Carl Roberts 
Carl takes a retrospective look at Sylvester Stallone‘s superb Rambo sequel. 1985 was the summer of Rambo.
Has it really been 35 years since Sylvester Stallone unleashed Rambo on the world for the second time? I remember the film and the trouble I had actually getting into a cinema to actually see it so well. The film had opened in the U.S. and stormed the box office there before finally making its way to the United Kingdom. I expected the film to be popular after the enjoyment people got out of the original ‘First Blood‘ back in 1982. However, it took four attempts for me to catch the all-action sequel.
Every time I tried to go and see the movie, it was sold out. These were the days when you couldn’t book your seat in advance unless you were going to see a film in London’s West End. You took your chances of getting in. If you managed to get in, great, enjoy the movie. If you didn’t, then tough luck and better luck next time. After failing with my first three attempts to secure a seat, I was starting to fear that I would have to wait for the inevitable VHS release. And take my chances in managing to rent a copy of it once it emerged.
DON’T GIVE UP!
But I decided to try just one more time before giving up. This time, I arrived an hour early and got myself at the front of the queue! People tried to jump to the front. But a few choice (and I admit, foul words of the four-letter variety) were uttered from my mouth, I got my seat. And finally managed to see the film I had heard so much about. Was it worth all the hassle of getting myself in to see it? Are you kidding? It was a brilliant experience!
Although the film gained mixed reviews upon release, audiences around the world lapped it up in droves. Ok, it is pretty cartoonish at times, and that final Rambo monologue at the end is a piece of cringeworthy flag-waving nonsense that, although I can see what Stallone was trying to portray and commend him for the attempt, comes off as unintentionally funny. But despite its flaws that I have noticed over the years, it is still one of the best action films to emerge from the 1980s. And every time it is shown on TV, whether it’s free to air or on subscription services, I’m there, parked in front of the screen, and no one is allowed to distract me while Rambo is doing his thing. I guess it’s an age thing in reality, but it still appeals to me to this day.
FIRST BLOOD II: THE MISSION
I’ve got the entire franchise on Blu-ray and DVD many times over, but the second film is the one I’ll reach for if I need to drift away for ninety minutes. The screenplay is credited to have been written by Stallone and James Cameron. Yes, THAT James Cameron. Cameron wrote the first draft of the film called ‘First Blood II: The Mission‘. In his version, Rambo had a partner for the mission to rescue POWs in Vietnam, with John Travolta initially considered for the role. However, Stallone rejected the idea, disliking the notion of a “techy sidekick.” He was also unimpressed with Cameron’s screenplay, which took nearly forty pages to introduce action and mirrored the structure of the first film.
Along with the returning Stallone, actor Richard Crenna reprised his role as Colonel Sam Trautman from the first film, but it was the casting that DIDN’T come off which would have raised the most eyebrows. When the original ‘First Blood‘ was being cast, the producers approached the legendary actor Lee Marvin to play the role of Trautman, which he turned down. During the casting for the second film, Marvin was approached to play the slick Major Marshall Roger Murdock.
CHARLES NAPIER
It would have been interesting to see Marvin in the franchise he turned down three years earlier, but once again, he declined the opportunity, and the role went to Charles Napier. Napier played Murdock well, balancing charm and a slimy bureaucrat persona, though it’s hard not to wonder how Marvin would have handled the role.
The film was shot in Thailand and Guerrero, Mexico, between June and August of 1984. The filming didn’t go off without tragedy, however, as the special effects wizard, Clifford P. Wenger Jr, was tragically killed when one of the film’s many explosions went wrong. The film had a production cost of $25.5 million and grossed $300.4 million worldwide, including $150.4 million in the U.S. and Canada. It premiered on May 22, 1985, in 2,074 theatres and topped the box office in its opening weekend, earning $20.2 million.
