I just got back from my spectacular trip to Greece and Turkey. Words can't really describe how awesome the Aegean is; it's a veritable Shangri-La.
One thing I noticed from the trip was the curious dearth of American visitors. Usually the cruise ships and touristy locations are chock full of Americans (immediately distinguished by their jutting guts and naivete). I suppose a weak dollar and an economy in recession will do that.
Rather appropriately, when I came home, I watched the entire Rambo DVD collection ( a present for my dad for Father's Day). John fuckin' Rambo, a symbol of better times for America. The first three movies are a guilty pleasure; they are the ultimate 80s action movies along with Commando and Bloodsport. The first movie is a classic, and is as much about Rambo's fucked up psyche and his 'Nam PTSD as it is about action. The second movie is more of a straightforward action film, but is still an entertaining romp. Plus, that Asian girl who helps Rambo is pretty hot. The third movie is undeniably the weakest and is pure anti-Soviet propaganda. Nevertheless, I still liked it for the wanton violence.
Just this year, Stallone released another Rambo film entitled "Rambo" (which, as one might guess, is confusing because unofficially the first movie is "Rambo". Why else would the third movie be called "Rambo 3"?).
Let me say this right away: Rambo is one GORY movie. In the previous Rambo movies, when someone gets shot they fall down. Here bodies explode and guts fly all over the place. Little kids get bayoneted, women get raped, and heads are decapitated. It's certainly not for the faint of heart.
The plot involves Rambo living the simple life in northern Thailand when these Christian missionaries come along and ask Rambo to take them upriver into Burma. Burma is where all the aformentioned raping and killing is occurring. By now, the rest of the plot is self-explanatory: the missionaries get caught and a sixty-year old Rambo has to save them.
The plot is so simplistic, but the film is one hell of a ride. The movie is really a love-letter to Rambo fans. If all you want to see is Rambo wield that badass bow one last time and use a machine gun to mow down enemies, then you'll undoubtedly be satisfied. In addition, I respect Sylvester Stallone (the director) for making the movie as violent as he did because this is what really happens on a regular basis in junta-ruled Myanmar. And it's oddly satisfying to see the resurrection of an all-American badass who doubles as a one-man army, I must say. These are uncertain times for America and although we can't return to our past prominence, atleast we still got John fuckin' Rambo.
It's certainly not as good as the first movie, or the second one, but I think it's better than the third one and is a worthy addition to the original Rambo trilogy. The ending is especially satisfying because Stallone makes it clear that there will not be another Rambo movie.
In fact, if another Rambo movie was made, I think Stallone getting arthritis would be a bigger concern than making up a plausible plot. Stallone is sixty years old and he looks...strange. His face is curiously wrinkle-free and it doesn't move when he talks. It's all botoxed out. Stallone is buff, but not as lean as he was in the original trilogy. Most of this can be attributed to old age, but I wouldn't be surprised if Stallone has been taking some 'roids. Thankfully, he doesn't take his shirt off; a shirtless Stallone in Rocky Balboa was enough for me.
Regardless, I enjoyed this Rambo movie and it gives more closure to the character, as opposed to the third movie which just has Rambo driving off with the Colonel. The critics have not been kind to the movie mostly because of the violence and the superhuman nature of the Rambo character. I think these critics are simply missing the point: Rambo is a cartoon. Of course no-one can infiltrate Soviet camps, fight off entire platoons, or take on the National Guard single-handedly. In fact, one of the defining characteristics of Rambo is that he's a superhuman with a fragile psyche, which makes the Rambo character an interesting dichotomy.
So my advice for any of the four movies: turn off your brain and enjoy the bloody (literally) ride.
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