During President Ronald Reagan’s ‘War on Drugs’, one of the federal task forces in South Carolina was responsible for Operation Jackpot. The subjects of this were the ‘gentlemen smugglers’ who were college-educated and did what they could to avoid violence. This was the jumping-off point for the now on-demand movie The Final Run.
Pierce Butler (Jeff Fahey) had served in the Marines and then participated in the smuggling runs off the coast. After capture and conviction, he served time and returned home. He is now in his twilight years, and his wife is dying of cancer. The local bank has been sold, and there are no more loans available. He still has some money from his running days, but it isn’t enough. His granddaughter Ella (Maddie Henderson) wants to help. Davis (Drew Waters) is the DEA Agent currently patrolling the coast, and he knows something is happening. And retired DEA Agent Sam Sloan (Judd Nelson) is still around and keeping his ear to the ground, helping who he wants, how he wants.
The film fits the part of the United States where the story takes place. In the southeastern coast, life has a relaxed, casual pace, and the movie follows. The slow pace of the film and the repetition of specific plot points had me checking my watch multiple times. Some storylines didn’t have enough coverage, such as how Alex is related to Ella and what Sam did that led to Pierce’s conviction.
If your having a lazy lie about day and looking for something to have on, check to see where this on demand option is available to you.
Director: Chris Helton
Cast: Jeff Fahey, Judd Nelson, Drew Waters
Selig Rating: 2 stars
Runtime: 1h 28m
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Genre(s): Action, Drama
Trailer: Final Run trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.