MOVIE REVIEW by Lucas Allen: ‘Rambo: Last Blood’ bloody good time for action fans

Rambo: Last Blood

(Lionsgate Films/Millennium Media)

By Lucas Allen

He may be hanging up his boxing gloves for good, but Sylvester Stallone still has one more battle in him, reprising his other signature character. John Rambo has fought the local Northwestern police, saved POWs, and battled international enemies to earn the title of iconic action hero. Now the tradition continues as he makes his final stand in the fifth installment of the popular action series with “Rambo: Last Blood.”
Upon returning to America, Rambo (Stallone) now runs his old family ranch with only his maid Maria (Adriana Barraza) and her 17-year old granddaughter Gabrielle (Yvette Monreal) as his newfound family. However, he still deals with PTSD and tries medicating himself to keep going. But as she is about to go to college, she defies her guardian and heads to Mexico to see her long-lost father. When she doesn’t return, Rambo takes it upon himself to find her and bring her home. It turns out she was kidnapped and forced into an underground brothel spear-headed by the Martinez brothers Hugo (Sergio Peris-Mencheta) and Victor (Oscar Jaenada).
After failing to rescue her, he receives some unexpected help from roaming reporter Carmen Delgado (Paz Vega) who’s been following the brothers since her sister was brutally murdered by them. One thing leads to another and now, Rambo will have to use his long-buried lethal skills to get revenge on the people who took away who he loves. This includes rigging his farmhouse with enough deadly traps that would put Kevin McCallister to shame.
While the previous sequels have the hero fighting in foreign countries, this one returns him to his American roots in a plot that’s basically Taken starring Rambo. With that said, the movie managed to bring back some of the spirit of the original First Blood with raw action and important characterization. As the plot turns, it gets pretty emotional making it the most emotional entry in the series especially for anyone who’s a fan or new to it. Those expecting to see a movie that’s all action will likely come away pretty surprised.
Just a friendly warning, this movie is not for the sensitive and squeamish. Some of the film’s big moments get very graphic with blood spilling and bones getting broken. The climax in particular, in which Rambo unleashes his homemade traps on his enemies, will leave viewers disgusted or wowed depending on how they react to it. For those who can take it, it’s a satisfying finale that’s unforgettable. As extreme as it gets sometimes, it doesn’t take away from its story being nicely told.
If it’s likely he’s playing the character for the final time, then Stallone finishes his role quite well. Being older, he gives his character much more subtle emotion and a quieter sense of anger. Not to mention, he can still pull off his intensity when he uses his bare hands and weapons. While understandably evil, the actors playing the villains don’t offer anything fresh or memorable aside from acting as cartoonishly crazy as possible. On the other hand, Monreal gives the most realistic performance in the whole movie especially when she adds heart to her scenes with Stallone.
Fans may debate which version of Rambo they prefer, whether it’s “First Blood” or the 80s sequels, but “Rambo: Last Blood” delivers a gritty bloodbath of a conclusion that’s not to be missed on the big screen. It’s a momentous celebration for those who grew up watching Stallone movies and the actor’s ferociousness. Action fans will certainly have a grand good time.

THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for strong graphic violence, grisly images, drug use, and language)

CRITIC’S RATING: 3.25 Stars (Out of Four)