The Triangle

Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: MCT Campus

When it was first revealed that Sylvester Stallone was going to give both his characters, Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, a rightful ending with one more installment to each series, I was a little skeptical. My opinion changed with last year's Rocky Balboa and I personally thought Stallone's approach worked just as perfectly as it could of for that Philadelphia-born every-man hero, and so my expectations were risen a bit for the release of Rambo this year.

The newest installment in the Rambo series, Rambo, or Rambo IV, obviously follows the character John James Rambo (Sylvester Stallone). The once active guerilla warfare expert has now retreated to a simple life in a rural Thai village near the Burmese border, taking up a living by capturing snakes for local entertainers, and transporting roamers in his battered long-tail boat.

After the reintroduction of Rambo and his new found ways, Rambo is approached by a group of missionaries who request to be taken to Burma to help the Karen tribe - which are currently falling victim to horrible acts of genocide being committed by Major Tint's repressive soldiers. The missionaries claim that they will aid the wounded with both food and medicine. Rambo initially refuses, telling them that without weapons, they are not going to change a thing.

This entire portion of the film, while interesting to see Rambo a bit fleshed out, is also a bit drawn out and - dare I say - unneeded! I paid admission to see some over the top, total badass one-man army action and they dare give me plot?! In any case, the woman of the group of missionaries, Sarah Miller (Julie Benz), tries to ask Rambo on her own. Rambo refuses with every attempt until Sarah starts to play with the remnants of his humanity. Because of her determination, Rambo agrees to ferry them, but he will only do as Sarah directs. He shows absolutely no fondness for any other members of the group and just as well because you never learn to care for any of them.



A bit of action is sampled when Rambo and crew get spotted by Major Tint's men as they were trespassing on enemy waters. Sorry, but there is no way I could possibly ruin the magical demonstration of testosterone Rambo shows in order to avoid capture. Ruining such a moment for a potential viewer would be the equivalent of telling you all of the events of your future leading entirely to the day of your demise - horrible, I know.

Continued...

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