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people die each minute. Now, I have no beef with ass kicking of any kind, but some moments in Rambo make the opening sequence of Saving Private Ryan look about as graphic as the death of Bambi’s mother (Hint: You don’t see her die). The violence is sickening mainly because it is unnecessary. In a smarter film, the violence would shed light on the horrific nature of a fully realized enemy. But the villains of Rambo are faceless (and nameless) creatures that do more to reaffirm American the prejudices of its audiences than challenge generic portrayals of the “Other”. The movie is the action equivalent of the torture-porn genre. Eli Roth, eat your heart out.
Will action aficionados enjoy the film? Well, action aficionados enjoy action so that much is a safe bet. Unfortunately, Rambo lacks any bite to appeal to anyone else. The original film is more rewarding, more thought-provoking, and less evil.
I must say, however, the Rambo special features are extensive and worth taking a look at. Action fans (who I assume will probably be the largest group to buy the film on DVD) will find much to love. There are six featurettes discussing such varied topics as the weaponry used in the film as well as the process involved in choreographing the film’s many stunt sequences. Documentaries about the real world struggle in Burma as well as the resurrection of the character of John Rambo are less stimulating footage, but still worth taking a look at. The DVD also offers audio commentary by Stallone, deleted scenes, and even a digital copy of the film to put on your Ipod!
Movie Grade: C-
DVD Features Grade: A-
Overall Grade: C+
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