Cody's Movie Minute

First Blood Review   The action film classic from movie star Sylvester Stallone, following John Rambo, one of the biggest action movie heroes of all time. But looking at the film over 40 years later, does “First Blood” still stand the test of time? Watching it for the first time in 2023, I can tell you with the utmost confidence that it most definitely does. “First Blood” follows John Rambo, a Vietnam veteran and drifter wandering America after the war, who finds himself caught in a man-hunt in a small town in Washington. Facing injustice and intolerance from the local sheriff, Rambo finds himself being hunted through the wilderness of Washington State. This film flew past my expectations. I have heard of the John Rambo character for so long, as well as his series, and never thought they were anything more than popcorn, action films. I haven’t seen the rest of the series, so I can’t comment on if the series dissolves into something more similar to that. But just from “First Blood” this action film offered a level of dramatization and thematic power that I would have never expected. The film takes a serious and important look at the environment of the country after the Vietnam War, and how veterans were treated so poorly after returning home. Rambo falls victim to a sheriff who embodies the poor treatment that so many Americans gave to veterans upon their return. The film does an excellent job at the thematic elements there, but it does not disappoint in its place as one of the all-time greatest action films. With enough substance to back up all of the action, everything here is wonderful to watch. Rambo is a force to be reckoned with throughout the film, and goes to show how Stallone is a powerhouse of acting here, bringing as much talent to his action scenes as his incredible performance. Not many actors could pull off the stoicism of John Rambo and make it work, but Stallone does it effortlessly. The only thing that I will criticize this film for is simply it being a product of its time. While that may or may not be fair, there are many films that came before “First Blood” that still look incredible today. And while most of the film does look great, there are times where its age does show. If you have never seen “First Blood”, I highly recommend giving it a watch if you are an action fan. And if you have seen it, this is the perfect reminder to go and rewatch the film as it still stands as an incredible action film in 2023.   RATING: 4.5/5