Rambo [Blu-ray] Reviews

• Should be required viewing for all Americans

  
  By AQ0EO10KTRJ4V on 2008-03-31
  RAMBO (2008) should be mandatory viewing for all citizens in the United States ?
  
  Why do I say this ?
  
  We as a society have had it so good for so long that too many of our people take our quality of life for granted today and thus sit back with apathy as warning signs pop up in front of us everyday that the America we loved and respected and was once great.... is eroding away from within every day.
  
  It's depressing to see this once great nation rot from within like the Roman Empire did before us.
  
  Along these lines, too many American citizens today know almost nothing about the world beyond AMERICAN IDOL and GREYS ANATOMY TV shows.
  
  No lie....... when my wife and I were leaving the theatre after seeing RAMBO (2008) a group of 30-something adults were walking in front of us.....
  They commented to each other.....
  "Is Burma a real country or did they make that up for the movie ?"
  
  YIKES.... we let people like this actually vote !
  
  Many people focus only on the violence in this film and perhaps miss the larger symbolism that Stallone often interjects into his films.
  
  Rambo, like many of us in our late 40s and older see people in power making the same mistakes, people becoming less thoughtful and considerate of others and basically see the damage caused by open door immigration and unchecked urban growth.
  
  It all seems to prove the old adage to be more true than ever........
  
  "Its a shame man's moral and social development fails to keep pace with his technological advances".
  
  RAMBO reminds us of the type of integrity and determination and self-analysis real heroes and leaders go thru in life.
  
  Unfortunately we see little of these noble characteristics in either cinema or real-life anymore.
  
  The fact that a 61 year old action hero can outshine and ourperform today's modern "heroes" like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt on the screen is also a parrallel commentary on where our society is today.
  
  We don't have many John Waynes, Charles Bronsons, Clint Eastwoods, or Stallones in our society today.
  
  Instead we have limp "dish-rags" and decadent morals and wimpbaits who like to cry, whine, gripe and complain about things but never want to step up and actually fix or solve any problems.
  
  Where have all the leaders gone ?
  We certainly don't have any running for President in 2008 for example.
  
  
  

• Was expecting funny and I was given philosophy

  
  By A1LJR5IS0B6ADX on 2008-04-23
  I must admit, that as of recent I have enjoyed current mainstream movies regardless if they are released to the theater or directly to video so I can abase them. In other words, I truly find pleasure in ripping movies apart. It has been my perception, my perception, that about 70% of movies made in the past 5 to 6 years are horrid.
  
  One might ask why I feel this way, well it is rather simple. Most movies are a plug in for a new phone, car or maybe to promote a soundtrack. These movies also rely more on special effects and visual stimulation, where acting, directing and story take the backseat. Therefore, movies (for the most part) in modern times are nothing more than a 90 to 100 minute commercial.
  
  Then of course there are the movies that are so over the top they are just down right silly. This is the perception I had when I saw the trailer for "Rambo" (it was titled "John Rambo" when I first viewed it on the internet). I thought, "What the hell is Stallone thinking"? I didn't see the most recent "Rocky", but I heard it wasn't any good. I didn't really care too much about the quality of a new "Rocky" movie, but I felt like there was nothing else to do and all doors were closed when "Rocky 5" was made. Why was Stallone going back to Rocky? Was there a point to it? Now he is going to make another Rambo movie, why? Both these characters whose names start with "R" make a return after not being seen for almost 20 years?
  
  I digress to the trailer for Rambo I saw on the internet. I was laughing so hard I couldn't take it. The way this movie was presented was comical. I had said to my brother and some friends, "I can't wait to see this movie, I need a good laugh". Then the day came, it was a work night (the same as a school night, but you go to work early the next day instead of school) and I went to a 9:40pm showing with my brother and two of our friends. I was so pumped and all four of us were ready to laugh very hard. As a side note, this is the first time I had been in a movie theater to watch a new release in a very long time.
  
  We watched and we absorbed this movie and when the end credits rolled and the lights came back on in the theater we were speechless. I thought this was the first wonderful and moving film I had seen in a long time. (So did everyone else in my view party.) I couldn't believe it. I have seen all the other Rambo films and yes they were entertaining, but I wouldn't say they were deep or compelling pieces of cinema. This new Rambo movie had something to say.
  
  It followed a different format, it seemed more dramatic and the violence (there was plenty of it) was brutal and candid. When I say candid, I mean that many of things that happened in this movie, happens in the real world.
  
  The plot of this film is rather simple, Rambo now lives in Southeastern Asia near Burma and some American humanitarians need a guide and ride by boat to provide health care, food and education to the poor people in the area. They find John Rambo and after some persuasions from a female team member (Julie Benz) Rambo signs on.
  
  Consequently, there is a large militant and fundamental group that has nothing better to do than torture and massacre the less fortunate people in their country. It doesn't take a wizard to figure out what happens next, Rambo, guns, violence, death, and blah, blah, blah. However, the violence doesn't seem to be moot or without justification if that makes sense. The best comparison I can make is to "Saving Private Ryan", the violence in that film was graphic and at times over the top, but made a point to portray the reality that was World War 2. "Rambo" has the exact type of feel to it with respect to violence being graphic, over the top and making a point. Mind you I am not saying that "Rambo is a better film or as good as "Saving Private Ryan", but it was used more as a frame of reference. Oddly enough, "Saving Private Ryan" came out in 1998 and "Rambo" came out ten years later (2008), perhaps in 2018 there will be another violent film with a message.
  
  Stallone did a good job too in this film he gave a rather minimal performance, not much dialogue but did display a level of dichotomy towards his emotions to events in the plot. I felt the story was also simplistic, but it worked, the movie didn't need a multi-leveled storyline. I also felt the direction of the film was very good too; by the way Sly wrote and directed this movie.
  
  "Rambo" was a motion picture that stirred myriad thoughts in my head when it was over. It made me think how revolting and disgusting it is that there are still countries in the world that can't get health care or are being "controlled" and/or restricted to certain living conditions by a dictatorship or totalitarian government that results to violence or casualties of human lives. It also made me think how insane it is that U.S. presidential candidates are able to raise thousands, if not millions, of dollars for their campaigns, but when they get into office, it then becomes difficult to "raise" money for the things they promised before they were the incumbent. Then I thought about how everyone wants to go "green" and save the environment, yet it costs more money and there is less tax breaks to "go green". Not to mention Earth Day is only one day a year, rather than year long recognition. What about relying on fossil fuel when there are other forms of fuel for our cars/machines? Or that many people are more up to date with Reality Television than what is going on in the world.
  
  In conclusion, I am not sure this was Sylvester Stallone's intention to stir the pot of modern social sciences or in my case promote schizophrenia when making this movie. However, I felt this film didn't pull any punches and says a lot about the world we live in, on many levels. I recommend this film to anyone who wants an eye opening experience. This is a lot coming from a person who thought this movie was going to be the number one unintentional comedy of 2008 and now believes it was one of the best movies made in a very long time.
  
  Sly, I commend you.
  
