The real war right inside your own multiplex door continues. Instead of the interminable set-up, a simple title card, reminiscent of a ‘30s serial, would have set the scene nicely: “Following the kidnapping of his niece by a gang of drug-dealing Mexican rapists (some of whom we assume are good people), John Rambo answers the call to action and…” The wall hasn’t been built that’s large enough to keep JR (Sylvester Who Else?) from enacting revenge, which he does in a manner befitting a Rob Zombie gorefest, not at all like the disciplined killing machine we’ve grown to love. There’s more enjoyment to be had in watching our hero construct and maintain his secret, methodically engineered catacombs (built for just such an occasion beneath his Arizona ranch) than there is the resulting massacre. Add to the unpleasantness more dialogue from Johnny than you heard in the first 3 pictures combined. (I like my Rambo animalistic and near mute.) And just how the hell did Paz Vega’s character gain such easy access to the gangster enclave? As a fan of the series, I wished for a stronger sendoff with a lot less comic book splatter. (2019) — Scott Marks
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