Rambo (2008)

[Ash]

Rented this from a Redbox DVD machine for $1 and enjoyed the hell out of it.   

One thing I learned from this movie is...

You don't F**K with John Rambo!





This film tries to close the saga of Rambo that we saw in the 80's.
It's more hardcore and ten times more brutal than any of the previous Rambo films.
(The blood and gore flowed heavily during the action/fight scenes)

This time around, Rambo is scratching out a living in Thailand capturing snakes when a group of white Christian missionaries and doctors approach him asking if he'll give them a boat ride into war-torn Burma.
At first he refuses, but then is eventually convinced by the only woman in the group.
For some reason, he's moved by what she says to him and seems to act as her personal protector.
He drops them off and heads back downriver to his home. (he makes a pit-stop along the way  )

The group is taken by surprise and captured by the evil Burmese Army.

When I say that the enemy Burmese troops are evil, I'm not kidding!
They amuse themselves by tossing landmines into shallow water and forcing groups of people to walk through it at gunpoint.  They take bets on who will survive and who won't.  And then they shoot anyone who makes it through.

They invade heavily populated villages and shoot everyone. 
One soldier puts his boot down on the head of a 4-5 year old boy who is lying on the ground and stabs a bayonet into him. (you see the blade penetrating his body)
These evil Burmese soldiers shoot men, women and children.  They torch people with flamethrowers and lay waste to entire villages.  They don't care.

If you have a faint heart, you'll be disturbed by some of the graphic scenes in this film.



Rambo is contacted in person by a representative of the missionaries' church and is told that mercenaries have been hired to help bring them out.
He needs Rambo to ferry the mercs into hostile Burmese territory to help rescue the captured Christians.

The mercs are a ragtag group and at first, one of them particularly dislikes Rambo.
They eventually come to respect him when he shows them what he can do with his bow and arrows.
If you thought Rambo was good with a bow in First Blood Part 2, you have to see him here.  He single handedly dispatches 5-6 enemy soldiers in less than 30 seconds!

Eventually, Rambo and the mercs make their way to the enemy camp and rescue the captives.
When the enemy realize what has happened, an extended foot pursuit begins throughout the jungle.
I won't reveal anything more other than the fact that some of the most brutal and bloody combat takes place while Rambo and Co. try to escape.

The Final Fight  (MAJOR SPOILER SCENE!!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUYI24MJWxI



This film is more like First Blood Part 2.  When you watch Rambo in the jungle and see him and the mercs infiltrate the enemy camp, you can't help but think of the second film.

This movie also attempts and succeeds at bringing Rambo's story full circle. (something Stallone mentions in the DVD commentary)

Remember how we first met John Rambo in the movie First Blood?
He was walking along a road wearing his green military jacket and carrying a pack over his shoulder.
In the end of this movie, he's doing just that...  Only he's a bit older.  (it was one scene I'll never forget)
I wouldn't dream of telling you exactly where he's going, but let's just say that we hope he's come to terms with all that has happened to him throughout the years.  (I think he has)

I rate this film 3.5 out of 4 stars.   
I only wish it had been a half hour longer because it seems to end too quickly.
If you like the character of Rambo and love brutal violence, you'll like this film!
I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Have you seen Rambo?
If so, what did you think?

[Scott]

Saw this in theater opening night in January I believe. It's a good one. Stallone has now done a good job with both his latest films. Stallone is a smart and talented man both his greatest characters RAMBO and ROCKY BALBOA now have a nice finish.

Did a search and couldn't find my previous thoughts on this film, but I know I put it in a good movie thread somewhere. 

[Torgo]

Saw Rambo back in January in theaters and also just picked up the DVD.  Loved it both times.

Definitely makes up for that atrocity that was Rambo III.   

[Neville]

It's not without its flaws... the supporting characters are cardboard. During the sene when we are introduced to the mercs in Rambo's boat I couldn't believe Sly could write such bad dialogue.

And then there's the violence... if I hadn't read myself that the atrocities the film depicts are very real and are well documented I would have bought the accusations of violence porn. It's a very thin line Sly's walking here.

But this things aside, it's a very good movie. It's surprisingly well shot, and Sly proves that he understands his character much better than we though after "First Blood Part II" and "Rambo III". The way he portrays him after all this years is very interesting, even brave. I guess he had time to understand what people expected of a Rambo movie these days, and that it wasn't the cartoonish violence of the two previous instalments.

[The Burgomaster]

I bought the DVD and watched it today.  Very enjoyable and plenty of bloody violence (but it certainly ain't no CITIZEN KANE!)

[Jim H]

A slight note - they're apparently already working on a sequel, which will be less of an action picture according to Stallone.  Whatever that means...

[CheezeFlixz]

I say it in my best Sylvester Stallone voice.

"Essss oooovve raa iz ahhh raa aa."

and that's what I think.

[moman]

Asbolutely loved it.

[CheezeFlixz]

Watched it tonight ... not to bad
body count of all Rambo's
http://www.eatliver.com/img/2008/2770.jpg

[Trevor]

I'm a little hesitant to watch this: the trailer I have looks good, the film is due to start here soon, and it has a good cinematographer (Glen MacPherson A.S.C.) but........the names of the producers worry me much.

Three of them were behind NuWorld Services which virtually ruined the film industry in this country and they hardly ever paid their crews or actors. That led to them getting their asses out of SA, chased by angry creditors.

I think I will still see it, though. 

[Warp Ninja X]

Me and friend went to the first showing in January too and loved the movie. It was really sad what happed to people the demonic army did to them but the good part was when Rambo hands on them.

[Monkeyface]

Yes, excellent action flick! 
The final fight scene at the end is well worth the rental or even purchase fee.
Plus it gives a little history about what is going on in that part of the world.