A video game adaptation no one knew they wanted, Rampage will be sure to entertain those nostalgic of the game they grew up playing, as well as those looking for a good monster movie.
“Primatologist Davis (Dwayne Johnson) shares an unshakable bond with George, the extraordinary intelligent silverback gorilla who has been in his care since he was young. When a greed-fueled corporation’s genetic experiment goes awry, George and other animals across the country are mutated into aggressive super-creatures who destroy everything in their path. In this adrenaline-filled ride, Davis tries to find an antidote, not only to halt a global catastrophe but also to save the fearsome creature who was once his friend.”
The film opens on a research station in space in which the company Energyne is conducting experiments mutating DNA on animals. After a mutated rat wreaks havoc on the station killing everyone aboard, the canisters containing the pathogen plummet back to the Earth landing in different areas around the United States. Meanwhile in San Diego, we’re introduced to Davis Okoye, a primatologist working at the wildlife sanctuary with an albino gorilla named George whom he rescued from poachers when he was young; they have a bond with one another that transcends species. When one of the canisters lands in George’s enclosure, Davis is immediately called back to see the strange changes George is experiencing, which include heightened aggressiveness, extreme growth in size, and rapid healing. The other two canisters land elsewhere in the United States, infecting a wolf and crocodile.
Davis is contacted by Dr. Kate Caldwell (Naomie Harris) who previously worked for Energyne and developed the pathogen that is causing these mutations, promising that she can find an antidote for George. Before they can make any progress, George escapes from captivity and is captured by a military team led by Agent Russell (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and put on a plane to transfer him, Davis, and Kate to a more secure facility. Back at Energyne, Claire (Malin Akerman) and Brett Wyden (Jake Lacy), brother and sister owners of the company, have been watching the events unfold and decide the only way to get their research back is if they bring the creatures to them. They turn on a sonar tower which lures all the creatures to their building, ensuring they will do anything to get to the tower to stop the signal, setting in motion the creature’s paths of destruction as each one makes its way across the country to Chicago, ending in an epic showdown of man vs. beast.
When I first saw the trailer for Rampage, really my only question was ‘why?’. How can you make a story based on the classic video game of mutant monsters who go from city to city climbing buildings destroying everything in sight? Well, they did, and although the story may be ridiculous in nature, I have to say Rampage is a pretty entertaining monster movie. Seeing the transformation of the animals into their larger selves is really cool, as well as seeing them wreak havoc on Chicago. Although I don’t think myself or anyone else ever played the game wished they would make a movie about it, it definitely brought me back to those times as a kid playing the game. Nostalgia is a big seller for this generation and it’s clear that it was one of the major factors in getting the film made.
This is the third collaboration with director Brad Peyton and Dwayne Johnson. They definitely have good chemistry together, as Peyton demands a lot of intense action sequences that Dwayne Johnson seems to always be able to deliver upon. The action is undoubtedly over-the-top with amazing sequences that look fantastic, delivering some great special effects of both creatures and damage. There is some enjoyable humor injected into the film as well, however, there are a few odd moments where it seems a bit forced after some big action event. This has nothing to do with Dwayne Johnson’s delivery which is always great. There is a reason why he is one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood at the moment; he’s consistently delivers a great performance and intense action sequences. Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s character is an interesting ‘cowboy’ like persona, but it’s too much like Negan. The cocky, boisterous swagger was impressive in The Walking Dead, but he’s getting to be typecast like this. Hopefully something to set him apart from these characters will come along soon, as I know he has the talent and range to do much more.
My biggest problem with the film is the human antagonists. I’ve never seen more one dimensional characters that absolutely bore you to death every time they’re on screen. Their only use is to spout off exhibition and create the reason why these animals are working together to get to a major city to destroy everything in sight. Honestly, it’s completely stupid. Why the Wydens would every entertain luring these horrific beasts to their own company is just absurd. It’s lazy writing with no development in these characters whatsoever. Because of this, it really takes the film down quite a few notches. Granted, Rampage is exactly what you expect, but it could’ve been that much more enjoyable with a story that makes some kind of sense and antagonists that actually entertain.
For all intents and purposes, Rampage is a mindless popcorn action film based on a video game that no one asked for. But who cares? It’s a trip down memory lane for a lot of people who played the game for hours upon hours. For what it is, the film can be highly entertaining, especially every scene with George, Ralph and Lizzie.
Video
Rampage is presented in 2160p 4k Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.4:1 with HDR and Dolby Vision. The film looks absolutely fantastic in 4k, delivering the brilliant brights, deep colors and darks. The Dolby Vision included brings the dynamic metadata that tailors the levels to each scene, an option that is becoming more and more common with each 4k release, and if you have the hardware to play it, I highly recommend seeing it that way.
The Blu-Ray included is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.4:1.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The technical aspects of this film are top notch, with the audio having incredible range. Rampage is the type of film that Dolby Atmos was created for, with helicopters buzzing overhead, debris falling, gunfire and explosions all around you, and monstrous roars echoing throughout your home. You’ll be right in the middle of the warzone with this incredible balance of the surrounds and powerful center channel that ensures you’ll hear every bit of dialogue despite the city falling apart around you.
Special Features
The extras are located on the Blu-Ray disc and contain a wealth of information on the making of the film with behind the scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew. Some very cool stuff on here, as well as information about the game the film was inspired by.
On this set you’re going to see:
- Rampage: Actors in Action
- Trio of Destruction
- Attack on Chicago
- Bringing George to Life
- Not Just a Game Anymore
- Deleted Scenes
- Gag Reel
Rampage is a film that knows its audience, targeting the inner child in all of us that spent hours at the arcade pumping quarters into machines. Seeing the game come to life on screen was something I didn’t know that I wanted, but am glad I have it. If you can turn your mind off for just a bit and take yourself back to what it was like playing as George, Ralph or Lizzie, I bet you’ll have fun with Rampage.
