Review of First Blood (1982) by Joe A — 13 Apr 2012

Aside from Rocky, this is one of Stallone's all time best films and best roles. Based on David Morrell's book, First Blood tells the story of drifter and Vietnam vet John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone).

Rambo wanders into a small town and is immediately harrassed by the local hick sheriff (a great Brian Dennehy) and his mistreatment at the hands of the town's redneck police force triggers both his trauma from the war and his special forces combat training.

After an officer is accidentally killed, Rambo is forced into a one man war against the police and local National Guard and only his former commanding officer (Richard Crenna replacing Kirk Douglas who left due to creative differences.

) might be able to stop the carnage. First Blood is a really good action/thriller that is well directed by Ted Kotcheff who not only give us a lot of nice suspense and action but, gets good performances out of his cast.

The character of Rambo is portrayed here as very much a human being, although a very dangerous one. It was only in the following sequels that he became a larger then life superhuman killing machine and here Stallone makes him very sympathetic and vulnerable despite his lethal skills.

A first rate thriller that has none of the comicbook-ish over the top mayhem that populated the entertaining but, far more superficial sequels. Supporting roles are played by future TV star David Caruso and Jack Starrett who appeared in and directed the cult favorite Race With The Devil.