Rambo [Blu-ray]

Despite the fact that I grew up with Sly films, I'm not a huge Rambo fan. But no one can deny the character's place as the iconic action hero. I admit that when I heard Stallone was reviving Rambo (as well as Rocky), I was more than skeptical. But both films were dutifully faithful to their respective franchises and profess now that I was wrong about Stallone - he has garnered my full respect as a quality director and film maker, at least within the confines of his own beloved franchises.

In the case of Rambo, Stallone pulls no punches (no pun intended.) Here we get another glimpse of John Rambo as a lost man. We also get to see him lay down untold destruction on a group of Burmese militia, lead by a very sadistic leader.

This is hardly a brainy film, but who would ever expect a Rambo film to be so? What we DO expect is something dramatic and intense action and on the surface, Rambo delivers in spades. But the film's underlying beauty is its message about the true terrors of Burma and like countries. Of course this film is fictional, but Stallone did plenty of research; even the chief villain (Maung Maung Khin) is a former freedom fighter in Burma and I'm sure added his own nightmarish accounts of the realities of the situation.

And let me say this now, this film is a blood bath, but not in a Hollywood sense....in a very realistic sense. When you watch this movie, remember that is happening RIGHT NOW, somewhere in the world.

Not a huge fan of mindless action, nor a violence-junkie, I was surprised by how visceral and powerful this film is. Not for the faint of heart, but if you're a fan of old-school, brutal action films, don't miss it.

It's also a lean 91 minutes long, which is very welcome in today's Holloywood bloating of 2+ hours films.

I'm a fan of all the Rambo films and still feel the first one is the best. This is a great addition though and contains a solid story and tremendous action sequences. I like the character interaction, plot, and pace. If you like Rambo you won't be disappointed but be advised that this easily the most graphically violent movie of the series so if serious gore is a problem for you, be forewarned.

Count me among the non-believers who forever delayed seeing the botoxed muscle-bound Stallone when this fourth installment was released. Used to be the corner of his mouth that would exhibit an oddity all of its own, now it's his entire face. Thankfully, this crackerjack explosive thriller requires much of neither. It takes a clearcut plot but throws in some simmering action that is not only updated for the times (think Bourne Identity's Aikido-style stylization), it is also hardboiled enough to make the lily-livered cringe.

There's a healthy dose of intelligence in the manner in which our beloved moose blows up entire armies of people using chickenwire, a bow and arrows, and of course his bandanna. Plus, would you believe it, you might also feel an emotion or two because, you know, evil is repugnant and evil is precisely what many of the munchkins in a nondescript Asian island (okay, Burma) happen to be: fresh cardboard variety.

A very worthy rental if you know what to expect from a Rambo movie. You'll get it in spades. Literally.

Wars in your blood, when your pushed, killins as easy as breathin. Those are the words of John @#$%^& Rambo (Sylvester Stallone). First, there was First Blood, then Rambo First Blood Part II, then Rambo III, all decent movies. But now it's time to end the fight with RAMBO. Pushing, Shoving, Killing. There all parts of war, and if you can't handle them. Go to hell. He started out in Vietnam, then return to the states in Washington in 82, Went back to Vietnam in 85, Went to Afghanastan in 88, but now, he's going to hell in 08. 62 year old Sylvester Stallone is ready for ONE
LAST
BATTLE. Those who have seen many gory films like Saving Private Ryan, 300, or Scarface, this movie will make these movies combined together even look like bouncing bears from heaven. You want to know why. Well, watch this movie and find out.

"Rambo" (2008) makes Sam Peckinpah look like Walt Disney. This Sylvester Stallone bloodfest exists in its own cinematic universe - functioning as a graphic journey into Burmese carnage. At least Stallone keeps things moving while bullets, bombs and bodies fly in all directions. The 90-minute running time adds to the B-movie atmosphere. Thanks for the memories, Sly, but enough already.