Rambo Last Blood Review

Rambo comes home

It has been 7 years since Adrian Grunberg’s diretorial debut, Get The Gringo (2012) hit screens and this time he takes on one of the biggest and longest serving action franchises of all time, in Rambo Last Blood. The story follows an isolated and tortured John Rambo, who settles on a ranch with close relatives Maria and her teenage granddaughter Gabriela. When Gabriela gets kidnapped from ruthless Drug leaders, Rambo sets on a bloody path of vengeance.

This plot has been recycled for years in the action genre. Taken (2008) is the only film that has pulled it off, since then we have witnessed numerous failed rip off’s. However, this recycled formula actually works for this sequel. Family is a theme that we haven’t seen in this franchise, it reminds us that Rambo is much more than a stoic killing machine, he has a heart and this film touches on that on a few surprisingly tearful moments between him and Gabriella. Family was a clear theme that the producers went with when making the film. Therefore, the film feels the most personal since the first. This is very refreshing to see as Rambo First Blood part 2 (1985), Rambo 3 (1988) and to some extent, Rambo (2008) all had ridiculously over the top action set pieces that could only realistically exist in an animated series. The action here is still over the top but it feels more grounded because of the storyline.

With a run time of 1 hour 39 mins, It harkens back to First Blood (1982) with its dramatic elements as well as the excellent choice to have Rambo build tunnels and set traps for the inevitably violent third act. It reminds us, the audience of those intense tunnel scenes from the first film. We also have Brian Tyler returning to compose the music. He repeats most of the music treads, but this time it packs a greater punch. The tracks, ‘coming home’ and ‘preparing for war’ capture the core themes that this film is built on.

As for the final act, it’s flawless. Its well time and planned both by Rambo and the production crew. It contains a claustrophobic intensity as well as a smart back and off with the main villain, Hugo Martinez. As a Rambo fan, this film delivers everything that you would hope for. Yes, This film is predictable and generic in the action genre and if this film wasn’t a Rambo film, I would probably bash it. However, Adrian Grunberg seems to have given this franchise a needed lift, whilst leaving us with a satisfying ending that leaves room for further instalments.

To conclude, Adrian Grunberg delivers a recycled yet heartfelt, realistic action heavy Rambo film that serves the character justice and leaves us wanting more. I give Rambo Last Blood 4/5