Rambo III (1988)

After a lackluster sequel, the third manages to tell a much more compelling story with credible characters that don't smack of a Jr. High stage production. Rambo has been chilling with some Buddhist monks in Thailand, doing a little stick fighting on the side, when Col. Trautman sucks him back into another war.

Once again, the Russians are the bad guys while Rambo fights with the people of Afghanistan. Despite more high-tech battle scenes, they still managed to keep the carnage creative. My personal favorite: The guy Rambo hung by the neck into a cave and then exploded into bits with a grenade.

Thankfully, there was no token "love interests" to get in the way this time... come to think of it, I don't recall any women in this film with lines at all. After that dreadful Thai actress in the second film, it's just as well. Almost as good as the first.

Rating: C+

Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

With the sequel came a new director, and a much poorer film. The storyline isn't bad--Rambo has been serving time smashing rocks and is offered a chance at freedom in exchange for helping to rescue some POWs in Viet Nam.

Unfortunately, the level of cheese has been turned way up. Dialogue from virtually everyone is terrible, especially the lone female who struggles to serve as the love interest. Action is over-the-top and phony. Stallone took a major step backwards with this film.

Rating: D+

First Blood (1982)

Saw this as a kid and decided to check it out again. I'd forgotten most of the plot, but as it turns out, there wasn't much of a plot to forget. No matter, because this film is all about the action. I had a blast seeing this classic again.

Rating: B