Review of First Blood (1982) by Mark J — 24 Jan 2013

Despite all the abuse and jokes about "Rambo-Dumbo," this first entry in the series is, for its first half, a very well-made action film with some intelligent things to say about how this country treats its war veterans.

People forget how much A-list talent was involved with this movie. Stallone is credible and laudible in the title role. Brian Dennehy almost steals the movie in an outstanding performance as the well-meaning but gruff and insensitive small-town sheriff.

Director Ted Kotcheff does a great job of calibrating small misunderstandings and perceived slights into the mayhem of Rambo's jail-break scene. Andrew Lazslo contributes the usual very fine photography, making the most of the misty mountaintops of the Pacific Northwest.

Though a little noisy at times, Jerry Goldsmith's rousing para-military score generates the necessary blend of menace and excitement. True, the movie suffers from a weak second half--even now many critics aren't sure about the real purpose of Richard Crenna's character--but it's still very enjoyable and not the total stinker that its lousy sequels might lead you to believe.