Stallone is doing a great job but the director is lacking punch. The third act is violent and fun but the film takes a long time to build up momentum and the hard core climax is quickly over.
I love Rambo 4, both cuts, but Rambo: Last Blood feels like a completely different film. Hopefully we will get a longer "Stallone" edit when its released digital.
I cant disclose where and when I saw it as I have signed a waiver.
Should I rewatch any of the movies to refresh my memory? Or doesn't matter?
I was kind of hoping it would be another violent film like 4.
No need to rewatch older films. This is a standalone film in many ways. The violence is hard core in the third act but nothing new. The third act in 4 is more "shocking" imho.
shareAre there any call backs to the original First Blood?
shareNo, not in the cut I saw except the original score. No Truman flashbacks.
shareDoes Trautman even get a shout out?
shareSorry, Trautman. No he is not included. I did however see a instagram https://www.instagram.com/officialslystallone/ after we did the screening where Sly claimed to still be editing.
They might include it but I don't see where.
How would you rank the entire franchise?
shareThis is extremely subjective but:
1: R4
2: R1
3: R5
4: R2
5: R3
I haven't seen R5 yet, but I agree with your ranking, except that I might put R1 and R4 on the same level. I was surprised when R4 came out that they were able to match the former glory of R1, not to mention make it different enough to stand on its own.
shareR2 & R3 feel a tad dated imho. R1 still holds up.
I like both R4 cuts but prefer the theatrical release.