  

• Awesome

  
  By A1CK38R0D4ISMA on 2008-03-23
  Of all the Rambo movies this one is the best. The most violent, brutal stunning movie I have ever seen. Emotionally draining story of some do gooders that want to take medicine and help to a group of poor opressed people in Burma. They are under control of the brutal military that wants no one to hear this story let alone help these people. The do gooders talk Rambo into taking them up river to the settlement. He is reluctant to take them but the woman with the group talks him into taking them. Of course they are taken by the military and most everyone in the village is slaughtered. Someone from back home comes looking for them when they never return home. Rambo takes a band of merceneries to the settlement to bring them back. The do-gooders are held captive and tortured. It's nonstop heartpounding action after Rambo gets there.
  Iv'e never seen anything like the violence in this movie. It's incredible.
  It's filmed in Burma and the cinemaphotography is outstanding. Beautiful scenery. Good use of light and dark and camera angles. Very well done.
  Be prepared for the violence because it is extreme. What's shown in this movie is going on there as I speak. We don't hear the story in the media. Stallone made this movie with Burmese people as actors and they were all at risk making this movie. Stallone still has it at 61 years.
  If you don't like Rambo then don't bother. Otherwise it's highly entertaining!
  Steve
  
  

• "Heroes never die...they just reload."

  
  By A3C6CZC2JP67VK on 2008-05-21
  Sly might be old but the man still got it. A lot people has seen Rocky Balboa and loved the movie, but wait until Stallone gathers all of his strength and places all of his energy into making John Rambo, the fourth Rambo film of the saga. It's definitely not an upgrade from any previous Rambo installment; it's just the next one. The dialog is very 'Stallone-esque' (lots of cheesy tag lines that sometimes hit and sometimes miss) but tolerable if you keep your expectations realistic being that it's a Stallone movie.
  
  For Rambo lovers and non-Rambo lovers the story is simple enough. John Rambo tells the story of John leading a group of mercenaries up a river, and takes them deep into the jungles of Burma to rescue a religious group that have been taken captive after a village was burned to the ground, and the villagers were brutally murdered, one by one. I really enjoyed this flick During the movie he is referred to by his name John or as "boatman." Stallone wants to distance his character from "super soldier" from the man Rambo was in the last two movies. He is no longer a hotshot. So no wonder he is not breaking teeth when he gets insulted by the leader of the mercenaries. It does not matter anymore but once the Rambo comes out he fights so ferociously as if his soul was already burning in hell for those 20 years after we last saw him in Afghanistan. As if his desperation, anger, sadness, guilt altogether explode on the screen. It's not pretty, it's not enjoyable and there is no easy way talking about it.
  
  The character development is pretty poor with the main character jumping into a trusting relationship w/ the female lead the instant he makes eye contact without any real explanation as to why. The chemistry between these two was virtually non-existent, but this was probably due to just poor writing more so than casting issues. This may have also been a product of the very fast pace of the film as it really jumps right into the action, but it wasn't a very long movie so they could have done it a little more justice by making it somewhat believable. I think they did a better job with this in First Blood. The team really put together a shocking and graphic representation of war with all of the 'bits and pieces.' I was smiling in amazement of how realistic everything looked and ashamed at the same time for grinning at something so violent.
  Still, even with the flaws above it doesn't need a continuing sequel and I think Stallone knows that. Got to pay tribute to this man because he had portrayed one of the best Action Hero's and at the same time reminded us what an action movie is all about. John Rambo came full circle with himself as well as his character's realization for his fans. Any doubt that action movies are dead? Look no further, Stallone still got it. OHH RAAHHH!!!
  
  
  

• Rambo is back and better than ever!.

  
  By APCHVFMSQZVY4 on 2008-02-17
  It's great to see that Stallone still makes some great films, the new Rambo film was fantastic and its probably one of the best films I've seen this year. Sylvester Stallone looks fit despite his old age and he looks like he can still pull it off and all the action scenes were great, Stallone has brought back the character that made him famous during the 80's and established his career as an action star. John Rambo has retired to Thailand where he finds and captures snakes for a living, he is approached by a group of christian missionaries who ask for his help in guiding them upriver into Burma so they can provide medical assistance to victims of the Burmese genocide. At first John is not convinced but he soon changes his mind, when they arrive it is soon to late and they get attacked and captured by an evil Burmese army. Its up to Rambo to lead a group of merceneries to rescue them, some of the characters were a bit one dimensional especially the merceneries and the dialogue was cheesy as hell but still entertaining and I wasn't really looking for any dramatic acting I just wanted to watch an enjoyable action flick and thats what I found with Rambo it was definitely similar to the previous films done in the 80's only with some modern directing. Story-wise I think that the film's plot was simple and was basically about John Rambo killing the bad guys and saving the day but it also highlights real life conflict since the Burmese people are still fighting for their independence from their own military government, John Rambo's character however has always been great its like a powerful mix of cynicism and honor and he doesn't like to be messed with as you'll see in this film. There are some people who wouldn't like this since the level of violence was really high with people being blown up, limbs being hacked off, decapitations ect. and there were quite a few bloody war scenes but if your the type of person who doesn't mind some gore and violence then you might enjoy this, theres really a lot to enjoy in terms of action in this film it was really exciting even thought it was over the top.
  
  
• One of the greatest action movies of all time
  By A2YM3KILJ1G0YJ on 2008-03-30
  Ignore the fact that this is a Rambo movie and some have the audacity to say that Stallone is past his prime. This Rambo movie is not only the best in the Rambo series, but it's also one of the best action movies of all time.
  
  Did you think that Commando had a lot of killing? BAH!
  Did you think that Saving Private Ryan had the most gruesome injuries? Hardly.
  
  This movie is saturated with arms being cut off, legs exploding into bloody stumps, heads popping like over-inflated balloons, and enough gun-play to satisfy even the most hardcore, extremist gun-enthusiast. If it isn't an arrow evenly dividing a man's skull, or someone's intestines being spilled on the ground, then it's an extreme amount of people being sawed in half by high calibre machine gun fire. There's even a crazy-intense seen in which Rambo basically pulls off the throat removal move from Roadhouse, only with a little slower satisfaction to it. About the only thing lacking is a Colombian necktie.
  
  The story itself plays second-fiddle to the incredible amount of action. A church-group from Colorado is doing peacework in Burma, bringing medicine and religion to people oppressed by a militaristic regime intent on genocide. To make their way into hostile territory, the church-goers ask for Rambo's services as a river guide. At first he is hesitant, but the kind-hearted but deadly Rambo eventually consents.
  
  Sure enough, after Rambo drops them off for their jungle-trek to the villagers, the church-group gets caught in the middle of chaos, as the evil military members are senselessly slaughtering every villager in sight. Once they are captured, it's up to Rambo to save the day.
  
  The rest of the movie is a whirlwind of action, as Rambo leads in a hardened group of mercenaries for an extraction mission. They plan on sneaking into the compound, killing anything and anyone that gets in their way, and saving the prisoners. What transpires is carnage the likes of which I have never seen before.
  
  This version of Rambo is an incredible movie if you're looking for pure action and entertainment from beginning to end. I haven't been more entertained by a movie in a very long time.
  
  
• The return of Rambo
  By AZCDCO6KK2T81 on 2008-06-09
  There isn't a lot of dialogue or even plot to this action film, but that doesn't mean it has no message.
  
  Stallone, still impressive at 60, brings back another beloved icon of film, John Rambo. The plot is deceptively simple in that a small band of religious good deed doers want to sneak into a Burmese village to give some much needed aid and go to the one nut case most likely willing to take them up the dangerous river, Rambo. While he thinks they are foolish wishful thinkers, he does take them up and does so without payment of any kind making one think that deep down, Rambo would love to seem the succeed somehow after all the violence he has seen. He even says, in a rare moment when he does speak, that they, these religious warriors, have good lives that they should be grateful for instead of coming here in a vain attempt to change things.
  
