Release Date:
05/27/2008
The Skinny: The ultimate soldier is back with a vengeance, and drawn into a battle against a brutal Burmese regime that slaughters everything they see. This is by far the most gloriously violent film in the series, and possibly the most blood-splattered war movie we've ever seen. Welcome back, John!
The Good: This movie clocks in at around 80 minutes, and accomplishes more than we thought possible. It's got action, severed body parts, humor, and great one-liners; it left us wanting more. The same way Stallone resurrected Rocky and sent him out with some class, he breathes new life into Rambo without making it completely cheesy.
The Bad: If there's anything bad about this movie, we haven't seen it. And we've watched it twice already.
Rambo: The Catalyst for Change? Rambo seems to be on the cutting edge of some controversial topics. The underrated Rambo III taught us about Afghanistan, where he fought alongside what would become the Taliban. Now he brings us into the horrors of Burma. Stallone knows how to pick an issue and make people care, unlike those arty Hollywood types who talk about Darfur but don't show us in a kick-ass action flick. Call us shallow, but that's what it takes.
Not Bad for a 61-Year-Old: Most guys at this age are either dead or close to it. Stallone is not only running through a 115-degree jungle slicing up bad guys, he also wrote and directed the movie.
Best Extra: Hit "play all" and watch all six featurettes, which detail the entire grueling production. Plus, on Blu-ray you not only get Stallone's commentary, you also get the "Bonus View Picture-in-Picture," where you can see lots of cool crap while you watch the movie.
Also Available on Regular DVD: For those of you without a PS3 or Blu-ray player, pick up Rambo: Special Edition + Digital Copy or see below for a review of Rambo: The Complete Collector's Set, which includes all four movies. There's also a Blu-ray box set, but for some dumb-ass reason it doesn't include this movie, so you're gonna have to buy it separately.
Read the review of Rambo: The Complete Collector's Set | Read the review of Rambo IIII Box Set [Blu-ray]
The Good: This movie clocks in at around 80 minutes, and accomplishes more than we thought possible. It's got action, severed body parts, humor, and great one-liners; it left us wanting more. The same way Stallone resurrected Rocky and sent him out with some class, he breathes new life into Rambo without making it completely cheesy.
The Bad: If there's anything bad about this movie, we haven't seen it. And we've watched it twice already.
Rambo: The Catalyst for Change? Rambo seems to be on the cutting edge of some controversial topics. The underrated Rambo III taught us about Afghanistan, where he fought alongside what would become the Taliban. Now he brings us into the horrors of Burma. Stallone knows how to pick an issue and make people care, unlike those arty Hollywood types who talk about Darfur but don't show us in a kick-ass action flick. Call us shallow, but that's what it takes.
Not Bad for a 61-Year-Old: Most guys at this age are either dead or close to it. Stallone is not only running through a 115-degree jungle slicing up bad guys, he also wrote and directed the movie.
Best Extra: Hit "play all" and watch all six featurettes, which detail the entire grueling production. Plus, on Blu-ray you not only get Stallone's commentary, you also get the "Bonus View Picture-in-Picture," where you can see lots of cool crap while you watch the movie.
Also Available on Regular DVD: For those of you without a PS3 or Blu-ray player, pick up Rambo: Special Edition + Digital Copy or see below for a review of Rambo: The Complete Collector's Set, which includes all four movies. There's also a Blu-ray box set, but for some dumb-ass reason it doesn't include this movie, so you're gonna have to buy it separately.
Read the review of Rambo: The Complete Collector's Set | Read the review of Rambo IIII Box Set [Blu-ray]