One of the best action movies - ever

In spite of its flaws (and let's face it, Rambo isn't art), this still remains one of the most relentlessly intense, adrenalin-fuelled action pics ever made. I first got into the Rambo series with Rambo III, although I had already seen Part II on televison a couple of years after its theatrical release (I wish I had seen this on the big screen). Initially I didn't think it was anything great, but Rambo has gradually become over the years one of those guilty pleasures of mine (we all have them).
True, the characters are fairly one-dimensional & some of the dialogue & acting is a bit cheesy - but the movie succeeds admirably in those areas that really count in an escapist action film. The look of the film - specifically Stallone as the steel-thewed supersoldier with his trademark bandana & specialised bow with explosive-tipped arrows - plus state-of-the-art pyrotechnics - all allied to well done action sequences & exciting score by Jerry Goldsmith.
Much of the action & violence for which the film is much maligned, is concentrated in the last quarter or so, rather than liberally sprinked throughout, & God knows Rambo's actions seem rather justified after having been a) abandoned by the American government b) captured & tortured by communist soldiers and c) having his compatriot/ally Co Boa killed before his eyes.
This film made Rambo a household name & 80s cultural icon. It was an enormous box-office hit - I believe it took more money its first three weeks alone than any other R-rated picture at that time, as well as being a smash hit here in Australia (as were the other 2 Rambo films). Go ahead: see it!

Are we going to win this time? Abso-mother frocking-lutely

I fricking love to be an American and this movie demonstrates why. Guns, bombs, rocket laden helicopters, a hot Asian chick, and MORE GUNS!!!!!! What else do you need in this life? I almost wet myself when I saw this movie at the theater back in the 80s. Rambo is the new archetype of MAN, the new mythological/pedagogical device meant to help us realize our human potential. Come on, let's be honest, we've all been screwed by THE MAN. We've all been sent on errands meant to fail just to make our superiors look competent. We've all been abandoned under direct command. "And these are the people you protect.....with your pain." We're just grocery clerks sent to collect the bill (sorry, Apocalypse Now reference). But do you think I'd care if I was left alone on a mountain top surrounded by a division of North Vietnamese armed with AK-47s all after my arse. Not on your life Baby!!! At least, not since I saw this flick. I know I'd be safe if I had a trusty sidearm, was sprayed with mildew, and had a maroon head band wrapped tightly around my skull. "You may scream. There is no shame." No!!!! YOU may scream, you Soviet tool, when Rambo rips you limb from limb in a fit of homicidal revenge. Don't bother with that touchy feely pap like Platoon, or Saving Private Ryan, or Schindler's list. Any REAL man knows that this is what war's really about. I can't recommend this movie enough. It absolutely satisfies my lust for a little bit of the ultraviolence. God Bless.

A merciful 2 star rating, Crenna is as good as ever but Stallone's attempt @ Bo Gritz is getting worn!

Once again poor Jonny Be Good 'Rambo',
with his steroid encased muscles is
being picked on and once again nearly
everything gets blow up! Even Ahnuld's
Commando is better, and that's not say-
ing much! Instead of a blow-by-blow de-
tail oriented review, I will enliten the
reader with a rating of the entire 8 films
based on the above mentioned premise:
1) Missing in Action, (2) Uncommon Valour,
(3) P.O.W. - The Escape, (4) Missing in
Action II, (5) Rambo: First Blood, (6)
Missing in Action III, (7) Rambo: First
Blood II, (8) Rambo: First Blood III