  Unfortunately, Rambo turns out to be all too right in that their attempts end up getting an entire village wiped out and themselves held captive. Rambo is then hired by a small commando group of mercenaries to retrieve the kidnapped church team and, naturally, all hell breaks lose.
  
  The violence, contrary to some critics, is NOT the type we've seen before. The battle sequences are disturbing realistic and capture the brutality of war, especially a civil one, in all its intensity. We see people literally blown apart by mines, 50 caliber machine guns, and bombs. We see children crushed under boot in front of parents and parents hacked to death in front of their children. We witnessed rapes interspersed with these other violent images. It's horrific to say the least. My heart sank as I watched this realizing it was probably all too realistic.
  
  For me the main theme of this Rambo film is a constant theme in our world today, "Man's inhumanity to man." Is there anything in the natural world that even comes close to what we humans do to each other over land, race, religion, ethnicity, or social class? I think this is what this Rambo film is all about.
  
  I know that Stallone is criticized for what some call a vain attempt to relive his youth, to bring back a franchise, and just plain old make money, and the fact remains that all this may very well be true, but these "facts" don't change the fact that this is a powerful film that is well-crafted. Stallone has always been an excellent actor, screenwriter and director, and just as he pulled off a terrific end to his Rocky character recently, this is an appropriate end to his other much loved character, Rambo.
  
  I consider this film a must-see. Either rent it or own it.
  
  
• If Rocky can end the Cold War, why can't Rambo stop genocide?
  By A2M8O1WZRXMRQ9 on 2008-01-27
  I'll admit I wasn't expecting a lot from "Rambo" going in. I used to eat up action films like candy when I was younger and I still have a soft spot in my heart for them -- especially rah-rah, kill-everyone, blow-everything-up, monosyllabic-superhuman-ability-hero ones like "Rambo."
  
  As an action film, "Rambo" absolutely rocks. But as a serious film? It's pretty awful. Stallone, who co-wrote and directed, wants to make a grand pro-aggression political statement -- complete with the bleeding-heart liberal who must come to terms with the "true nature" of violence -- but that falls incredibly flat. Stallone has a tin ear for dialogue, and his exchanges with "Dexter's" Julie Benz are unintentionally hilarious.
  
  The plot is simple: a group of human-rights missionaries show up in Burma hoping to get medicine and care to villagers wounded in the ongoing civil war; they enlist Rambo to get them there and then are, inevitably, taken hostage. Rambo, with the aid of a few mercenaries, goes back to kick butt and a lot of stuff blows up.
  
  Stallone makes Rambo a bitter, faithless man, and in one odd moment has him reveal that he's nothing but a bloodthirsty killer. I find this to be a contradiction to this film and the previous ones.
  
  While Stallone can't seem to help himself and makes this movie very melodramatic (he's a total butcher as a director working with other actors; he leaves Benz and Paul Schulze out to dry), I have to admit his extended action scenes -- filled with impossibly violent blood and gore -- got my adrenaline pumping. There's nothing like the sugar rush of extreme violence. It's the most fleeting of thrills, but you cannot deny its charge. As far as cheap thrills go, it's not bad.
  
  Stallone, looking cartoonish with his Play-Doh face and grossly bloated body, never changes expression throughout the movie. Whatever this character once was is gone; he is now stripped of all traces of humanity.
  
  For me, ultimately, "Rambo" is nothing more than disposable, quick-hit entertainment. Stallone didn't think so, obviously, and its major flaw is that at times it looks like he thinks he's making "Platoon."
  
  "Rambo" is worth a look if you like bloody action movies and enjoy a good adrenal jolt.
  
  
• Man this was bad....
  By AO7SW2MD2X03V on 2008-03-26
  IF you like movies with lots and lots of scenes of people getting shot in half and heads and arms blown off and extremely close up shots of blood guts and gore then you'll like this movie.
  
  OR if you liked the original First blood with the smart Rambo and intelligent plot with action then you'll hate this.
  
  The movie is supposed to deal with the subject of genocide. It deals with the subject by showing you scene after scene after scene after scene of people being butchered with very video game style special effects.
  
  Of your a fan of David Morrell's character, you'll hate this movie. This movie has nothing to do with him.
  
  
• Fantastic!
  By A3QJU4FEN8PQSZ on 2008-05-30
  You know the critics hated it. And here's why: bad guys and good guys, no "nuanced" portrayal, and ... worst of all ... there are Christians in the movie who are not wacky, homicidal, perverse, sadistic, or hypocritical! It's Hollywood's worst nightmare, and certainly not a movie I would have expected to see these days. I can't imagine what must have been going through Stallone's head to be making this movie. I wish this DVD had a commentary or some special feature to shed some light on this.
  
  What can I say? It's a beautifully shot (color-wise, that is) ballet of brutality, post-Saving Private Ryan. Not for the faint of heart. The pacing is perfect, the violence is horrible, when inflicted by Burmese militia upon innocents, and cathartic, when they're themselves shredded into bloody bits.
  
  I had read criticisms to the effect that the bad guys were portrayed as "faceless" cannon fodder. Not true. They are portrayed as psychopathic, sadistic rapists and murdererers, and this is the true face of evil: boring as hell. It's why modern portrayals of villains, such as Wesley Snipes' character in Demolition Man, are surprisingly boring: you know they'll shoot their buddy in the head at the drop of a hat, just to show they're really bad. When it happens, big yawn. In the end, all really evil men look the same, devoid of what makes them truly unique or human. Faceless.
  
  It's a reminder that out there are evil men with guns, ready to wreak havoc upon whomever they will, and that they will not be stopped by appeals to conscience. And it's a tribute to the soldier who defends the weak, perhaps at the cost of his own soul. In other words, a world totally alien to the progressive mindset of today.
  
  Horrible things are happening in the world, and they're screaming cluelessly about ... carbon footprints. (Even though last year's temperature drop alone was enough to "wipe out" all the "warming" of the last decade ... hilarious!) Under Saddam, husbands were kidnapped by the government and returned in pieces, or fed into shredders, and whole villages were wiped out with poison gas, and they're screaming about ... outlawing plastic bags and trans-fats and SUVs.
  
  What can I say? I enjoyed this film immensely. It's sad when it takes John Rambo to remind us what's really going on and what really matters.
  
  
• Rambo is back and better than ever
  By A37OOQQLMMKYR8 on 2008-06-03
  After the success of Rocky in 1976, Stallone would have a character that would go down in cinema history and went onto become one of the biggest stars in the world. In 1982 with the release of First Blood, John Rambo would join Rocky as yet another Iconic character for Stallone.
  
  But there came a time when all things must end; the 2nd Rambo flick was a blockbuster hit and made a total of $150-million dollars in 1985 it's almost like everyone in the US went to see the movie, but despite the popularity of the character Rambo III would only gross about $53-million and would put an end to the series. Even Rocky V would be a flop in 1990 and it seemed these two Iconic characters were done for.
  
  Sly would have success and failures, but by the end of the 90s it seemed like a lot more failures with some of his movies even going DTV. Once the biggest action star, it seemed Sly was a thing of the past, but that all changed with Rocky Balboa; a lot of people were laughing at a 60-year old Stallone playing that character again, but the movie was a hit and nobody was laughing after they saw Stallone could still pull it off. With the success of Rocky Balboa, Sly was now ready to resurrect John Rambo. There were still some people laughing due to his age, but there's that saying age is just a number and Stallone proved that.
  
