An experimental pathogen infects three animals, causing
them to grow to enormous size and become extremely hostile. ACTION/SCI-FI
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Rampage (2018)Directed by Brad Peyton
Written by Ryan Engle, Carlton Cuse, Ryan J. Condel, Adam Sztykiel Starring Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Malin Akerman, Jake Lacy, Joe Manganiello, P.J. Byrne, Demetrius Gross Based on the video game by Midway Games |
Rampage is the kind of movie that's made to sell popcorn, and that's about it. There's no substance, no emotion, and no restraint, but it's entertaining nonetheless. You've got Dwayne Johnson and a giant albino gorilla named George teaming up to fight a giant wolf and a giant crocodile. Do you really go into this one expecting an award winner? Of course you don't. You go see movies like Rampage because you've got no plans and it looks pretty cool. And ultimately, that's what Rampage is. Pretty cool.
When a generically evil company manufactures a bioweapon that can alter DNA, three animals become infected by the pathogen. It causes them to grow crazy big crazy fast, and also makes them go apes**t, no pun intended. It's up to primatologist Davis (Johnson) and geneticist Kate (Naomie Harris) to find a cure to save Davis's gorilla friend George. With the help of Special Agent Negan, sorry, Russell (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), they try to save Chicago from being stomped on by giant animals. The plot is pretty by the numbers, but for a video game movie, Rampage is a fun romp that never takes itself too seriously and can kill a couple hours. I just wish it had more monster on monster action. Rampage may not be the best movie about a giant monkey terrorizing a major city, but it works because it knows how cheesy it is. Dwayne Johnson was the perfect choice to lead this crazy flick because he brings his natural charisma to every role he plays, shaping the movie into something fun and enjoyable. He did it with San Andreas, he did it with the Fast & Furious franchise, and he did it with Rampage. That being said, the movie's far from flawless. But it's fun. And that's what matters. |