Rambo: Last Blood 4K UHD (2019)

[Blu Titan]

Watching this for the first time tonight...should be a fun ride. I remember watching Rambo: First Blood Part 2 at the theater with my dad and brother way back when I was in middle school .

[JosieWales]

Well, I really expected to get this one for Christmas yesterday, as it was the only idea I gave my daughter when she asked what I would like for Christmas. It’s Canadian release was December 17, which fell nicely in line with this desire. Fast forward to Christmas morning, and much to my surprise, I did NOT get this movie. She said she could not find it at all.
I decided to just order it myself from Amazon.ca, but they don’t have it in stock. So I checked Bestbuy.ca, and they don’t even have it listed...wtf is going on with this title in Canada? Sigh....

[TheSweetieMan]

Reading some of the followup replies since my last post.

I'm fine with the fact if this film found an audience with people.

But my God, it's so cringe when there's a pocket of individuals that say stuff like "Well, just ignore what that person is saying. It's actually a good movie."

Um, naw.

That's not how discussions work. It would be the equivalent of me shitting on people that like the movie, and telling those on the fence about it to completely ignore it because of how bad I think it is.

I have no agenda.

I like the Rambo series, for the most part (II and III aren't really my thing, but First Blood and Rambo 2008 definitely landed for me) -- but 'Last Blood', IMO, is a very lazy, half-assed version of the 2008 film.

I'm honestly not even sure WHY Stallone wanted to make this, considering how well-received the fourth film was by fans, as well as the terrific ending it had. Definitely provided a true sense of closure, and even happiness, for the character.

All of the plot devices used in this film, IE human trafficking, cartels, fathers leaving their kids at young ages, etc, etc. Have all been done before, and done better, in other films.

But let's say I extend an olive branch, and say that despite these themes being explored better in other films, it wouldn't automatically mean this film were terrible...

but it has other issues as well. The pacing is all over the place thanks to some uneven editing. The look/aesthetic of this film looks incredibly cheap and low budget, especially by Rambo standards. The action sequences aren't particularly well made. If I were 12, I'd probably get off at the gratuitous violence, but it all seems like a poor imitation of the fourth film. Which was not only blisteringly violent, but had some really cool and visceral set pieces. This time around it just feels antiquated, especially since much better 'pure' action films had already come out this year. Also, while Stallone's acting was fine, it just felt like pure contrivance that he all of the sudden had some young kin to look after, even if not blood related, only for

[Show spoiler]them to be killed off to further drive the plot device of Rambo needing to go on a relentless killing spree.

But the most disappointing thing about this film, was how such little substance it had for the character of Rambo himself, after that wonderful first trailer for this film. I truly thought this was going to be a more self-contained story, with less emphasis on violence, and throwing it back to what made First Blood a damn good action film in the first place.

For me, Last Blood isn't just a bad movie or a disappointment, it's one of the worst films I've seen all year.

[emailking]

I am honestly surprised by how many people are saying this was bad or terrible. I thought it was friggin awesome!! It kept my attention the whole way and had me on the edge of my seat for maybe half. I thought the ending was very satisfying.

I have not seen any other Rambo movies (yes I know this is weird) so maybe if I had I would think this was bad too by comparison or something, or it wouldn't meet my expectations maybe. And I of course respect the opinions of you guys if you didn't like it. It's just so completely removed form my experience that I had to share I really enjoyed this movie. So If you haven't seen it, I recommend watching it. But I guess take all the negative reactions into account too.

[gates70]

Originally Posted by JosieWales

Well, I really expected to get this one for Christmas yesterday, as it was the only idea I gave my daughter when she asked what I would like for Christmas. It’s Canadian release was December 17, which fell nicely in line with this desire. Fast forward to Christmas morning, and much to my surprise, I did NOT get this movie. She said she could not find it at all.
I decided to just order it myself from Amazon.ca, but they don’t have it in stock. So I checked Bestbuy.ca, and they don’t even have it listed...wtf is going on with this title in Canada? Sigh....

I got it from Amazon.ca but it seemed to be really limited as it was there only for a day and never since. It does say in stock Dec 31 right now though.

[StingingVelvet]

Originally Posted by TheSweetieMan

But my God, it's so cringe when there's a pocket of individuals that say stuff like "Well, just ignore what that person is saying. It's actually a good movie."

Um, naw.

That's not how discussions work.

Pretty sure that's exactly how discussions about opinions work dude.

[ROSS.T.G.]

Originally Posted by gates70

I got it from Amazon.ca but it seemed to be really limited as it was there only for a day and never since. It does say in stock Dec 31 right now though.

Mine is showing up tomorrow but I’m so busy I dunno when I’ll watch. I hope Monday.

[Bates_Motel]

Originally Posted by TheSweetieMan

Reading some of the followup replies since my last post.

I'm fine with the fact if this film found an audience with people.

But my God, it's so cringe when there's a pocket of individuals that say stuff like "Well, just ignore what that person is saying. It's actually a good movie."

Um, naw.

That's not how discussions work. It would be the equivalent of me shitting on people that like the movie, and telling those on the fence about it to completely ignore it because of how bad I think it is.

I have no agenda.

