Review of First Blood (1982) by Timothy S — 11 Jun 2011

The original "First Blood" introduced to the world Sylvester Stallone's second of his two iconic movie characters, and while it's easily the best of the "Rambo" franchise it also ranks as one of the actor's best films. It introduces us to Vietnam vet John Rambo, and this movie succeeds where the other films in the series have failed. In this movie, Rambo is a real person, not just an action figure going through the motions. He has faults, strengths, weaknesses and perhaps most importantly dialogue. All of that means that the action sequences have real tension because you like this guy despite your reservations. Stallone and his co-screenwriters actually took the time to set up a story, and it gives everything that follows the set-up real weight.

He has surrounded himself with veteran actors at the peak of their game, including Richard Crenna taking things a little too seriously as Rambo's mentor and commanding officer. And no action picture can be entirely successful without a great villain, and this film has that in spades with Brian Dennehy. He could play this part in his sleep, but you'll love to hate his deliciously wicked portrayal. He's a big part of this film's success. And Stallone himself gives an understated performance, playing a wounded character with real emotional depth. This isn't the larger-than-life killing machine of the sequels.

In "First Blood", things are a little more complicated than that. It's a well-rounded picture.