Jason versus Rambo: First Blood Part II

It's almost impossible not to think of this film when thinking about the 80s. With one movie, Sylvester Stallone and director George P. Cosmatos tapped into a post-Vietnam war consciousness, Cold War fears of Russia and gave birth to the cinematic one-man army. Impressive, no? But how does it stand up almost 30 years later? Stick with me.

John Rambo is released from prison by the government for a top-secret covert mission in the last place on Earth he'd want to return -- the jungles of Vietnam.

This is an iconic action movie, but what shocks me is all the iconic stuff happens during the last 36 minutes. Up until then, we get a pretty straight forward and serious continuation of the First Blood story. Then BAM -- shit gets awesome.

Watching Rambo single handedly take on the entire Russian and VC army is a thing of beauty. I don't care if it's 100-per-cent bullshit, it's awesome bullshit. Rambo's now legendary knife is there, as are the explosive arrows and big-ass gun. Remember the helicopter-versus-helicopter conclusion? Well, it's there too.

A lot of people forget this was co-written by James Cameron. I'm willing to bet all the cool shit is his handiwork. Don't get me wrong, there's not a weak moment in Rambo: First Blood Part II, but the last act is such a thrill ride, I'm pretty sure Cameron is responsible.

Sure, this movie is dated. It's an 80s movie through and through. But what a glorious 80s movie it is. And it's an action classic. A Good. For real.

Comments

#CocktailHour: Slushtail

Summer approaches, inspiring thoughts of sunshine, backyard parties, and having a tip and sip with friends. With that in mind, I bring you this week sunny beverage. To make a slushtail, mix a can of frozen orange juice, a can of frozen lemonade (or limeade), a can of pineapple juice, a couple cups of black tea (or English Breakfast), and two cups of bourbon- such as Southern Comfort, in a pitcher. When it's all nicely mixed, put it in the freezer until it's a nice slushy consistency. Scoop the slush into a cocktail glass, and pour in some Sprite or 7-Up. Add a little umbrella for some frivolous fun, and a straw. Voila! Ready to enjoy. This is a very refreshing drink. The fruit juices, Sprite, and bourbon- when chilled makes for a great punch-like drink. The bourbon doesn't overwhelm juices. In fact, they are all nicely balanced in terms of flavors. The sourness of the citrus fruits contrasts well with the slightly sweeter Sout...

Unlock your fate with The Puzzle

When my dad wasn't working, building stuff or being my dad, he was making puzzles. It was a guaranteed way for him to unwind. So it was with great interest that I sat down to watch Italian filmmaker Davide Melini's award-winning short The Puzzle. You see, the mother in the five-minute film likes to relax with puzzles just like my dad. Unfortunately, her good-for-nothing son keeps harassing her for money. Losing herself in her favourite passtime, the mother soon discovers that completing this puzzle might unlock a nightmare. The Puzzle has been an official selection at more European film festivals than you can shake a stick at, and was voted Third Best Italian Film at the Rome International Film Festival in 2008. Having watched it, I'm not surprised. It's a tight little film that hits you hard in the final few seconds. You can tell Melini cut his teeth as an assistant director for legendary Italian filmmaker Dario Argento. But enough chit chat on my part. See if yo...

The Animated Addict: "The Adventures of Tintin" (2011)

If you're a 40 + white dude, like myself, you may remember a comic series called " The Adventures of Tintin ". I know I remember them. This series, dating back to 1929, got turned into a animated feature film by Steven Spielberg in 2011. After buying a model of ship called The Unicorn, teenaged journalist Tintin finds himself on adventure that will take him from the high seas, to the low deserts, and from the distant past to the present. With his trusty dog, Snowy, by his side, Tintin uncovers a story connecting two men across the centuries.. . The story is really quite good. It's well crafted, and high paced- with just enough slow moments to build and develop the world and the characters. This is the sort of adventure story you'd find in the old serials of the 1930's and '40's. In fact, it felt like it was the sort of tale that you'd find Indiana Jones undertaking. I found myself swept up, and swept along as our hero swung from one e...

Search This Blog