Rambo (18)

Directed by: Sylvester Stallone

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, Matthew Marsden

Synopsis: A group of Christian Missionaries try to convince John Rambo to ferry them into Burma. Initially reluctant, he agrees, only to learn later that they have been taken captive by the Burmese army. Once more, Rambo tools up and with the aid of some mercenaries, intends to rescue the aid workers.

Review: I've always liked Sylvester Stallone. From his insistence and tenacity in playing the part of Rocky, to going back and repaying the fans with the sentimental journey that is Rocky Balboa. But I wasn't ready for a Rambo 4...

The novel First Blood by David Morrell was a dark study of a vietnam vet wronged and how his training pushes him to react. The movie came quite close to the tone of the novel. Rambo, First Blood Part 2, took the character and made him into a kind of superhero. Rambo 3 pushed this idea on a little further. I found all three movies entertaining but First Blood won out as a more realistic and darker movie.

When John Rambo was announced, I was sceptical. Judging from the initial plot ideas for Rambo 4 over the years I had good cause to be wary of a new chapter, years after the last film. I saw Rocky Balboa and my hopes were raised for a Rambo sequel. RB was a nostalgic look back at the movie franchise that made Sly a household name. It gave me confidence that Mr Stallone wasn't just padding out his pension, he genuinely cared about the characters that he had defined during the eighties.

My interest piqued when I heard that the story was to be set in Burma. Cynical at first because I guessed that it was just a case of "let's find a set of bad guys". Then, the red band trailer was released. I did a 360 degree on the whole thing. This got me excited for a Rambo 4! But, surely, the MPAA wouldn't allow the level of violence? This was just Stallone getting the action movie fans panting with excitement?

So, on to the commercial release.

Rambo is a tour de force of social conscience and extreme violence. The movie begins with unsettling scenes of what looks like genuine footage of barbaric acts in Burma. If that wasn't enough to prepare us, Stallone shows us, as the movie begins properly, a sick and twisted game that the soldiers play with villagers.

When Rambo enters the movie, during the opening credits, he is quickly established as a man whose purpose has long gone. He's biding his time. Much has been written about Stallone's physical appearance and age. I'm not concerned about these things. I feel that Stallone does a good job in the role and looks well.

Rambo reluctantly transports a group of Christian Aid workers, ably led by Michael Burnett played by Paul Schulze (he's been in loads but I remember him well as the ill-fated Ryan Shapelle in Day 3 of 24), and Sarah Miller played by Julie Benz (from Buffy, Angel and Dexter). Stallone requested Benz after seeing her in Dexter and it was a great piece of casting. Rambo connects with Sarah ,and this drives his actions through the film from his acceptance to ferry the Aid workers to his actions in the Burmese jungle.

There is no real characerisation of the Burmese soldiers. This is one of the major criticisms of the movie. Again, I think Stallone purposefully demonises the soldiers to get across the brutality, not just of the Burmese but also the atrocities carried out by African rebels too. The viewer needs to decide for themselves how they feel about this.

When the aid workers go missing, Rambo transports a group of mercs up river to rescue them. Throughout the journey, one of the mercs, well played by Graham McTavish, is a pain in the ass. Typically, how Brit ex-SAS are shown in Hollywood movies i had thought. However, things change as the movie progresses and I felt like cheering for him when his sacrafice was made. Normally, in movies the mouthy Brit talks the talk but is ultimately a coward. Here Stallone twists this stereotype into a hero.

When Rambo goes on his killing spree, we have no feelings of remorse for the Burmese soldiers and that is intentional it seems. Rambo rips through soldiers with a 50 caliber truck mounted gun leaving a bloody mess behind and possibly make Saving Private Ryan's assault on the beachead look like a children's programme. The difference is that the assault at Omaha was upsetting. They were our boys, and the story was based on an actual event. Rambo is not a film that needs to have that sentiment. However, there is still emotion, mainly evoked by Brian Tyler's excellent score. Like his score for Aliens Vs Predator Requiem, he references Jerry Goldsmith's Rambo theme whilst creating a Hans Zimmer-esque theme that softly echoes the plight of the villagers and the Aid worker's plight.

Matthew Marsden plays "School Boy" who is a sniper. He also makes short work of the bad guys. We get some cool shots through the lens scope of his rifle.

Stallone proves himself as a competent director, using the camera to great effect and resisting the jump cuts that dizzy the audience in so many movies now. Less is more as far as John Rambo's dialogue is concerned. I'm glad that Stallone edited his screenplay, cutting out Rambo externalising and explaining how he'd got to where he is. The ending, with John returning home is quite poignant and must strike a chord in the servicemen serving their countries places like Afghanistan.

Verdict: The violence won't be for everyone, and some may argue that this type of film was done better by Antoine Fuqua in Tears of the Sun. Still, whilst uncomfortable in places, the movie is well worth watching by action fans. There is depth if you want (but not much) and it is exciting.

8/10 (Review by Wayfarer)