13/06/2013

Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

Film: Rambo: First Blood Part II
Release: 1985, theatrical
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Charles Napier
Directed by: George P. Cosmatos
Previous in the series: First Blood
IMDB Page: Link opens in a new window

Description: John J. Rambo is in jail for his crimes in the previous movie. He is approached by his mentor Colonel Trautman, the government will consider giving Rambo a pardon if he returns to Vietnam for a covert ops mission.


Hans' thoughts:

This was a radically different movie than First Blood. Rambo is now back in Vietnam fighting Soviets and Vietcong displaying all the skills of the former movie - and more! Yes, as the poster most likely indicates this movie is very different indeed. First off, the movie is much closer to the military action movies of it's day. Movies like Predator, Robowar and Platoon. While this movie still has some aspects of the tone of the previous movie, it's a lot more action oriented. Things are being blown up left and right. The villains in this movie is cartoonishly evil, the Soviet leader seeming like he will utter the words "No Mr. Bond, I expect you to DIE!" at any moment while he's on screen. The Vietcong soldiers are all nameless and pretty much used simply as cannon fodder for the hero. The movie bears the same message as the previous, but this time trying to hammer the point in maybe a bit too hard. Stallone's character is flawlessly good, superbly skilled and always in the right. It is probably meant as a slap in the face towards the peace marches. While the previous movie had it's quiet moments and was actually quite dark, this is mostly a fun action movie that takes itself a bit too seriously in spite of how over the top it is. It is however, very awesome! If you like action movies, this is a must-watch.

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