First Blood

release year: 1982
genre: action
viewing setting: most recently, home DVD, 12/22/03

synopsis: Pushy cops in a small town mess with the wrong guy.

impressions: That summary I just gave doesn't do this movie justice. Many people forget that this relatively serious movie preceded the over-the-top Rambo sequels. What we have here is an exposition - in action-film form - of how our Vietnam veterans got mistreated by the country they fought for. The police chief is a jerk right from the start, refusing to see or admit that he or any of his men are bullying idiots. All I can say is that everyone gets what he deserves. Aside from being a great action/wilderness thrill ride, this movie also gives an important message about the way the general public fails to appreciate the soldiers who fight for the freedoms it takes for granted.

things to watch for: When Teasle and his deputies and the dogs close in on Rambo.

acting: This is a low-key performance by Stallone, actually - he only kills one person throughtout the entire movie, and it's not even his fault really. Brian Dennehey does a good job being the barely unlikeable sheriff; he's basically a good guy who just won't admit when he's wrong or that he's overmatched.

final word: This one's underrated because many people won't take Stallone seriously. They don't know what they're missing (on either the action or the message levels) and probably couldn't appreciate it if they did.

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