Rambo III ** (1988, Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Marc de Jonge) – Classic Movie Review 7647

Director Peter Macdonald’s 1988 Rambo III, the second sequel to Rambo: First Blood, is an increasingly over-the-top and unsubtle American flag-waving violent action thriller, in which Sylvester Stallone’s John Rambo goes off to sort out the pesky invading Russkies in Afghanistan who have seized his old superior officer buddy Colonel Samuel Trautman (Richard Crenna).

The Russians of course are an absolute evil shower, starting with the hysterical Colonel Zaysen (Marc de Jonge), who has kidnapped and tortured Trautman. Rambo joins with the Mujahedeen rebels to try to rescue Trautman from Zaysen.

Rambo III delivers the required explosive action in large doses, though some of the writing is terrible and if the film is taken seriously it is reactionary enough to be found offensive. However, taking up a serious political stance, the film is dedicated to the Gallant People of Afghanistan.

Also in the cast are Kurtwood Smith, Spiros Focas, Sasson Gabai, Doudi Shoua and Randy Raney.

Rambo III is directed by Peter Macdonald, runs 101 minutes, is made by Carolco Pictures, is released by TriStar Pictures, is written by Sylvester Stallone and Sheldon Lettich, based on characters created by David Morrell, is shot by John Stanier, is produced by Buzz Feitshans, is scored by Jerry Goldsmith and is designed by Billy Kenney.

Rambo III was costly picture at more than $60 million, and not as successful as the first two, grossing $53 million in the US and $189 million worldwide, and it ended the Eighties franchise. It is followed by Rambo (2008). Rambo V is planned for 2019. Filming for the fifth film in the Rambo franchise began on 2 October 2018.

Son of Rambow appeared in 2007.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7647

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