  At the time of Rambo's release, Stallone was 61-years old and I'll take Stallone in his 60s over any of these so called action stars out there right now that are half of Stallone's age. Rambo is the return of the action movie as we know it. I can't remember the last American action that was this good besides Kill Bill. Rambo is as good as an action movie any country could produce for that matter. The last American action movie that is just as good if not better than Rambo was back in probably the 80s or early 90s.
  
  The screenplay was written by Art Monterastelli & Sylvester Stallone and while the screenplay is good the supporting characters aren't really well developed, but I suppose it doesn't matter seeing as it doesn't hurt the movie and I don't think anyone watches a Rambo flick for the supporting characters we watch them for the Rambo character. While the script isn't the best it delivers on what the audience wants. And really at the end of the day isn't that all that matters?
  
  Sylvester Stallone knows what his audience wants and a lot of people don't realize that he wrote or co-wrote a lot of the movies he starred in; odds are the movies he co-wrote he did rewrites to better suit the script for his style. While I wouldn't say Sly is a great writer in the traditional sense he's a guy that knows what his audience wants and delivers that. Though with Rocky and Rocky Balboa, Sly showed how he can also be a great writer and was actually nominated for an Oscar for the Rocky screenplay, which he easily could have won.
  
  Sly also steps into the director's chair for the first time in this franchise and wow does he ever deliver. Stallone has many directing credits, but like his writing I wouldn't call Sly a great director in the traditional sense. Again Sly knows what his audience wants and he always manages to deliver just that. If anything though I really think Sly is getting better with age, which is rare. Most filmmakers as they go on they lose touch with the modern audience, but not Sly. I think with Rocky Balboa he proved he can make a great dramatic, funny and even touching movie and with Rambo he made an action movie as good as any action filmmaker has ever done. Rambo is suspenseful, thrilling and has some of the best action scenes I have seen in a very long time.
  
  Rambo is a borderline exploitation flick in my opinion; the violence is actually quite extreme for a mainstream movie and for a movie rated R. Nobody is Rambo is safe; men, women and even children are murdered. This isn't a toned down Hollywood action flick. This is a balls to the wall no holds barred brutal movie. You name it Rambo has it; decapitations, throats being ripped out, people getting shot and they just don't fall down and die they get ripped to shreds; arms, legs you name it, it gets shot off.
  
  The running time for Rambo is only 80-minutes not counting the closing credits so there never is a slow moment. The movie always moves forward. Rambo is light on plot, but hey that's the way a lot of action movies are. Rambo easily for me rates as one of the best theater going experiences of my life and the movie on DVD is just as exciting. This one is no doubt one of my very favorite action movies of all time and once again Sly shows age is just a number. Rambo has everything you can want in an action movie and more.
  
  
• COMEPLETELY IGNORE "Jonathan Lane (Future Writer?)'s" REVIEW!!!
  By A17CP110C6E9KF on 2008-03-27
  If you have any interest in seeing this mvoie what so ever do not read his review (at least until you've watched it, as it'll spoil the entire movie for you). Man I hate reviews like that; does anyone else appreciate having an entire movie laid out, making sure that there's absolutely no surprise when watching the film? You don't need to watch the movie anymore, you just read it.
  
  Alright 1st off, maybe Rambo isn't for everyone. However, anyone that's ever enjoyed even a seconds worth of this American icon will absolutely love this movie. It must be seen by all as far as I'm concerned just so that it's given it's due. The sad part is that most people have forgotten what an icon Rambo was in the 80's, what a hero he was to alot of people. Alot of the younger crowd don't even know who this character is anymore. Well, not for long as this is the film that will bring the character back from the dead. Once again Stallone has rejuvinated one of his iconic roles (much like Rocky Balboa last year)This is by far the very best Rambo film since "First Blood". The 2 prior sequals lost the realism & were primarily cheezy popcorn fluff war movies. This one kinda brings our hero back into the real world. It's still Rambo, he's just not the one man taking on entire platoons & military camps all by himself anymore. In this film we see an apropriately aged John Rambo having to once again jump into a war torn area for a fight. There's a certain symolism to this film that just feels right when ol' Ram-ey starts tearing into people in this movie. To top it all off, if nothing else it brings closure & a good ending to the series. I don't mean to come off like one of those ultra, flag humping, gun nuts, I just really liked this movie & think that everyone else will too.
  
  Bottom line, there are 1,000,000 reasons to go watch this movie. Is it violent? Yes, but shouldn't war movies be violent? Do we really wanna see a war movie without including the horrific images included? Wouldn't that be irresponsible? Maybe our fearless leader bUSH coulda used a few more violent war movies in his younger days. This is the perfect ending to an iconic characters story. I saw it opening night when it was in theatres & everone I went with absolutely loved it. I think you will too given the chance.
  
  Jonathan Lane is my worst nightmare
  
  
• Great movie
  By A2PN42FGEYJQ3E on 2008-03-27
  Rambo is the best movie of 2008. Pure action from start to finish. It IS violent but Stallone wanted to show the violence that the Burmese people face daily. And, contrary to some other reviews, the name Burma is still used even though the country is now officially called Myanmar. Why using the name of Burma would make this a poor film is beyond me. If you want to see a great action movie that, while pure fiction, happens to be based on reality then this is the movie for you.
  
  
• Huh?
  By A37WZGT48Y5TR2 on 2008-04-20
  This is by far one of the most tasteless, over the top, violent movies I have ever seen in my life. If I could give it less than one star I would. The theme of this movie is that killing everyone is the best solution to problems in less civilized areas. The pacifist missionaries are shown to be foolish for ever thinking that they could spread a gospel of peace to such "animals," and in the end one of them completely compromises everything he stood for the enitre movie and kills a member of the enemy's army. I wasn't really expecting more than I mindless action movie, and that's what I got, except it was far more disgusting and disturbing than I had thought.
  
  
• "Apocalypse Now" Meets "The Wild Bunch"
  By A1J03J0HZ7KU5T on 2008-07-27
  "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.
  
  
• A Truly Great War Film
  By A22VWAE7WCUE5K on 2008-09-14
  It is nothing short of astounding to me how many people (exception: ) seem to just not get this movie. To me, this is a very fine war picture.
  
  In a misguided attempt to be witty, there are those who are saying that the film's body count should be compared to the number of words spoken onscreen, to see which is higher.
  
  One must realize that David Morrell, the original author of "First Blood", and Stallone, who co-authored the original film's screenplay, and is a co-author of the "Rambo" screenplay, both envision and present John Rambo as a man who is profoundly introverted. Stallone has, at least partially, based his writing and protrayal of this character on his son Seargeoh, who is profoundly autistic. Stallone has stayed true to this portrayal, critics be damned. John Rambo shows little of his emotional and psychological identity to the outside world, and only slightly more to those few whom he considers to be his friends. Col. Trautman saw a side to "Johnny" that few others do. Sarah, a Christian Missionary in this latest installment, is only one of a few characters in the series to be distinguished as being someone John Rambo considers to be his friend.
  
  Also present here is implication is that this is just a bloodfest for sick voyeurs who like to watch people suffering and dying.
  
  Nothing could be further from the truth. Although this is, indeed, a profoundly violent film, that barely escaped an NC-17 rating, one thing must be made clear: THIS FILM DOES NOT GLORIFY VIOLENCE.
  
