Review of Rambo 3

Introduction

Who needs a complex plot or character development when you can have Sylvester Stallone kicking some ass? This is the third entry in the pure-action, one man army, series. This time John Rambo goes deep behind enemy lines in Afghanista (this was made way before the events of September 11) to rescue his long-time Colonel friend, who has been captured by invading Soviet forces.

Stallone co-wrote the script (as you probably know he won an Oscar for the script he wrote for Rocky), so it`s also interesting to see how Sly perceives sequences as well as acting in them.

Video

This is presented in 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, and there is little dust or grain on the print (this was made a few years ago, so I suppose this is excusable). The palette is used well, depicting the desert and action sequences with the usual crispness you`ve come to expect from DVD.

There are various action sequences in Rambo III, and they are choroegraphed successfully, meaning they`re not overlong or too repetitive. There`s even a bit of stealth in the movie, and suspense as well, especially when Rambo decides to crawl across a mine field right under the noses of Soviet guards.

Audio

A DD 5.1 track is on offer, with the surrounds kicking in well when Rambo starts kicking some ass (geddit?). The audio is constantly crisp, and the ambience level is just right. The main audio stream is clear, and the transition from action to dialogue and vice versa is always pleasant on the ear.

Rambo III actually does have some character development surprisingly, as Stallone really does flesh out the character of Rambo, and the banter between himself and the Colonel is good, and never cheesy.

Features

Rambo III has the following special features:

Making-Of - this is a 6min look at how the production was filmed, and features some insights from the director and Stallone himself. This is not that interesting, because basically it is a short PR featurette, but it does have the odd moment.

Behind the Scenes - a boring re-hash of the above, it is divided into two sections, `Scope` and `Friendships`, and they possess the same cheesy voice-over and sequences. A waste of space to but it bluntly.

Photo Gallery - about 12 stills from the movie.

Theatrical & Teaser Trailers - does what it says on the tin.

Conclusion

Rambo III doesn`t have anything revolutionary in it, nor a twist that leaves you breathless. However, it knows what the audience wants, and it offers it. The plot may be incredibly basic, but the script is actually quite good, and the action is entertaining to say the least. Those expecting an Oscar winning movie look elsewhere, but for those of you who want an entertaining 90 minutes, you could do far worse.

So overall, this is an entertaining movie supplied on a slightly lacklustre disc...the main fault being the extras. The disc was originally released in 2000, so the 2002 version should offer comprehensive added value - but sadly it doesn`t. Fans of the genre will appreciate it for content alone, and no doubt others will give it a go. Go on, I dare you.