JERRY GOLDSMITH
With a brilliant score by Jerry Goldsmith, who returned to the franchise, the film captures the essence of action while revisiting themes from “First Blood.” It stands out to fans of Sylvester Stallone and the action genre. Notably, President Ronald Reagan remarked after seeing it, “At least I know who to send next time,” adding to its acclaim.
THE PREMISE
Set three years after the events of ‘First Blood‘. The film opens with Rambo in prison, serving an eight-year sentence for his actions in Hope, Washington. He is visited by his former commanding officer, Colonel Sam Trautman, with an offer. Rambo accepts a covert mission in Vietnam to locate American POWs, which could lead to a Presidential pardon. He feels strongly about the mission, especially since it involves the same camp from which he escaped as a POW, so he decides to proceed.
After meeting the special ops designate, Marshall Roger Murdoch, who is running the operation. And getting all the details he needs, along with weapons and equipment, Rambo parachutes into the Vietnamese Jungle. But not before a near-fatal accident when he jumps from the plane and almost kills him. Losing most of his equipment in the process. Meeting up with his guide, Co Bao, she takes him along the river to the camp via river pirates. The camp is supposed to be empty. Rambo is shocked to find that Vietnamese forces occupy the area and are holding several POWs inside.
THE FIRST INCURSION
Rambo cannot stand idly by while his fellow countrymen are being held prisoner. He breaks into the camp, rescuing one prisoner who is tied to a bamboo cross. As they make their escape, Rambo is forced to kill three of the soldiers he encounters. Including one who discovers Co and is about to execute her. The next morning, after the discovery of the dead bodies, Lieutenant Tay (George Cheung), the soldier who tortured Rambo years ago, leads his men to find Rambo, Co, and the escaped prisoner, Banks. The trio make their way back to the river pirates and makes their escape. However, the pirates have sold them out. Brutally killing the pirates, Rambo has Co and Banks leap into the water. He destroys a gunboat that is approaching them to take them prisoner with an RPG.
Rambo himself makes his escape and, along with Banks, heads to the extraction site where he is due to be picked up. However, Tay has tracked Rambo to the site, and he has his men launch grenades at the escaping pair. Rambo’s rescue helicopter, with Trautman aboard at first, aids Rambo in his defence against the soldiers. But Murdoch, discovering Rambo has broken his orders and has an actual POW with him, orders the chopper to abort the pickup. Fearing reprisals if a POW actually returns with news that they have been abandoned by their government, who know they are still alive and being held, thus saving Congress money.
TORTURE AND REVENGE
Rambo and Banks are captured. Rambo is interrogated and tortured by Russian forces led by Lieutenant Colonel Podovsky (Steven Berkoff). He is among those training the Vietnamese forces. After being forced to contact his home base (and threatening to come and get Murdoch for his betrayal), Rambo makes a violent escape along with Co. The plan is to cross the border into Thailand and return home. He promises to take Co with him, but Tay has tracked them down and opens fire, killing Co.
Rambo buries her in the jungle and then seeks violent revenge against the Soviets and the Vietnamese. Aiming to escape and rescue the POWs before confronting Murdoch. All of this is packed into 96 minutes of bullet-ridden, bloodthirsty, violent, and explosive mayhem.
DATED
The film is dated somewhat now, of course. Even Rambo utters that the year is 1985 during proceedings. However, the film still lives on and remains a favourite among action film fans. It’s the first film I rented on VHS that I watched, rewound, and watched again. ALL DAY! Although it isn’t my most-watched film, it definitely ranks in my top five. And it continues to play in my home every month at least. It’s the perfect popcorn movie to watch late at night with a refreshing beverage. Some snacks, and the lights off and no distractions.
The original ‘Die Hard‘ followed in the same vein three years later. A film that, no matter how many times you sit and watch it, you’re guaranteed a good night’s entertainment. But ‘Rambo: First Blood Part II‘ got there first. And now, 35 years later, it still feels good to find out ‘I’m coming to get you!’.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
