Review of First Blood

First Blood is a phenomenal film. I remember seeing it on cable when I was a kid, and it even had a profound impact then. I guess it's because it wasn't just an action flick. No...FB was also very much a drama, with characters who were deeply developed...even many of the ones who were minor players with no real backstory. Now, yes, there were some scenes that were a bit over the top that required some suspension of disbelief. But not as many as you may think...especially when you take the sequels into consideration. And I actually like some of the sequels (namely FB 2, and Rambo III). But the sequels fall into the category of entertaining ridiculousness. Some of them were fun, but nowhere near as deep as the first film. In fact, I think FB was sadly underestimated by most of the major award associations. That is unfortunate, because it is one of the best performances of Stallone's career, and it was more than worthy of an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. It is also one of Stallone's most mature and well grounded films. I also think that Brian Dennehy, in my opinion, almost steals the show (almost, but not quite). By the conclusion of the movie, there is this weird mixture of contempt, yet compassion towards his character. Again, like Stallone, he should have been nominated for an Oscar as well, only in the supporting actor category. And I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that, if he had been nominated, I would have had no problem with him winning. If you have never seen this movie, and you like depth and poigniancy, to go along with the action and thrills, then, by all means, watch FB. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.