Rambo (2008)

Director: Sylvester Stallone

Starring: Sylvester Stallone

More Info: IMDB

Tagline: Heroes never die.... They just reload.

Plot: In Thailand, John Rambo joins a group of mercenaries to venture into war-torn Burma, and rescue a group of Christian aid workers who were kidnapped by the ruthless local infantry unit.

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My Rating: 9/10

Would I watch it again? OH, HELL YEAH! So far twice in the theater and once on Blu-ray

The tagline for this is great. Here’s mine that pretty much sums it up: PUSSIES, YOU’D BETTER SIT THIS ONE OUT! This movie is 100% Grade-A Man Food. It’s probably the most violent theatrical film I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen some beauts.

I don’t know where to start. It’s nothing short of amazing. That’s right. I was there first show, opening day. I had watched FIRST BLOOD in the past six months and RAMBO II the night before. I LOVED FIRST BLOOD and liked RAMBO II. Part III is still on the horizon. But after seeing how Stallone treated ROCKY BALBOA (I had previously only seen the first two ROCKY films) I was actually excited to see if he would have brought the same tenderness, admiration and care to his other famous character.

He did. I was really taken aback at how serious it was. It has the tone of the first film and the ramped-up violence from the second and third but still maintaining heart, weight, and sense of purpose. From the first few minutes it’s obvious he’s not fucking around with this movie. It’s ON. John Rambo is tired and is used to living his life as he wishes. He knows his shit and doesn’t tolerate anyone who doesn’t. He’s compassionate to those who need help. Well, except for the idiot missionaries that want him to take them into Burma, a war zone for the past 60 years. He’s reluctant because he knows what’s in store but he finally gives in and takes them.

John Rambo doesn’t say much…’cause he doesn’t have to. Stallone does a great job with just his presence. When he comes to the unexpected rescue of the mercenaries sent to save the missionaries it’s ON. Oh, man. Sooooo many people die and in gloriously bloody ways. Good people, too. That helps. Have you ever wanted to see someone rip a man’s throat out with his bare hands? Arrows through all kinds of places? Blood, bone, brains, guts spattered and caked onto anything they’ll stick to? Here’s your chance.

And it’s not just Stallone’s acting, presence or the violence that makes the picture so great. Many of the secondary characters are terrific. All of the mercenaries are interesting – even the asshole leader. He’s especially fun to watch. Sure, the story serves only as a means to kill people but it works. The bad guys are established right from the get go. There’s no getting around the fact that these Burmese bastards deserve their grisly end. I’m OK with that. No problems here.

When Rambo says the word, “Fuck”, it carries a lot of weight. Nice.

Rambo’s actions are completely justified and you can’t help but to respect his reluctance and his subsequent actions. He’s a good man. Just don’t fuck with him and you’ll be OK.



The run time is right at an hour and a half – it FLIES by. Seriously, you close your eyes and you’re done.

It’s entertaining as hell. Several jump out of your seat and scream moments.

The ending is very satisfying.

There is a modest and effective use of Jerry Goldsmith’s beautiful FIRST BLOOD theme.

It’s hard to believe that Stallone has pulled this off at the age of 61!!! Day-um.


It’s clear Stallone has a great reverence for this character and wanted to make this final (?) chapter a tribute to the fans just as he did with ROCKY BALBOA. In the past couple of years I’ve come to really appreciate him as an entertainer. He’s very intelligent and creative and truly appreciates his long and prosperous career and the millions of fans that helped him get there. RAMBO is for those fans.

Over the next couple of weeks following the first show I talked this movie up to so many people I ended up going back for a second shot with a friend and it stood up just as well the second (and later on Blu-ray for a third) time. And I STILL haven’t seen RAMBO III. I know it’ll pale in comparison but it should still be fun. It’s funny that I grew up around these movies and never saw them because I thought they were stupid action movies. Sure, there’s that element of mindless action. But they’re still fun.