12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
greatest action star of all time at his zenith, January 2, 2005
Rambo 3 is usually regarded as the weakest in the series. However, I love this film, simply because Stallone plays a borderline superhero better than anyone else. How many other men can combine such a powerful physical presense with so much force of character? While the real-life Stallone is certainly not as virtuous as Rambo, he is known to have incredible willpower and determination. These qualities dominate his portrayal of John Rambo.You look into this man's eyes and you simply cannot imagine him being small or petty. He is reminiscent of Harry Callahan in that regard. Whatever his limitations may be, his integrity and courage are beyond question. In addition, Stallone is so devoted to the discipline of bodybuilding that he has actually managed to create a distinctive look for this film. (As he has done on many other occassions for various movies.) Stallone is so powerfully built in Rambo 3 that he actually seems to belong in the rugged Middle Eastern desert environment.His range may be limited, as we saw in his 'comedy' films, but when he sticks to his forte, playing great heroes, Stallone is the greatest ever.
However, Rambo 3 has other good qualities besides Stallone. There are several great action sequences. The opening stick fight is brutal and effective. The helicopter attack on the Aphgan village is horrific and violent. Crenna's character seems to summon a warmth from Rambo that we do not often see. They work well together. The climactic battle is great. The villain is effective. This is a great action film. While the story may not be as interesting as the first or second entries in the series, it is outstanding in its own right. It is simply a bit more comic strip in nature. It is rather like an updated version of Captain America. This is not intended to be a realistic war movie.
The special features are also quite good. However, the movie is worth the money even if there were no extras. I wish Stallone would make more movies like this one.
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10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
80's Action Classic with Current Times Twist, December 14, 2001
It seems America needs the help of John Rambo one more time as he treks out to the rugged mountains of Afghanistan to save his friend. This movie is packed with action straight from the beginning until the end!
Starting off in the Orient where Rambo seeks to find inner peace by living with Buddhist monks and making some extra money by stick fighting locals. All is well until old pal, Col. Trautman and his CIA friend show up to persuade John to help them funnel arms to the Afghan freedom fighters, (who at the time were fighting the Red army). Rambo quickly declines the offer (Even after seeing some persuading pictures of maimed Afghan children) claiming his war is over.
Dissapointed, Col. Trautman leaves on a solo mission with a convoy of Afghan and American fighters to end up being caught by a ruthless Russian commander who tortures him, and Afghan men and women prisoners day and night.
Rambo learns of the news and now is forced to back to the war he didn't want to fight to save his friend. Along the way, he makes Afghan friends and saves the day by almost single handedly taking out a whole Russian battalion including Spetnaz commandos.
The story is straight out of a comic book, but this movie was made to please one market. Die-Hard Action fans like me who just love to see a one man army take on overwhelming odds, kick enormous butt, and live to tell about it.
On a Sidenote:
In the end of the movie, a message gives thanks to: "The Gallant People of Afghanistan." Which is the least the makers of this film could do since during the whole movie, Rambo is depicted as the man who turned the tide. Anyone who doesn't know yet, the Afghan/Russian war was solely fought with Afghan blood, but with our gold.
In ways Afghans and Rambo are alike. Both were given covert help by the CIA, both were lied to, and both were left to die. Now again USA is helping Afghan freedom fighters to topple the evil Taleban and Al Qaeda, but this time they want in the action.
Rumours of Rambo IV are everywhere and there are claims that Stallone is writing a screenplay as we speak. If it's true, let's hope this trilogy wraps up with a bang!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
I am RAMBO, hear me Roar!, August 14, 2002
John Rambo is once again caught up in the world of War and death as he comes out of 'retirement' to rescue his long time friend Colonel Trautmen from the Russians in Afghanistan.
This explosive action movie brings back Sylvester Stallone as the grunting, no-smiles, super buff, near indestructible, one-man army guy, John Rambo. With a vast array of weaponry (some I'm sure he pulls out of nowhere), helicopter gunships, tanks, his trustee Rambo bowie knife, and funny one liners, he will win this war, even if he has to kill everyone to prove it. This is great for a high-action, no brainer night of fun with the mates. RECOMMENDED!!!
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