The 11th Installment of This Cult Action Franchise Includes One of the Most Impactful Twists in Years

Warning: Major spoilers for Sniper: The Last Stand ahead! As the eleventh installment in a cult action franchise, Sniper: The Last Stand offers an unexpectedly bold twist that caught me completely off guard. While the series may lack the widespread recognition of illustrious counterparts like John Wick or Mission: Impossible, its surprising longevity—now spanning eleven entries—is a delightful achievement. For those unfamiliar with the series, it chronicles the perilous quests of seasoned sniper Thomas Beckett (played by Tom Berenger), with his son Brandon (Chad Michael Collins) joining the fray in later installments as they tackle various high-stakes missions around the globe.

The Sniper franchise has had its share of ups and downs, but the latest sequel, The Last Stand, stands out as perhaps the best in years. Directed by Danishka Esterhazy, this film innovatively plays with established series conventions while eliminating the ineffective humor that plagued its predecessors. One of the most striking aspects is Esterhazy’s audacious mid-point reveal regarding the villain Kovalov’s (Arnold Vosloo) superweapon.

A Shocking Midway Turn in Sniper: The Last Stand

Half of The Last Stand’s Ensemble Literally Drops Dead

The film kicks off with a raid on Kovalov’s stronghold, during which Beckett is drawn into the fray. In a desperate move, Kovalov activates an experimental pulse weapon that initially seems harmless, leaving viewers questioning its significance. However, as the plot unfolds, Sniper: The Last Stand dramatically flips expectations by dispatching both Kovalov and several team members in a brief span of time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSwYhvG0Hy4

SNIPER: THE LAST STAND – Official Trailer (HD) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSwYhvG0Hy4)

This sudden turn of events left a lasting impression, highlighting the film’s capacity to shock. Not only does it eliminate a major character from the narrative, but it also dramatically alters the direction of the plot. The weapon turns out to be a devastating doomsday device capable of eliminating targets via lethal pulse waves, shifting the team’s focus from rescue to survival against an impending militia attack, all while ensuring the destruction of this dangerous weapon.

Lessons for Action Franchises: Boldness Over Formula

Sniper’s Creative Formula Against Viewers

The decision to wipe out a significant portion of the cast does more than aim for shock value—it powerfully emphasizes the imminent threat posed by Kovalov’s weapon. In familiar franchises like Sniper, each edition tends to adhere to a predictable structure, often relying on established plot points. What I found thrilling about The Last Stand was its ability to upend these expectations. Rather than a straightforward action flick, it proved that even within a long-running series, creators could challenge the audience’s assumptions.

The Sniper Movie Franchise	Release Year
Sniper	1993
Sniper 2	2002
Sniper 3	2004
Sniper: Reloaded	2011
Sniper: Legacy	2014
Sniper: Ghost Shooter	2016
Sniper: Ultimate Kill	2017
Sniper: Assassin’s End	2020
Sniper: Rogue Mission	2022
Sniper: G. R.I. T.– Global Response & Intelligence Team	2023
Sniper: The Last Stand	2025

Major franchises could take a cue from this approach. For example, the Fast & Furious series has become somewhat predictable, relying on a formula that prioritizes adding more characters and explosions over genuine innovation. The evident fatigue from Fast X and its lackluster reception reflects how adherence to unchallenging tropes can diminish excitement.

The Sniper Series: A Unique Action Franchise Worth Exploring

Action Movies Don’t Have to Follow a Formula

My enthusiasm for the Sniper series has been revitalized following this film. There’s hope that other franchises might embrace a similar approach. Compelling storytelling in action films doesn’t necessitate complexity; rather, it can thrive on diverting audience expectations. An example outside of traditional franchises, Netflix’s Rebel Ridge showcases how to blend familiar elements with innovative twists that engage viewers on various levels.

Chad Michael Collins, who plays Brandon Beckett, is also recognized for his role as Alex Keller (“Echo 3-1”) in the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare video games.

If a Sniper 12 materializes, I hope it will incorporate more daring elements akin to the shocking revelations in The Last Stand. Furthermore, it would be intriguing to see established franchises like James Bond or Jason Bourne experiment with their formulas, keeping audiences on their toes. While this may seem like wishful thinking, the fact that a B-movie series can aspire to innovation suggests that more prominent properties should be unafraid to take risks.

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