  A Vietnam veteran once said to me, "The only thing that will prepare you for battle is to be in one. There is nothing that can truly prepare you for what war is really like. Nothing." Having written that, I cannot now tell you that seeing films like "Saving Private Ryan" with it's ultra-high body count will put you on a level of first-hand knowledge comparable to a combat veteran. No one has ever suggested such a thing, not should they. However, many veterans of the D-Day invasion had to leave the theatre during the scenes of storming the beach at Normandy. This tells me that Spielberg got it right, and his film will stand for decades as the best possible cinematic telling of what that day was like.
  
  Stallone is doing something similar here. This film presents war at its most horrific. This film is quite dissimilar to "Saving Private Ryan" in that the storyline in "SPR" was an archplot. In other words, an epic, something Joseph Campbell of THE MONOMYTH fame would identify as a story that transcends cultures, identities and contexts. The mission that leads to the finding of Private Ryan reveals much about the nature of war and those that fight it, and in so doing much about the human condition is brought to light. Specifically, humanity fighting tooth-and-nail for survival against a culture that has been corrupted to the point of profound evil.
  
  This installment of Rambo is distinct from this monomyth, archplot structure. This is by no means an epic. Stallone shows us one of his most famous characters, living by himself in Thailand, making a living selling snakes and piloting a boat on the Salween river. He is approached by a group of Christian missionaries intent on bringing medical and other humanitarian supplies to the Karen people of Myanmar (referred to as Burma in the film). Rambo initially refuses, making no emotional connection with Michael, a Christian doctor imploring Rambo to assist him in his cause. The missionaries' sole female, Sarah, then attempts to convince Rambo to help. It is obvious that an immediate emotional connection is made.
  
  What is interesting here is that the missionaries are scripted by Stallone to sound exactly as they do in real life: profoundly idealistic, convinced that they alone understand how to change the world better than anybody else ever could, and absolutely unwilling to listen to reason (these aren't presented as negative traits per se, but rather as their mentality, for better or for worse). Stallone's Rambo is usually a man of few words, but he uses his economy of dialog to make his points quite clear. He has no interest in debate. He asks Michael, who has declared that he means to change things in Burma, if he's planning on bringing any weapons.
  
  "Of course not," Michael responds, clearly contemptuous, not of Rambo, but of the idea of taking weapons to try to stop Burma's endless violence.
  
  "Then you ain't changin' nothin'", is Rambo's response, spoken in an overtone of absolute finality, and with an undertone of the despair John Rambo's experience has bequealthed upon him, that further debate is clearly pointless. (In case you missed it, Stallone-hating reviewers, Sly is doing something called "acting". You wouldn't understand.)
  
  A few scenes later, Sarah manages to convince Rambo to help the missionaries. Although payment is offered, Rambo refuses it. Rambo and the missionaries begin their journey up the Salween river. When Sarah begins to speak with Rambo during the boat ride, she asks his name, to which he replies, "John".
  
  Are you getting me, dear reader? It isn't, "I'M RAMBO, THE MOST POWERFUL WARRIOR OF ALL TIME, HELPING YOU PUNY WEAKLING DO-GOODERS TO SAVE THE WORLD FROM ..." and yada-yada-yada. It's clear from Rambo's demeanor that he is not terribly impressed with himself. A first name introduction suffices just fine, as far as he's concerned. His violent resume? He'd just as soon not speak of it at all, answering Sarah's questions about his past with the shortest answers possible. "John", as he introduces himself, is profoundly divested of pride. Sarah's a committed Christian missionary, long in the habit of putting her money where her mouth is, and living selflessly according to her belief in aiding the oppressed in any way she can. John's lack of pride, in inextricable tandem with his very powerful presense, well be at least part what draws her to her friendship with him.
  
  You'll recall, dear reader, if you watched "Rambo III", that Rambo refuses to join Col. Trautman in his mission to Afghanistan with the words, "My war is over." As Stallone has taken over the writing of this story from it's initial novelist creator, David Morrell, Rambo's inner conflict has become that he is supremely gifted in the art of waging war, but wants nothing more than to cease fighting and killing.
  
  This is highlighted in this new installment of "Rambo" during a dream sequence in which Rambo is hearing the voice of Col. Trautman, these words from the final scenes of "First Blood" and also "Rambo III" haunting
  John Rambo as he sleeps. Trautman accuses Rambo of tearing away at himself, resisting what he is. Rambo is, in Trautman's view, a one-of-a-kind warrior, capable of victory against overwhelming odds. This is John Rambo's gift.
  
  John Rambo is then awakened from this dream by another missionary, who comes to tell him that Sarah, Michael and the other missionaries are missing. We in the audience already know this, as we've just witnessed the horrific assault on the village the missionaries had reached and were working to help.
  
  This sequence is brilliantly shot by director Stallone, presenting a maelstorm of violence and atrocity that explodes on screen, each image presented telling a story in itself. This attack occurs during a moment of profound tenderness. Stallone shows us humanities' saving grace in his depictions of the doctor's ministering to the villagers both medically and spiritually. This culminates with Sarah moving towards a child, embracing him and comforting him. We see that this is the most natural expression of her identity. This is who she is. This child is someone she has never met before, is not related to, and is someone to whom most people would say she owes nothing. But there she is, putting herself in extreme danger of unimaginable torture and certain death simply because of her beliefs. You'll have to see this moment to truly understand it, but rest assured, you will see both the best and the worst of what it is to be human in these scenes that are onscreen for only a few moments. The attack quickly overwhelms the village. Sarah and her friends are taken prisoner.
  
  From here, the pace of the film picks up quite a bit. John Rambo prepares himself for battle, forging a new blade at his anvil, his internal dialog a monologue of coming to terms with what he is, and what he is meant to do.
  
  For now, John Rambo is not fighting a war his commanders sent him to fight, nor is he fighting the country that didn't want him back. He is not fighting to free POW's from that war, in an effort to right the wrongs of America's involvement in Vietnam. He's not fighting to free his mentor and teacher Col. Trautman, as doing so is his duty, dictated by the inescapable bonds of the warrior brotherhood. He is, possibly for the first time in his life, committing to an act of war based upon his own beliefs, period. It is clear an emotional bond was formed with Sarah. John Rambo cannot leave her to the atrocities of her captors.
  
  Don't try to attack that one either, Stallone-bashers; No, the scenes in which John Rambo and Sarah become friends were not too brief. Some people are true friends in a few moments, others would not become true friends if forced to spend a lifetime together. The depth of the emotional connection between John and Sarah is quite clear to me. If it isn't to you, that says more about you than it does about this film. Deal with it.
  
  The film continues, with John Rambo guiding a group of mercenaries up the Salween River, staying out of their soldier's banter, and refusing to take the bait of the strongest of the mercenaries, who tries to intimidate John. We see from Stallone's enactment of his character that John Rambo is not at all intimidated, but will not engage in a fight with this man. John's abilities are quite intact, but his lack of pride in what he is persuades him that it's not worth showing this mercerary what he can do. The time for that, as we soon see, comes later.
  
