Review of First Blood (1982) by Monty H — 17 Dec 2012

Had to go back and watch the original after watching the newest one. And it is amazingly still awesome. In fact, better than I remember. Stallone is perfect as John Rambo, a Vietnam war vet who while traveling cross country gets on the wrong side of a small town sheriff (Brian Dennehy) and his deputies. When the law pushes him, Rambo pushes back--hard. There are so many reasons why this is the best one of the series. I know the new one has way more carnage and blood and all that. But First Blood actually has a good story with great characters. Dennehy is wonderful as Sheriff Will Teasle, a no-nonsense guy who refuses to back down; Richard Crenna as the stoic Colonel Trautman, who comes very close to the William Shatner style of acting, and of course Stallone who delivers all the required muscle and efficency at killing but also provides some good acting. And compared to the new one, he is positively Chatty Cathy for his debut as Rambo. And that terrific music score. One of the best action films ever made. First Blood is awesome. A classic. And has some of the best quotes ever.

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Teasle: Are you telling me that 200 of our men against your boy is a no-win situation for us?

Trautman: You send that many, don't forget one thing.

Teasle: What?

Trautman: A good supply of body bags.