I like the Rambo series, for the most part (II and III aren't really my thing, but First Blood and Rambo 2008 definitely landed for me) -- but 'Last Blood', IMO, is a very lazy, half-assed version of the 2008 film.

I'm honestly not even sure WHY Stallone wanted to make this, considering how well-received the fourth film was by fans, as well as the terrific ending it had. Definitely provided a true sense of closure, and even happiness, for the character.

All of the plot devices used in this film, IE human trafficking, cartels, fathers leaving their kids at young ages, etc, etc. Have all been done before, and done better, in other films.

But let's say I extend an olive branch, and say that despite these themes being explored better in other films, it wouldn't automatically mean this film were terrible...

but it has other issues as well. The pacing is all over the place thanks to some uneven editing. The look/aesthetic of this film looks incredibly cheap and low budget, especially by Rambo standards. The action sequences aren't particularly well made. If I were 12, I'd probably get off at the gratuitous violence, but it all seems like a poor imitation of the fourth film. Which was not only blisteringly violent, but had some really cool and visceral set pieces. This time around it just feels antiquated, especially since much better 'pure' action films had already come out this year. Also, while Stallone's acting was fine, it just felt like pure contrivance that he all of the sudden had some young kin to look after, even if not blood related, only for

[Show spoiler]them to be killed off to further drive the plot device of Rambo needing to go on a relentless killing spree.

But the most disappointing thing about this film, was how such little substance it had for the character of Rambo himself, after that wonderful first trailer for this film. I truly thought this was going to be a more self-contained story, with less emphasis on violence, and throwing it back to what made First Blood a damn good action film in the first place.

For me, Last Blood isn't just a bad movie or a disappointment, it's one of the worst films I've seen all year.

You "have no agenda," yet you keep posting how much you hate the film over and over and over and over... that's the definition of an agenda.

Although it's funny that you can't accept other people's views yet continue to try and push your own, like we all haven't seen the other 100 posts where you say the exact same thing.

[TheSweetieMan]

...Except that that was only my third post in this entire thread.

[Liersi]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

Pretty sure that's exactly how discussions about opinions work dude.

What? I thought the customary ritual on forums went like this: "Ya'll MFers are mistaking your opinions for facts. Now stfu and accept my opinion as fact. Just accept it. Here it is. Again."

Next thing you're gonna tell me people change their minds during one of these.

[welcometothepartypal]

I haven’t seen this yet but I’m thinking of importing the longer cut. Does it make the movie better? Does the extra footage even matter? If I do import is the Australian disc( I believe I read it’s only on Blu-ray not UHD) the best option internationally? Thanks for any input.

[SuperErik]

A underwhelming 4K presentation of a very boring movie.
By far the worst in the series...

[Sith]

I rented it from Amazon in 4K. It was enjoyable, but not sure it’s worth paying the 4K price as I don’t think I’d rewatch it enough to justify the price. If I see it on sale for around $10 then I’ll reconsider

[fistymusic]

I found the Atmos version suffered from Disneyitis. I hope Disney are not setting a trend here. Once the volume is cranked up around 5 or 6 db, it's fine. The DTS HD MA 5.1 audio soundtrack on the Australian Blu-ray is outstanding, actually prefering it to the Atmos track.

[gotmule]

Originally Posted by fistymusic

I found the Atmos version suffered from Disneyitis. I hope Disney are not setting a trend here. Once the volume is cranked up around 5 or 6 db, it's fine. The DTS HD MA 5.1 audio soundtrack on the Australian Blu-ray is outstanding, actually prefering it to the Atmos track.

I was underwhelmed by the movie and audio. Wasn’t the worst on either, but like a fair amount of posters on this thread, walked away thinking they could have closed the book on Rambo after the last one. I had to bump up the audio 3 dB, but felt that they did not take advantage of the platform until the final tunnel scene.

[sancho]

Loved it. I enjoyed it very much. It was entertaining, brutal, and had some good shit kicking action. This movie rocked.

[DaylightsEnd]

OK I finally just caved and bought this on 4k to complete the collection.

Amazon can now lower the price to $15 for everyone else that hasn't bought it yet

[SoliquidForLife]

Any news from Lionsgate if there gonna release that 1-5 Film Collection on 4K?

[DR Herbert West]

Originally Posted by SoliquidForLife

Any news from Lionsgate if there gonna release that 1-5 Film Collection on 4K?

Nothing yet.

[elk3605]

Originally Posted by SoliquidForLife

Any news from Lionsgate if there gonna release that 1-5 Film Collection on 4K?

I hope they do something new and worthwhile for the set, such as new commentaries, for atleast the first 3 films, some more behind the scenes footage and better yet the tv cut of First Blood. If not, hard pass for me unless the pictures are restored better (doubtful since they just released them on UHD BD).

The documentaries about Vietnam and commentaries about the films from different pundits are interesting, but come one, how about something about the actual films themeselves? It was interesting on the Stallone commentary when he told you a stuntman was used and how they did some of the stunts in the first film. I'd love more of that sort of thing. There are some good making-of docs for First Blood I and II out there, the latter is of French origin and parts can be seen on youtube. I know they can be hard to locate, but put some effort in Lionsgate, jeez.