  To see what happens from here, go see the film. It's is a story about a man who makes a decision about who and what he is. He comes to realize that he is a warrior. He cannot escape this identity. He admits to himself that he has killed in the past, not for a cause but for the enjoyment of using this gift of waging war. Yet now, he commits himself to a fight for his own reason: his bond with Sarah. This film is about choosing to fight, not to defend one's pride against the taunts of a mercenary, or for a political cause, or for a warrior brotherhood, but for something that exists deep within oneself. At this point in John Rambo's life, this is all the really matters. It is about fighting to defend and protect that which we hold dear. It is about what Sarah was trying to communicate to John in the beginning of the film; it is about laying down your life for your friends, for those you care for.
  
  There is no great and complex plot in this film, no series of plot-twisting rising actions, each event in the storyline there to compel deep thought about our history as a nation, and about human history. No, this film drops us in to a particular point in John Rambo's life in which we witness him make a decision about his identity, and then act upon that decision in such a way that once committed, he can be true to his identity and very likely lose his life, or, he can deny who he is, and what he truly believes in, and so live a life that matters nothing to anyone, least of all to himself.
  
  This is a film about John Rambo choosing, for the first time, to fight for what he himself believes in. It is a film that forces the audience to see war for the nightmare that it is, not a spectacle to entertain the masses by appealing to the lowest common denominator. This is a film about one man who makes a choice about what his gift is for, and in so doing is finally, at the end of his saga, true to what he really is: One who is supremely gifted at sheperding the weak through the valley of the shadow of death.
  
  I recommend this film without reservation. This is one of the best war films ever made.
  
  
• Sometimes violence is the only solution
  By A228NBNLYJ8V3J on 2008-03-26
  From the beginning to the end "John Rambo" delivers.
  
  You could think that this is another nostalgic and closure-bound attempt by Stallone to revive his second aging character for one last time - but it's not.
  His previous movie, "Rocky Balboa" was mostly a heartfelt and gentle farewell from the boxer that managed to win his fights against all odds. Nevertheless and anyway you look at it, "John Rambo" is no farewell story, nor is it heartfelt or gentle.
  
  Previous releases of the franchise had political agendas interwoven throughout: "First Blood" dealt with the tremendous difficulties American Vietnam War Veterans faced upon returning to the country that had sent them to a war it later wanted to forget. "Part II" covered the issue of Vietnam War left-behind POWs and "Rambo III" praised the fight of the Afghanian people against the oppressing Soviet occupation. The new Rambo release brings to light the plight of the Karen, an ethnic group in Burma (Myanmar) that is suffering from persecutions under a ruthless ruling junta.
  
  All the way, Stallone's Rambo is the hero everybody knows, and more: tougher than ever, frustrated, strong, courageous, protector of the weak, extremely violent and still capable of wreaking havoc wherever and whenever it's needed. Way back, the name Rambo has become synonym with a description of a soldier that has acted in a heroic manner above and beyond the call of duty and this last installment reinforces this reputation; more than once when all hope is lost comes Rambo to show that God does exist. Over and above, take into account that this film is one of the bloodiest ever and the body count statistics rise well above those of its predecessors. Stallone sums it all up with one of the quadrilogy's best one liners - "when you're pushed - killing is as easy as breathing".
  
  In an extraordinary timing, "Rambo" was in production in the summer of 2007 when the most serious uprising of the last years against the junta erupted in Burma, mostly in the capital Yangon. The protestors, led by revered monks, were rather peaceful and demonstrated by marching along the streets to show their discontent from the persecutions and oppression and their need for a change in the country. The protests were crashed shortly afterwards without any significant changes or reforms. In the face of this reality "John Rambo" carries one prominent message: Defying the totalitarian regime peacefully is futile and in order to be freed the Burmese folks will have to unite, fight, sacrifice and seek help from the outside. Apparently, there is no other way.
  
  =========================================================================
  
  I've been to Burma five years ago and I still remember the generosity, good manners of its people and the warm way in which I've been welcomed. I hope this film will help to bring the struggle of the people of Burma to the fore and raise the attention and interest of the world.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Graphically (and necessarily violent) film.
  By A3LH77PBDFEO3F on 2008-07-08
  I downloaded the unbox version of Rambo to my Tivo (which by the way gives excellent quality to watch on an HDTV) and watched it last night.
  
  My wife is not a Stallone fan at all, and she didn't "want to watch any Rambo movie", so I started it without her, but soon she was in and watching and yelling (my sweetheart is a movie yeller) "Did you see that, did you see that?" She like me was instantly hooked into the realistic feel of the action scenes and the evil of the bad guys.
  
  One thing I noticed that for all the realistic look to the battle scenes, they had a weird camera effect of old battlefield films from Viet Nam, and WWII. I don't want to spoil the film by giving away the story line so I'll just say this, Rambo is even more graphically violent than 300, Gladiator, or Braveheart, so if you are put off by violence of every kind, blood and gore (and brief glimpses of perversion), then this is not a film to even consider watching. However, it is a surprisingly moving film, that reminds us that there are bad guys in the world more evil than we can readily imagine. It is also a moving tale of acceptance for the protagonist. It is an action film that doesn't waste time on pointless dialogue except to help you understand who the characters are, rather than to be the story.
  
  So here's the deal, this is not a movie for everyone, but every one should understand at least on some level the lessons that this movie teaches.
  
  But that's just me.
  
  
  
  
• "Live for nothing, or die for something."
  By AGCJDJH2CTDD9 on 2008-01-28
  Trying to dodge painful memories of his past, Vietnam vet John J. Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) is making a life in Thailand where he spends his time salvaging old PT boats and tanks for scrap metal. But his R&R has been interrupted as Christain missionaries Michael Burnett (Paul Schulze) and Sarah Miller (Julie Benz) request he take them to Burma. Little do the missionaries know that it's one of the biggest mistakes they could ever make, as Burmese military men kidnap them for sick and twisted pleasures. Now Rambo has to snap out of his funk and rescue his friends before they are killed.
  
  The new decade has seen re-emergence of familiar movie franchises making a return: Arnold Schwartzeneggar's "Terminator", Bruce Willis's "Live Free or Die Hard", and Sylvester Stallone's "Rocky Balboa"... and the latest in "Rambo". A franchise that probably shouldn't have bared its presence since the third film, which I heard was monumentally terrible, its newest installment, simply titled "Rambo", makes a surprsingly entertaining 93 minute sit. Just as long as you don't get squeamish.
  
  Bare in mind, the film wears its R rating on its chest. Not only is the film hyperviolent (limbs are shot off and bodies explode), but it also seems to be based on real-life events, with atrocious militants putting the hurt on innocent people, whether it's rape, beheading, or child endangerment. It's sadism if handled irresponsibly (Hostel Part 2, Alien versus Predator: Requiem), but as a director, Sylvestor Stallone throws those willing into the heat of the moment. And, in the final action scene, the film really goes for the gully, yet it never loses its mojo and fist-pumping intensity that the franchise is known for.
  
  At 61, Stallone does a solid job with his performance as the wounded vet. Unlike in past efforts, and like in "Rocky Balboa", he's more comfortable with his acting choices and his gravitas works well for his character's trauma. Yeah, he's going to chop some people up and man a turret like no one's business (well directed here, I might add), but Stallone's more in tune with keeping the thing popping with zest and charm.
  
  I'm not to sure about the rest of the cast though. Despite showing up with a straight face, Julie Benz almost winds up showing some amateurish acting and can't seem to match the hyperactive scenes of action with her gravitas either; it ain't the point though, this is a raw action film, but her hyped performance may turn off some "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fans. The rest of the cast is fine, however, though it's hard to pick some of them out of a line-up (Matthew Marsden was somewhere), but it's a solid choice that real Vietnamese citizens were used as extras.
  
