo). A Native American named Pete (Jon Proudstar). A young couple named Miles (Ryan Masson) and Sybil (Sierra McCormick). Even Barbara Crampton, Alex Essoe and Faizon Love are in this.

It'd be easy to call this a Tarantino-style film. More to the point, it's a film influenced by the same influences, made by a new filmmaker who is ready to make a statement. This is one of my favorite movies that I've seen this year and I can't wait until this gets into wider release. It's something.

Film Is Rarely Art

[imikeschrandt · 10/10 · 23 May 2024]

Living in the desert, you instantly grasp desperate and desolate makes a perfect backdrop. If you were to sit every day penciling a script, fleshing out characters thru cause and effect, this would be the movie. The lost art of writing, timing, and the smallest detail was painfully obvious in Last Stop, by comparing it to every piece of mindless drivel Hollywood regurgitates.

Think Hitchcock if you need a reference.

Weary travelers thrown together in a brief wait in the middle of nowhere, confront bad luck, unforgiving morality, relentless heat, and circumstances no one controls.

A bank is robbed. There is money, a lack of action, brute force, humanity at it's worst, morality, love, and death all bound by circumstance.

Without saying it all, watch this movie. It's perfectly paced, unexpected chaos, and a thousand times better than a year's worth of movies I've seen.

If you write , act, direct, or photograph...this a perfect nod to understanding that nearly impossible equation.

Shoot 'Em Up Without Soul

[addendumdrive · 1/10 · 13 May 2024]

A humorless onslaught of tragedy that was neither quirky or entertaining. In lieu of developing relationships between characters, the writer shot them. Anyone can make a movie like this but no one should. This is the kind of movie that a movie buff writes after watching much better indie films. A waste of strong actors and possibilities, and devoid of even the slightest whiff of redemptive characters or possibilities. Spoiler: shooting new parents with a baby in the car has no value other than to create awfulness for the sake of awfulness. Critics will adore it and the film makers will pat themselves on the back, and everyone else will wonder why they watched it in the first place.

Excellent Crime Thriller, Francis Galluppi first feature film was brilliant. Confirmed the next director of the next Evil Dead film

[kmkevinn-64733 · 10/10 · 11 May 2024]

Director Francis Galluppi first feature film was excellent, small cast of actors in one environment at the deserts of Arizona. I honestly believe this is better than Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, not many people liked and enjoyed it, there's a few people like me that did not cared of the movie that much. This tells the story about a businessman, two bank robberies and the waitress and a few other folks that came for the gasoline truck, right in the beginning that gas truck collapsed and truck driver did not survived. The tension is palpable, the atmosphere thick with anticipation, and the characters are as richly textured as the American landscape they inhabit. Galluppi's direction is nothing short of brilliant. He orchestrates the suspense with the skill of a seasoned maestro, ensuring that the audience is on the edge of their seats from the opening shot to the final frame. The cinematography is a visual treat, capturing the stark beauty of the desert and the claustrophobic intimacy of the diner with equal aplomb. The script, penned by Galluppi himself, is a work of art. It weaves together elements of dark humor, pathos, and suspense to create a tapestry that is both intricate and engaging. The dialogue crackles with intensity, and the plot twists are executed with such finesse that they leave the audience breathless. Through this 90 minute feature length film and a indie film, is a cinematic triumph. It is a film that not only entertains but also lingers in the mind long after the credits have rolled. With its impeccable direction, stellar performances, and a modern classic that will be remembered as one of the finest examples of American indie filmmaking and of course the script that's as sharp as a knife.

If they move... kill 'em

[Doctor-of-Nothing · 9/10 · 23 February 2024]

The final shot of The Last Stop in Yuma County gives way to the director's credit with the same sting that William Holden's line - "If they move... kill 'em" - announces Directed by Sam Peckinpah in The Wild Bunch. And if that isn't high praise enough, there's this: Last Stop is a crisp widescreen waltz and the devil is definitely playing the tune. Each character or pair of characters peel off the hot road and into what they think is a diner, but is really a pressure cooker, perfectly tended by the writer/director Galluppi. A one room crucible that his ceaselessly prowling camera explores with grace and guile until every inch of the geography is understood... yet miraculously allowing both everything and nothing that happens to be anticipated. Compare the clarity of the film's key incident to the mess Scorsese made of the final conflagration in The Departed or the stalking in Cape Fear. Galluppi wins hands down.

This is the best film of the year so far. A perfect choreography of characters, camera, and cunning. Amazing performances across the board. Cummings, Brake, Logan, Donahue, Abbott Jr., Paolo - sly, steely, antic, moving, scary, funny. All the needle drops are spot on, virtually becoming another character in the diner. But the slo-mo montage to Roy Orbison's "Crying" is the standout -- an absolutely stellar, chill inducing 2:48 seconds.

Good enjoyable film especially if you like Quentin Tarrantino films

[akermanmax · 8/10 · 12 May 2024]

A good enjoyable movie with a very simple story which works well in in timeframe of 90 mins. Reminded me a lot of Quentin Tarrantino movies with the tongue and cheek. And it's ridiculousness through silly decisions made. It built great sense of suspense and when the action begins it all ends in a very quick bloodbath.

I won't say much about the story because it's quite easy to spoil it.... Ignore the haters , they seem to forget not everyone is smart in this world . They should be reminded to go on YouTube and have a look .... At funny videos of people doing stupid things online

We have a young Quentin Tarrantino director! Hats off to you! I would love to see you do this style again with something even more ambitious in the future.

My Review!

[pstammar · 5/10 · 16 May 2024]

This film would have been great in the 70's. Its obvious that its a low budget slow movie, but that doesn't do it any harm, I felt its kinds slow laid back Tarantino style. Killing the main character after one hour of the movie to show that hes not the lead actor and the story continues with another, its smart on building the plot.

Now the shooting scene is the peak of this slow movie, so well done and left everybody dead.

I still need to know what did did he wrote on that paper, in addition I found it strange that he knew about the name Sarah and decides to forgives, then yet again he hears a baby crying and ignore that leaving it in the middle of the desert.

Where The Poop Meets The Fan - Cummings Shines

[LazyCatCutCoins · 9/10 · 13 May 2024]

Twice in a row I watched this movie and all the while wondered how this could be anybody's feature length directorial debut but Francis Galluppi knocked this one out of the park.

The bad guys were scary, the good guys were flawed, and the dumb guys and greed for money captured the status quo of the human condition to a tee.

The timeline was vague but according to the knife slinger's Toyota Corona and the price of cigarettes, it must take place around 1970. A wonderful time for a terrible circumstance in a gasless, desert h*llhole

What can you say about Jim Cummings? I love him more every time I see him and this performance was no exception. When I see him, I can't help but think of a young Sam Rockwell ala Lawn Dogs or Box Of Moonlight. Very special and very unique. If I had twenty bucks, I'd bet it all that this kid is destined for a violent collision with the tippy top of the industry.

The squeamish probably won't make it through if they even start, but those are the breaks. It's just that kind of movie.

Sprint (don't run), to see The Last Stop In Yuma County. When you're done, go grab a five gallon gas can. It just might save your arse one day.