Review of First Blood (1982) by Peter W — 09 May 2011

Sylvester Stallone had already carved himself a niche with the Rocky films. But to me, the ultimate Stallone films has got to be the Rambo franchise. First Blood is the first of four flawless action film, and it set the standard of many action film that would follow.

After returning from the war, Vietnam vet John Rambo drifts across the U.S in search of his war buddy. When he finds out he's passed on due to exposure to Agent Orange, he keeps on walking. Walking to a small town where an overzealous Sheriff takes an imediate disliking to him.

He gets arrested and subsequently abused. Unfortunatly for Rambo he experiences flashbacks fom the war and VERY unfortunately for the Sheriffs department, he escapes and starts to wage a one man war against the police department.

What follows is chaos and mayhem as the police officers can't capture him. First Blood is quite possibly one of the best films that Sylvester Stallone has ever played in and he gives one terrific performance.

Compared to the other three films in the series, First Blood is the Rambo film thats kind of toned down in terms of action. Theres lots of action of course, but compared to the three others; First Blood is the 'softer' one of the bunch.

The filmmakers of the following franchise opted to give a more adrenaline pulse pounding edge to the story thats not fully developed with this film, but we do get a taste of what is to come. First Blood is nonetheless a solid action film that concentrates more on it's story than on the action.

Which is a good thing and it's what makes this film a must see. Sure it's an action film with a lot of action packed moments, but First Blood combines elements of a thriller as well. A well balanced film that gives you a taste of what's to come in one of the most adrenaline action packed franchises in the genres history.