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Rambo

Starring: Sylvester Stallone
Director: Sylvester Stallone
Genre: Action
Year: 2008
Rating: 3 / 5

At the time of its release, Rambo actor-director-writer Sylvester Stallone was sixty-one years old. Twenty-six years had passed since he first immersed himself in the role of John Rambo, and twenty years had passed since he abandoned the character after the schlock that was Rambo III. Somewhat surprisingly, Stallone’s age is not a detriment in this film, as he’s meant to look a little past-his-prime, and, to be honest, the actor still keeps himself in pretty good shape. (Anyone who saw his sixth turn as Rocky Balboa in 2006 can verify this statement.) So what does all of this mean for Rambo, the fourth – and final? – installment in the First Blood franchise? The movie may not be for the faint of heart, but, as action movies go, the film generally succeeds, and considering the diminished expectations, that’s not a bad thing.

John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) is a grizzled old man, living off the land in Southeast Asia. He makes his living capturing wild animals for less-than-noble endeavors and serves as a river guide for eager travelers. One such group asks him to take them into what can only be considered a war zone, a part of Burma that is perpetually under assault from military warlords. These religious do-gooders want to make a difference, and, after some persuasion, Rambo reluctantly agrees to take them to their destination. As might be expected, things do not go exactly as planned, and, when word reaches Rambo that his charges have been kidnapped by the militants, he makes it his personal crusade to bring them to safety.

Rambo has more gory, over-the-top, on-screen deaths than any film I can remember viewing. Those who stand in Rambo’s way have a tendency to have themselves gutted, have their heads exploded by rifle fire, or have their throats ripped out – by hand! Give Stallone, in his roles as writer and director, credit for recognizing that, at this stage, John Rambo is not exactly going to win over new legions of fans. Men, specifically ones looking for action, are all that can keep this franchise afloat, and he definitely delivers lots of it. Likewise, at a crisp 91 minutes, the film wastes little time establishing new characters or filling in the blanks of Rambo’s last twenty years. Why bother with such trivial items when there are decapitations to show?!

Wasting more than a passing sentence on Stallone’s supporting cast would be an exercise in futility. We spend a few minute’s getting to know Julie Benz’s Sarah, the reason why Rambo is emotionally invested in this particular mission. Other than that, we’re treated to two handfuls of stereotypes – driven men out to do good despite little grasp of the realities that are facing them and your run-of-the-mill mercenaries, out to do anything for a buck. The film is Stallone’s from the onset, however, and his still-broad shoulders prove that they are up to the task. There’s not a lot of story here, and there’s a little bit of a political message tucked in here and there, but, in the end, Stallone gives us an action film that delivers to us exactly what it promises.

Cast:

Certification: Rated R for violence and language.
Running Time: 91 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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