Do people change? Some do. If you're John Rambo, you can't always escape the hell you've been dealing with for 50 years. Especially when it hits close to home. Last Blood seems like it has reached the end of what Rambo can do in his life without involving military personnel. Personally, it's a step above the 08 film and III. Roughly equal with the second film, but not as good as the first.
Rambo lives life in Arizona on his ranch and takes care of his niece, Gabrielle. Before heading to college, she wants to know more about her life and her father, who lives in Mexico thanks to help from a friend of hers. He refuses to let her go over the border, but she defies him. Similar to the missionaries in the 08 film, things go real bad with the Mexican cartel and she gets captured in the process. It leads to Rambo putting together a plan to save her and get back at the cartel.
As far as plot goes, it reminds me of a bit of III since it is a bit personal to Rambo. Gabrielle is Trautman in this situation and he gets help in this movie from journalist Carmen and Gabrielle's friend, Gizelle. I don't know what other routes they could have gone with. It's stretching thin on other places you can have him go to. It's not military, but Mexico does have its issues. Consider the drug wars. Central America in general, which is what I imagine the film was inspired about.
The series has had Rambo go through various moments of pain and torture. One scene was one of the more brutal moments, though not as severe as the 08 film. Some parts involving drugs being injected might make you squeamish, but nothing too shocking. Like the last few sequels, it moves at a brisk pace and the music is used to full effect very well along with the cinematography that helps set the mood for the drama and tension that is seen in the film. It is a suspenseful and thriller, similar to the first one. Like the second film and the 08 one, it saves a lot of its action for last.
Part of me thinks of various projects. It makes me think a little bit of Taken, although the plots are a little different. Without spoiling, the end of the film, I get a vision of if The A-Team was a lot more adult with their gadgets and traps. But I also see a bit of the guerrilla warfare tactics at points in the film, very similar to some scenes in the first two films.
I don't think the film is a message regarding politics. That being said, it does seem like there weren't multiple ideas on where you can have Rambo be. It can be a little gruesome, and I would advise on having somewhat of a strong stomach. Last Blood is a decent way to end the series of movies on a note that isn't as bad as III an the 08 film. Would I recommend seeing it in theaters? I don't know. Depends on how you feel. I see it as a good film, but your mileage may vary.
Score: 7 out of 10
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