  "Rambo" may not be the film everyone may be into (reviews aren't too pleasant), but I thought it was on the money at times. Stallone isn't a horrible actor like the likes of Steven Seagal, and his choices here won me over. I wonder why "Meet the Spartans" - as funny as cancer - beat in the box office?
  
  
• Full Circle
  By A3BMZYA7CT2E74 on 2008-02-08
  If there's a Mount Rushmore for cinematic heroes, Sylvester Stallone carved his spot there many years ago. Undeniably, he has found limited acceptance in other types of roles. However, when it comes to portraying mythic heroes, I can only think of two names-John Wayne and Clint Eastwood-that you can even mention in the same sentence with him. Sure, there have been lots and lots of big names in the world of film. But for this type of role-playing a character who is the literal embodiment of an idea, or a human quality-very few have had similar success.
  When you think of strength, courage, force of will, sincerity, inherent decency-not many people have lived these qualities out on screen to the degree that Stallone has. Or has found the broad public acceptance in such roles, for that matter. A lot of people forget, but between 1976 and 1986, Stallone was just about the biggest box office draw in the world.
  The new Rambo film is pretty much more of the same. I loved the previous three Rambo movies, and loved this one, as well. By the same token, if you have not been a fan of this series in the past, I doubt that there is anything here that will change your mind, either. The Rambo films only have two real selling points-great action sequences, and Stallone's unique screen personna. Whatever his limitations might be, he is ideal for this particular role. Physically, he exudes such a sense of brutish size and power. However, his eyes convey something else-a sense of overwhelming fatigue and worldweariness. He is a tired, angry, jaded man, perhaps even more so than the character we saw in the 80's. But there are glimmers of sadness, as well. Rambo is the classic reluctant hero. He doesn't especially like people, but, ultimately, he does come through for them.
  There is nothing particularly unique about any of this. There is nothing new here. Let's face it-just about everybody will know whether or not they'll like this movie without even seeing it. Rambo goes in, saves a bunch of innocents, slaughters a bunch of evildoers-been done time and time again, by Rambo as well as countless other action heroes.
  If you like Stallone, and if you like heavy action and violence, you'll get your money's worth here. If you do not respond to these things, you'll clearly need to look elsewhere. Speaking personally, it was great to see Stallone go to the mat to give us one last great action performance. If you read about all the things he has done, and all the sacrifices he has made, to make these physical movies, it is absolutely incredible. Time and again, he has sustained injuries(and risked many more) for the sake of giving the audience their money's worth. These films are arduous, and often dangerous. The Rocky series alone has been brutal enough. The Rambo series, and also Cliffhanger, often put him in peril. Or, at best, required an enormous degree of exertion.I don't think anybody puts as much of himself into this type of film as he does, and the results pay off on screen.
  
  
  
• NOT BAD BUT HARDLY FUN AT ALL
  By A1JVSIWDF0WT22 on 2008-02-19
  Rambo IV is very different from all the other Rambo movies. While the other three are as cartoonish as can be, this one seems to be trying to educate audiences on the horrors the people of Burma are going through more than anything else. This results in a rather depressive movie in which the last thing you'll be able to say is "I had fun".
  My favorite Rambo film so far is III. As grissly as some of the deaths were in it, the picture was full of hilarious lines and plenty of action. Halfway through IV one would like to ask Stallone to try smiling a little even though it would be completely out of tone with the picture he tried to make. All of this doesn't make such a bad a picture. It's just hard rooting for a hero who seems to be going through a (not so)middle-age depression.
  
  
  
• One Word: "AWESOME!"
  By AHDSAA8J6CNVF on 2008-05-26
  I can't believe critics bashed this movie. This movie is great. Yes, it's super violent, but so is real life in a warzone. Stop reading reviews and just buy it.
  
  
• Men! Unite!
  By A1GI4P25VBXYTO on 2008-05-29
  Some history - It all started over a year ago when I heard Sly was taking one final(?) dig at the John Rambo character. It was said that he'd be the guy to direct it from the get-go. While I enjoyed the Stallone directed Rocky Balboa, I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the thought of this 60 year old man donning the red band again. I figured he was just trying to cash in on yet another iconic character during the twilight of his career and had zero to lose in doing so.
  
  Then, a few months later, a co-worker of mine said, "You gotta see this." He was talking about the trailer Sly put together. Apparently, Stallone caught wind of the negative hype and decided to put something out there to shut everyone up. At least, that was the rumor. The trailer was slightly choppy and didn't have the vibe of your typical glossy Hollywood preview. It was reminiscent of the way they did trailers before the 90's - it showed you (almost) full scenes! It was RAW, both in content and editing, and it certainly shut me up. "WOW!" I must have said about ten times while watching it. "OH MY GOD!!" It was violent. It was unrestrained. It was glorious.
  
  Long story short, I spent the next couple months showing the trailer to anyone who cared to watch it. The feedback was generally very positive (especially from my fellow males). Rambo quickly found it's way into becoming my second most anticipated movie of 2008 (the first being, of course, The Dark Knight). I was hyped. I couldn't wait.
  
  Come opening day, imagine my disappointment when I saw no more than 30 people in my theater. Imagine my even BIGGER disappointment when the weekend box office was tallied up two days later and Rambo came in second place. First place? Meet The Spartans.
  
  Yeah. I know.
  
  Anyway, my expectations were exceedingly high. When the movie started, I sat in attentive silence. Throughout the course of the movie, I found myself rooting out loud for our hero (something I NEVER do at a movie theater). When it was over, my expectations had been met. I had a blast. Rambo was everything I was hoping it would be.
  
  Know why I liked this movie so much? Why I wanted it to do so well at the box office? And why the trailer amped me up the way it did? Because it's a return to raw, good old-fashioned action. ACTION. I'm not talking about some puny wimp bouncing off the walls with two guns in his hand in slow motion to the beat of some techno song. I'm not talking about some watered down PG-13 piece of junk to ensure profit from the teenage boy market. I'm not talking about movies with the cleaned up "action heroes" of today dressed like they just walked out Hip Young Male Magazine. No "misunderstood" villains. I'm talking about real, hardcore ACTION. Dirty action. Commando action. Aliens action. Die Hard action. ACTION!
  
  The Matrix was a cool movie, but it's plagued us with countless awful ripoffs for almost ten years now. I say out with the new and in with the old. Rambo gets the job done. It's a movie for the guys. Guys who like red meat, AC/DC, wet t-shirt contests and domestic beer. Had this movie been made in the 80's/early 90's, I honestly don't think it would warrant a full five stars (let's face it, it ain't Casablanca). But for it's time, for RIGHT NOW, this is just what the action genre needed. A good swift kick in the [...] to all those wannabes out there to show them all just how it's really done. I needed this and all other genre fans needed this. That's why I give it five stars.
  
  Bravo, Sylvester Stallone. Thanks for giving action it's balls back.
  
  
• Action and gore fans unite
  By A1TW9ZGRDQQZ2Y on 2008-01-28
  Rambo is back yet again and ending lives like he gets paid a commission per kill. The story is pretty basic and it does take a little while to get to the good action, but I think this is a film worth seeing that doesn't shy away from the violence.
  
