Rampage

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jake Lacy, Joe Manganiello, Marley Shelton, P.J. Byrne, Jack Quaid
Directed by: Brad Peyton
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
2018

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Three animals are infected with a new pathogen that causes them to grow to enormous size and increases their rage. A primatologist (Dwayne Johnson) must find a cure before they destroy Chicago.

Review:

Tim: I have fond memories of playing some of the earlier Rampage games and while I never considered the story ripe for a film adaptation, I have to admit I was looking forward to what Brad Peyton could do. We're overdue for a big, fun, disaster film and a giant gorilla, alligator, and wolf wrecking havoc in cities felt like one that had some real potential. Unfortunately, this is yet another failed video game adaptation. The movie just isn't good, and it has nothing to do with giant animals causing damage. The film is just poorly made.

Now, I'll admit the "science" in story is beyond absurd. I never believed for a second any of what was thrown at us. I wish they could have come up with a slightly more plausible scenario. And yet, as illogical as all of that was, it doesn't hurt the film as much as you'd think. Sure, it's ridiculous, but I have no problem suspending my disbelief. However, there are limits to what I'll swallow and this film pushes way past those boundaries. The story is an utter disaster. So much of it makes no sense at all. The role of the government agents, the fact that a primatologist would have anything to do with the effort to stop these creatures, the decisions many of the characters make- it's all so uninspired and idiotic. It makes no sense and I grew increasingly frustrated at the overall poor effort that was shown here.

To highlight a few of my major complaints- it makes zero sense that Dwayne Johnson's character would be as involved as he was. I know he was friends with George, but that means nothing in the face of a large scale military operation, facing down deadly giant animals. I laughed continuously at how the film ensured he would be front and center. The film is filled with cliches, like the greedy corporate owners who care nothing for the death and destruction the animals cause. That part bothered me to no end. Think of the ramifications calling three giant creatures to the middle of Chicago would have. The billions in damages, the thousands of lives lost- no corporate leader, no matter how incompetent would ever willingly do that. Their business would never recover. It was so stupid. I know I'm pointing out seemingly small things, but it shows an utter disregard for the audience. If we're being asked to believe animals can grow to enormous heights, the rest of the story should at least make some kind of logical sense.

Now, I didn't hate the movie, as much as it frustrated me. Despite the fact that he continually makes bad movies, I genuinely like Dwayne Johnson. He's a likable lead and I always have fun watching him in movies like this. Naomie Harris adds a decent supporting performance, although her character made no sense. The writing really hurt Harris' ability to add to the film. Malin Akerman and Jake Lacy were awful. They were saddled with some of the worst, nonsensical characters and then they show up and deliver over-the-top, absurd performances. I cringed at both of them throughout the film. Jeffrey Dean Morgan actually came out looking pretty good- he treats the material with just enough humor to give the sense that he knows it's all ridiculous, but he's having fun anyway. His character did some illogical things for the purpose of advancing the story (confronting Johnson and Harris at the helicopter was one of the stupidest scenes I've watched in a long time), but Morgan worked in the role. It was fun seeing Joe Manganiello, but I wish he had more to do. The cast as a whole was pretty average.

While this movie could have been so much better, there is still some entertainment to be had at watching the gorilla, alligator, and wolf go crazy in Chicago. The film banks on the fact that this is all the audience will care about (which is wrong). The visual effects and action scenes are decent. The movie as a whole might have been very unintelligent, but it was somewhat enjoyable to see the destruction taking place.

While I enjoyed parts of Rampage, it's hard not to feel like we deserved significantly better than what we got. Just because the premise of a movie is ridiculous doesn't mean you have to make a bad movie. With a stronger script and better direction, this could have actually worked. As is, the film is a disappointment.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



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