John Rambo

While in Powerplant Mall last Sunday, Cecile and I bumped into Rommel Cecilio. He had gained some weight but is already a proud father. And like our friends, he was extra happy for catching us on “Mel & Joey” last November, plus even more surprised to see himself in the group photo of “Artistang Artlets.”


We would have wanted to chat with Rommel but we were rushing to catch the 4th edition of the Rambo series. This time the movie is called “John Rambo” and Sly Stallone actually had a hand in writing the script and directed this movie. based on the characters created by David Morrell in his novel “First Blood.”

There have been four editions. First Blood (1982), Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), and Rambo III (1988) and the 4th which was released on January 25, 2008.

The movies chronicles the life of John Rambo, a troubled Vietnam War veteran, whose survival skills, weaponry, hand-to-hand combat and guerrilla warfare, has brought him to many wars and conflicts.

In this movie, John Rambo lives a simple life in a rural Thai village near the Burmese border. He catches fish and snakes. Rambo’s help is sought by a group of fellow missionaries so they can bring food and medicine to the Karen tribe members. These people are seen raped, tortured and massacred by soldiers, which is actually happening in that country.

Initially Rambo refuses but is latter convinced by Sarah Miler (Julie Benz), the only female in the group. Rambo brings them into Burma. The humanitarian mission goes well until the village is attacked. Many villagers are killed. Sarah and the missionaries are kidnapped by the Burmese army. The pastor Athur Marsh (Ken Howard) from the missionaries' church comes to Thailand and informs Rambo that he has hired mercenaries to rescue the group and needs Rambo to transport them up river again.


With Rambo’s help, the mercenaries rescue all the missionaries and Rambo cuts down the Burmese general trying to escape.


In the final battle, Rambo using a machine gun opens fire on the Burmese soldiers holding the missionaries hostage. The ensuing battle is long and extremely graphic.
Total body count is 236, more than previous movies.

And in the last scene, Rambo back in the United States, walks past a farm and a mailbox with the name R. Rambo on it. Slowly, John Rambo makes his way down the driveway of the farm and has returned home.

There are talks of a 5th movie. A civil war in Africa?

Photos courtesy of Lionsgate.