  
• Oustanding movie, but NOT for kids!
  By A142KM5SJQ7RUK on 2008-02-18
  Rambo was excellent... If you liked "First Blood," then you will love Rambo. Rambo 4 finds ex-green beret John Rambo living a life of peace of 20 years in the jungles of Thailand close to the Myanmar (Burmese) border. After hearing about acts of genocide against innocent civilians, a group of christian rights missionaries tries to take Rambo's boat up river to help give medicine. About 24-48 hours later John Rambo hears that they did not return so he sets out to find out what happened to them. He comes full circle and becomes a living, breathing one man army killing machine trained in the only thing he knows how to do: guerilla warfare. You will be on the edge of your seat throughout the whole thing... I loved it!
  
  A word of warning to parents: this movie is extremely violent and is NOT appropriate for kids... I guarantee this movie has scenes in it that could very well leave your children with nightmares if they watch it. Why a part of me feels so strongly about this is because I come from a big military family: my grandpa was a US Marine and fought in the pacific against the japanese in World War II, and my dad as well as 3 uncles fought in the Vietnam War.
  
  My father and 2 of my uncles returned home, but my 3rd uncle has never been accounted for and is considered as an MIA to this very day. Growing up, I had a fear that World War III would be fought against the Soviets and the thought of the draft being called into action scared the crap out of me.
  
  Growing up throughout the years, I have heard about some of the very nasty crap and gore that happens in warfare and my dad and grandfather told me that war is something no man should ever have to be involved with. They saw and had to do the same kind of sh** . John Rambo finally gets the ending that he deserves in this and if you ever saw the ending of "First Blood" you might very well get teary eyed at the end of this movie. I sure did. The ending of this movie made me melt and I have so much respect and support for anybody who fights for our freedom in times of war.
  
  
• Every new town just seems to bring you down
  By A319SKSB556033 on 2008-02-24
  I'll get my one and only gripe out of the way first. I don't like the title. Rambo 4 or John Rambo would have been far more appropriate but I will call the film Fourth Blood in this review to avoid confusion between the characters name and the film title.
  
  For the past 20 years John Rambo has remained in Thailand since his rescue of Colonel Trautman in Afghanistan. He lives a quiet life as a snake hunter and fisherman until he is propositioned by a group of simple and naive American missionaries from some quaint country town (think of Ned Flanders and his pals) to take them up river into wartorn Bhurma where carnage, rape, mutilations and amputations are a daily occurrence so they can help the sick and teach bible or some other such Mother Theresa uselessness.
  
  It takes some convincing but Rambo agrees to do it and is only happy to see the back of them. But when the missionaries are kidnapped (which was inevitable) he leads a ragtag bunch of mercenaries across the border to annihilate every Junta in their way. But Rambo doesn't merely shoot the baddies, he rips them apart in ways so bloody it would make Jason Voorhees blush.
  
  Yes, it's a rather thin story, but so what? The only people who would point this out are those desperate to hate the film. But if your film taste usually involves Keira Knightley in a frock or Cameron Diaz doing romcom then what the hell are you doing watching a Rambo film anyway? I had worries that the Rambo character might not be relevant anymore. He hasn't been around since the 80s and he stood for something rather different back then. Stallone has always played him as a cynic and someone who mostly doesn't care about the world after what it's done to him. With all of the carnage and cheapening of life that happens daily on our planet it does seem fitting that Rambo would retreat to a quiet corner until mankind needs his ruthless efficiency for killing again.
  
  Stallone looks great for his age and this, his seventh film as director, is certainly his most hardcore. At 61 it seems that old Sly has more testosterone pumping through his arteries than ever before.
  
  Another thing that worried me was the loss of Jerry Goldsmith and Richard Crenna. A Rambo movie simply cannot be a Rambo movie without those classic, signature themes. Brian Tyler, who is certainly not the best composer in Hollywood, does a competent, if not exceptional, job of blending his own tough action noise with Goldsmith's memorable tunes.
  
  Richard Crenna on the other hand is one of those actors that really should have lived forever without aging. His absence is not explained in the movie but Stallone claims that 'Trautman died the day my friend Richard died'. Though I did love the black and white dream sequence at the halfway mark. Rambo has vivid flashbacks to the previous films with images of Colonel Trautman. His voice calls out to him 'John...John!' until it fades into the voice of a Pastor calling for Rambo's help. It's like Trautman, Rambo's only real friend/father figure, is still trying to give him guidance from the next world.
  
  It could have been longer, but legend has it that Stallone has a director's cut in the works for DVD and it's surely a great night at the movies. It finishes of the Rambo story perfectly will surely please every single Rambo fan on the face of the earth. Fourth Blood is a real action movie, no PG13 Live Free or Die Hard garbage here. This is what an action film, a MAN'S film should be.
  
  
• Rambo is Back
  By A1GR45QYQ59Y6Z on 2008-03-08
  Rambo is back and better than ever! I will not relate the story as many other reviews do. The film is one of the bloodiest I have ever seen. One of the friends I went to see the movie with said that parts of this movie made Saving Private Ryan look like Toy Story.
  A lot of critics didn't like this film, but you don't go to see a movie like Rambo for the meaning of life. It is what it is; an action flick that takes one back to those of the 80's. The movie industry doesn't make them like they use too. This film was fantastic. The heart goes out to the Burmese people who are fighting against their opprestic military government that destroys their own people. I will definitely get this movie when it comes to DVD.
  
  
• Rambo 4
  By A1QKEGWSBTW1IB on 2008-03-26
  Rambo 4 Is One Of The Best One's ! Rambo 1 Will Always Be Number 1 ! Rambo 2 Is Pretty Good Also ! Rambo 3 Not To Great ! Rambo 4 Is The Most Violent And Brutal Of Them All-You Have To See It To Believe It ! Stallone Still Is One Of The Best Action Movie Makers-And Proves It With This Release ! Enjoy The Movie !!!!
  
  
• A bunch of idiots...
  By A1LXKLP1402D9B on 2008-03-29
  Yeah anyone who gives this a bad review for the effects and violence is a moron, its that simple...if you dont know anything about effects and have no sort of experience in the field...then do us all a favor and shut the hell up.
  
  thanks
  
  
• Great to see on here the Reviews this movie deserves!!!!!
  By A29T8UJ5PUQNPH on 2008-05-29
  It's great to get on here and see reviews that do this amazing film justice!! I watched this dvd last night and I'm still blown away by what I saw, absolutely speechless! Most film critics gave this movie a very low rating and I have concluded that they are complete MORONS and the people (such that gave reviews on here) really matter and gave this film an accurate review. I've never payed much attention to film critics (you shouldn't either, they are liberal scumbags) but it saddens me to think how out of touch they are to good film-making. I've seen just about every war movie ever made and the brutality in this one sets a new standard, it's better than ANYTHING I've ever seen! It's not just gore for gore's sake but is shown to give the viewer a full sense of the horror of using knives and high powered weaponry against other human beings. This film is vicious, and I say that in giving it the best compliment possible. It's also a great humanitarian effor to show the atrocities of what has occured in Burma and what is happening at this very moment, Many thanks to Stallone for making this and I hope that idiotic critics don't dissuade him from future projects.
  
  I would love to see what "School Boy's" .50 caliber sniper rifle would do to a critic's head, much like what you get to see happen to these low-life burma soldiers ;)
  
  
  

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• Jumper (Special Edition + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]
• Rambo 1-3 Boxset [Blu-ray]
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• Cloverfield [Blu-ray]