The first Rambo film is a cult classic and one of Stallone's best performances. When making a sequel to a great action film, these films suffer. Examples being Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Terminator 3 and 4 and several other beloved action flicks. Whilst certainly not horrible, Rambo II is not much similar to its predecessor but instead relies heavily on big action scenes. Great performances by Stallone and Richard Crenna, as well as some exciting action, even if it isn't at all like the original and a few character moments save this from being a total disaster of a film.
John Rambo was arrested at the end of the first film for the damages and deaths that he caused in a town. Whilst in jail, Rambo's commander arrives and apologizes to Rambo for the life he now lives and offers to send him back to Vietnam to search for some lost men and thus, give back Rambo his freedom. Reluctantly agreeing, Rambo travels back the world that he so dreads.
The acting is truly great by some and truly annoying by others. Stallone and Crenna are absolutely fantastic in their respective roles with Stallone once more giving such a physical and energetic performance. Every kick he acts or every fire from a gun shot feels as crazy and over the top as it should. Stallone even shares a few slightly emotional scenes which are handled well, despite much of the film being a mess. A character like Rambo could be a hard one to like but Stallone certainly brings a likability and pity towards his character. Crenna and Stallone share great chemistry for the few scenes they are in together and their friendship feels like one that two would experience during war time.
Something that makes this a near unrecognizable Rambo film is simultaneously one of the more enjoyable parts of the film and that is obviously the extremely over the top action sequences in the film. The original Rambo film was restricted in big action scenes but more so used the "predator" method. Rambo was a predator who sneaks up on his enemies to eliminate them, occasionally letting himself be spotted by enemies. This was a true magic of the first film but here, Rambo is constantly shown revealing himself to enemies and simply firing shot after shot. Even though he occasionally hides in the film, he is often seen by enemies and completely altering the tone of the film through this. This makes it feel less intense, despite some exciting action sequences. Whilst the original Rambo felt like a late 70s action flick, Rambo II certainly has the feel of an 80s action flick.
Whilst the action scenes are good and bad to the film, the film is truly redeemed enough by a few great character moments such as the final scene involving Trautment and Rambo. Here, Stallone gives a small speech that is well done and is an image that could be formed in one's mind. Other great character moments are involving Trautment, especially early on where he expresses his concern for Rambo. These moments, though not much, do help to save this film for the better.
'Rambo: The First Blood Part II' is definitely one of the most unrecognizable sequels to one of the cult classics. This sequel's immense difference is evident through big dumb action scenes that go on longer than expected, providing far less emotion and core to the story than the previous entry. New characters aren't as interesting as from the first and the story is largely one to not buy. Whilst Rambo II makes for a good action flick it doesn't necessarily make for a great Rambo film but isn't a completely horrid one due to some very great performances and a few great character moments.
John Rambo was arrested at the end of the first film for the damages and deaths that he caused in a town. Whilst in jail, Rambo's commander arrives and apologizes to Rambo for the life he now lives and offers to send him back to Vietnam to search for some lost men and thus, give back Rambo his freedom. Reluctantly agreeing, Rambo travels back the world that he so dreads.
The acting is truly great by some and truly annoying by others. Stallone and Crenna are absolutely fantastic in their respective roles with Stallone once more giving such a physical and energetic performance. Every kick he acts or every fire from a gun shot feels as crazy and over the top as it should. Stallone even shares a few slightly emotional scenes which are handled well, despite much of the film being a mess. A character like Rambo could be a hard one to like but Stallone certainly brings a likability and pity towards his character. Crenna and Stallone share great chemistry for the few scenes they are in together and their friendship feels like one that two would experience during war time.
Something that makes this a near unrecognizable Rambo film is simultaneously one of the more enjoyable parts of the film and that is obviously the extremely over the top action sequences in the film. The original Rambo film was restricted in big action scenes but more so used the "predator" method. Rambo was a predator who sneaks up on his enemies to eliminate them, occasionally letting himself be spotted by enemies. This was a true magic of the first film but here, Rambo is constantly shown revealing himself to enemies and simply firing shot after shot. Even though he occasionally hides in the film, he is often seen by enemies and completely altering the tone of the film through this. This makes it feel less intense, despite some exciting action sequences. Whilst the original Rambo felt like a late 70s action flick, Rambo II certainly has the feel of an 80s action flick.
Whilst the action scenes are good and bad to the film, the film is truly redeemed enough by a few great character moments such as the final scene involving Trautment and Rambo. Here, Stallone gives a small speech that is well done and is an image that could be formed in one's mind. Other great character moments are involving Trautment, especially early on where he expresses his concern for Rambo. These moments, though not much, do help to save this film for the better.
'Rambo: The First Blood Part II' is definitely one of the most unrecognizable sequels to one of the cult classics. This sequel's immense difference is evident through big dumb action scenes that go on longer than expected, providing far less emotion and core to the story than the previous entry. New characters aren't as interesting as from the first and the story is largely one to not buy. Whilst Rambo II makes for a good action flick it doesn't necessarily make for a great Rambo film but isn't a completely horrid one due to some very great performances and a few great character moments.