Review of Rampage (2009) by Andy G — 07 Dec 2010

I never write reviews as it seems a bit pretentious, but I needed to write one here to explain why I gave this a five out of five. Obviously, the moral implications should rate a zero, but the social commentary between the lines in this film speaks volumes and deserves mention.

I hate Uwe Boll films just like the next guy, but he hit the mark here. After so many video game rip-offs Uwe has created a film on his interpretation of the outcome of mental influence from social apathy, pop media, and a seemingly skewed American economy.

Within this construct Uwe has dropped a videogame-esque scenario to emphasize the stark nature of that unreality against the aforementioned backdrop of internal civil unrest and apathy. The acting in this film is top notch, and Brendan Fletcher did a great job in the well deserved lead roll.

His characters arc in emotion and relative realism held the film together. I was left feeling tense and stressed throughout the film in a way that those with slack morality will likely not feel, though I think it was the purpose of the film to keep the viewer in this conflicted state.

This is not a run-and-gun action adventure. At no time is the violence depicted as cool or just. For those writing reviews on the art directing and technique, let it be said that all shaky hand-held sections in the film were used appropriately according to the rules of film-making.

Hand-held work is meant to put you on edge, and the shakier it is the more obvious the directors intention to leave you uneasy or uncertain regarding the action on-screen. I did suggest this film to a friend who has similar references to draw on, but I would not recommend this film to just anyone.

I do not recommend this film to you, if youre looking for something like Reservoir Dogs, Dirty Harry, Punisher, or Fight-Club. I also do not recommend this film to you if youre looking for a videogame related film or some late night fun.

Oh, and dont make a drinking game from it either.