Movie Man
When film critic Will Pfeifer isn’t watching movies, he’s reading about movies, talking about movies, thinking about movies or dreaming about movies. Now he shares that unhealthy obsession with you. From Hollywood hits to Japanese obscurities, from Oscar night to the summer season, he’s got movies on the brain — and on this blog.

Let’s get ready for Raaaaaaaaambo

May 7th, 2008 at 09:47am Will Pfeifer

If you missed your chance to see FIRST BLOOD on the big screen back in 1982 and have been kicking yourself for the past 26 years, I have good news. The movie that introduced the world to John Rambo will be back in theaters next week. Here’s what the press release says…

“On Thursday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. local time, Sylvester Stallone explodes back into more than 430 movie theaters nationwide as John Rambo in a one night special event presentation of the original FIRST BLOOD– fully digitally remastered and in high-definition”

But wait — there’s more!

“After the movie, fans will also experience the alternate ending that could have changed Rambo’s theatrical history forever presented for the first time in movie theaters.”

In case you’re busy at 7:30 on May 15, here’s that ending:

Shocking, eh? On the plus side, no RAMBO III. On the negative side, no RAMBO, which is by all accounts a crazy, violent, waaaaaay over-the-top return to form for the franchise. It also hits DVD May 27, and is the reason for this whole promotional FIRST BLOOD-back-in-theaters event.

Even if you know the ending, FIRST BLOOD is a real thriller, tense and tight in the way later Rambo movies were not. Stallone seems to be playing a real character instead of a cartoon, and though the stunts are unbelievable, they’re not too unbelievable. The press release says it will screen at ShowPlace 16, so if you can make it to the theater, it’s probably worth the trip. This is a heck of a movie to see with a crowd.

Entry Filed under: Movie news, Violence

2 Comments Add your own

  • 1. Javan  |  May 7th, 2008 at 11:05 am

    I have to admit, I am shocked you would recommend Rambo. You are normally a little too high-brow and eclectic for my tastes. Just when I think I have you figured out, you shock me a little. Keep up the good work.

  • 2. Will Pfeifer  |  May 9th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

    I honestly think FIRST BLOOD is a sharp, smart little suspense movie, with some beautiful cinematography (those north woods!) and a simple but undeniably intriguing story. Plus, before he became a cartoon version of himself, Stallone made an interesting underdog back in those days. I’m a lot less of a fan of RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD PART 2 and RAMBO III, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about RAMBO (the fourth movie), which is apparently a crazy, gory over-the-top violence fest.

    Believe me, I’m not all about the highbrow. I like my CITIZEN KANE, but I like DEATH RACE 2000 (also starring Stallone!), too.

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