The Last Deal

Based on a true story, writer/director Jonathan Salemi's crime thriller is set in a post-Prop 64 world where marijuana has been decriminalized and those who were once the "haves" become the "have nots." One such fellow is Vincent (Anthony Molinari), whose previous jet-setting lifestyle has come to a screeching halt as his medicinal weed business is now essentially irrelevant. He's not much more than a courier now and that's a mighty steep fall. When his partner, Bobby (Mister Fitzgerald), comes to him with the possibility for one big last deal that could save the business and even get him ahead it's too good to resist. Unable to completely handle the score himself, he turns to the Boss (Sala Baker) seeking a buy-in. Everything has to go right. Of course, it doesn't. The Last Deal is that rare convincing low-budget action flick that soars on the strength of a talented production crew and incredibly strong ensemble led by stunt man/actor Molinari. With almost a couple hundred stunt credits, there's literally no doubt you've seen Molinari's work but The Last Deal makes it perfectly clear that he's leading man material. Salemi's script is substantial, both convincing as an action flick and as a cultural statement. If you don't get the film's messages, you're likely not paying close enough attention.

Molinari's Vincent is a seriously complex dude. While The Last Deal is set smack-dab in the world of crime and there's no doubt Vincent has made his share of bad choices, he's a relatable guy whose down to earth qualities radiate a strange sense of normalcy amidst it all. You can't help but like the guy. He's essentially a good guy to Tabitha (Jeffri Lauren) and pretty much to everyone until he gets in over his head and starts getting double and triple-crossed. He kind of reminds me of John Wick, though with much less violence. There's an inner spark inside him and we see his light no matter how dark he has to get.

I'd love to see what director Jonathan Salemi could do with a bigger budget. His work here is impressive and if there's any justice in the cinematic world Hollywood is watching and will be knocking on his door.

I was referred to watch this from a filmmaking friend. He told me the film was shot pretty low budget with no permits and a bunch of Hollywood stuntmen. He loved it but I had no idea what to expect. Man, was I blown away.

They must have pulled some serious favors to shoot in the locations they shot but the film works outside of the production value. This is a very tense well acted ride. It's beautifully shot and I haven't seen Los Angeles look this dirty and noir slimey since Michael Mann type stuff.

The soundtrack is really good too. Composer Tony Fiala does an amazing job creating a tone throughout the movie. And director Jonathan Salemi really shines at telling a compelling and engaging story.

Anthony Molinari who I noticed from "Barry" really steals the show. Amazing what they pulled off in this movie. Although it does have a couple slow moments, it should not be confused with a micro-budget movie because it's so much more than that. It really is an amazing piece of cinema if you consider how much they made it for. And it can stand alone without that knowledge as well.

I think my expectations were...high. They did a great job with a limited budget. Support indie filmmaking and buy/rent the movie. Just know what you're getting in to. Keep it up, y'all.

I think my expectations were...high. They did a great job with a limited budget. Support indie filmmaking and buy/rent the movie. Just know what you're getting in to. Keep it up, y'all.

I think my expectations were...high. They did a great job with a limited budget. Support indie filmmaking and buy/rent the movie. Just know what you're getting in to. Keep it up, y'all.

I think my expectations were...high. They did a great job with a limited budget. Support indie filmmaking and buy/rent the movie. Just know what you're getting in to. Keep it up, y'all.

Sometimes indie cinema hits and sometimes it just completely misses. This is the former! It's great to see what the independent landscape can provide when done well.

This movie caught me by surprise because I didn't know what to expect. It's done very well. The only way it could struggle is because it sometimes feels like a much bigger film and you can see what the filmmakers could possibly do with a bigger budget.

Lead actor Anthony Molinari is phenomenal playing the anti-hero and person against the ropes. Supporting actor Mister Fitzgerald stuck out for me too. I hope we see more of him. He brings a strong honest quality.

Director and Producer Jonathan Salemi really achieved a lot with a little and told a very non pretentious story whereas many indies sometimes feel like they're being something they're not. I look forward to seeing what he does next with a bigger budget.

The only unfortunate thing is this movie won't get the marketing blitz behind it that a larger film would and that's unfortunate because the film really stands up on its own and competes with movies 10x its size. Well done indie Hollywood!!! Btw, great death scene in the middle of the movie. Wasn't expecting it nor my daughter, ha!

If you like shows, movies or documentaries that deal with the drug trade this is definitely for you. The film really makes you care about the central character as his world collapses due to the legalization of Marijuana. It reminded me a little bit of the movie 'The Gambler' because things just get worse and worse as the film progresses. It's intense. L. A is almost like a character in the film in the sense that quite a bit of the story was shot outside and this makes the movies vibrant, alive. I loved that! The beginning of the film has a bit of voice over that's quite insightful. It grounded the story and made it even more realistic. This was a great watch.