Rambo: First Blood Part II - Special Edition
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Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVUCdy36TKE
I literally haven't seen Rambo: First Blood Part II in well over 10 years if not longer and because of that, watching this tonight, I was able to see it with different eyes in a way. I can look at the movie objectively as a movie unto itself and not a continuation from First Blood (http://pennycan.createaforum.com/dvd's-blu-rays/first-blood-(1982)/msg7288/#msg7288). I have too, otherwise I will just pick it apart and tell you everything that is wrong with it. But tonight, this was an entertaining movie as I just wanted to watch a mindless popcorn flick. But since we are here, I guess I should point out why this pales in comparison to the first.
What made First Blood so kick ass is that John Rambo as a character was tangible and had some depth to him. We can all relate to the idea of feeling 'out of place' and wanting to be accepted, someone that has flaws and trying to make a better life for himself. In Rambo II, he has morphed into a caricature of himself who is suddenly invincible, almost like a Superhero, which makes the character and the franchise do a complete 180° from what it was. So that's why I just keep the first one separate from everything that has come after it.
As for Rambo II as mindless fun, watching this, it's so crazy to think that back in the day this was considered to be one of the most violent films ever. Now? It couldn't be any tamer if this was a Disney picture and Stallone was hand drawn in traditional 2D animation. Man, how time has really aged this one. FYI, most people fail to realize that James Cameron (http://pennycan.createaforum.com/the-drive-in-theater/james-cameron-filmography/msg5563/#msg5563) co-wrote the screenplay with Sly.
Definitely worth a Rent. Personally I own this as part of my Embossed Metal Case Special Edition which has all 3 films.