Review of First Blood

Absorbing action/adventure movie!

"I could have killed 'em all, I could kill you. In town you're the law, out here it's me. Don't push it. Don't push it or I'll give you a war you won't believe. Let it go. Let it go."

Because of Sylvester Stallone's reputation as being the tough, unstoppable action hero (an image painted in films like Cobra, Cliffhanger, and all the Rambo sequels) people have immediately type-cast Stallone as a luminary of the 80's action genre who can't act and doesn't display much depth.

First Blood is something far from a brainless 80's action ride. In fact, it's one of Sly's most intelligent films. Before Rambo the only recognisable action hero would be someone like James Bond; a man who always stays calm and never seems to display any real vulnerability. The character of John J. Rambo is the most unconventional action hero of all time. Rambo shows that he is not invincible - he bleeds, he screams, feels pain and has emotions. This is different to the character featured in the novel by David Morrell of the same name; but in my honest opinion I felt this was a more human image, hence a change for the best.

John J. Rambo (Stallone) is a disillusioned Vietnam vet who has become a drifter eschewed by a prejudice society. Rambo is an ex-Greet Beret and a medal of honour recipient. On a journey to visit an old Vietnam buddy he drifts into a small town where he is made very unwelcome by the local Sheriff Teasle (Dennehy) who doesn't accept drifters in a town that he rules with an iron fist.

Rambo comes into the town looking for something to eat, instead he is turned away. He is arrested for resisting his unwarranted mistreatment. Beaten and humiliated, Rambo utilises his skills to escape and flee into a neighbouring forest where his one man war commences...on his own terms. Using his extensive knowledge of guerrilla warfare and setting traps, the local police force have no idea what they are about to walk into.

First Blood is an unconventional entry to the 1980's action genre; instead of frequent violence and a high body count we instead are shown an engaging, absorbing character study of a man who is pushed over the edge. Rambo is mentally unstable and is still haunted by his Vietnam days. Flashbacks are triggered when he is given nothing but unprovoked treatment from the police.

Unlike most action films, First Blood develops the characters and doesn't focus on the action. Rambo does not want to kill someone unless absolutely necessary. Even after being treated so badly by a discriminatory society he does not wish to start mindless killing and violence.

Stallone is John Rambo. There is no-one else who could possibly play the role. It's like Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones or Bruce Willis as John McClane; a replacement would be futile and offensive. Stallone's muscles aren't exaggerated or bulging. He is a trim man with innocent facial expressions that tell his story. For most of the movie he says very little dialogue; instead staring at someone or yelping in pain. His final monologue is one of the most poignant few minutes of any action movie. It has heart and it helps us empathise with the character. If someone can find an 80's action movie featuring Van Damme or Dolph Lundgren that has heart or soul I beg you to recommend it to me.

Richard Crenna is a fantastic patriarchal figure who was once Rambo's mentor during Vietnam. Crenna's performance is also heart-felt and further allows us to get engaged in the spellbinding personality of Rambo.

The filmmaking in every aspect was fantastic. The lush scenery of the forest gives one the feeling of isolation. And it feels like just your average common town that Rambo finds himself drifting into.

Action scenes were accompanied with taut direction and a riveting score by Jerry Goldsmith. Goldsmith's score is outstanding. The Rambo theme is poignant and powerful. When there's an action scene the music is intense and engrossing. The audience are compelled to keep their eyes ardently glued to the screen. You won't want to miss a second.

First Blood is one of the best 1980's action films that is a perfect vehicle for Stallone to display intensity and aptitude as an action hero. I always find myself captivated and mesmerised, as well as highly entertained. The credibility is sometimes thrown to the wind which is the only drawback on an otherwise superb production.

Even if you're not a fan of action movies, First Blood is a must see movie that cannot be missed. Followed by 3 sequels.

9/10

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Added by PvtCaboose91 1 year ago on 2 May 2008 03:36