Amazon.com: RAMBO III 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital [4K UHD] : Richard Crenna, Sylvester Stallone, Russell Lulcahy, Buzz Feitshans, Carolco; Carolco Pictures: Movies & TV

As a child of the 1980s I idolized Rambo. Granted, at the time I was probably too young to be enjoying violent R-rated movies, but John Rambo wasn't just a mindless killing machine. While there are more than three Rambo films, the first three are certainly part of an era-set. While the more recent Rambo films are still entertaining, the original trilogy feature one of the most authentic-feeling action heroes of the era. Only as a more mature adult watching the films again are you able to appreciate the motivations and pain of the lead Rambo character, and how well Sylvester Stallone channeled Vietnam veteran-era angst into one of the most enduring 1980s action heroes of all time.

Rambo 3's goal was to top Rambo First Blood and First Blood Part 2 (odd name, I know) with an action-packed visual experience that wove in meaningful character development and era-humor into a satisfying blend rarely if ever seen in action films today. Most action heroes of today's films are far more one-dimensional, and far less vulnerable that characters like Rambo who are entirely human. This makes Rambo far more relatable that today's ultra-lethal, bullet-proof on-screen badasses.

Rambo was never trying to be a gentleman warrior. Stallone's ability to channel a sort of primordial rage into the character has allowed fans of the genre to appreciate how a younger Rambo was more wild and extreme, while an older Rambo character is more calculated and cautious. Both are motivated by a strong desire to both protect, and seek to earn society's respect (which ultimately proves futile and is part of the deeper meanings of the film series).

There are plenty of cliche plot devices and 1980s tropes in each of the three first Rambo films. These elements for the most part offer welcome nostalgia for movie-viewers who recall first watches the movies a few decades ago. For newbies to the Rambo series, there are a lot of very telling hints into what was going on in 1980s America culture, as well as a lot of the dominant attitudes at the time. The series was also part of a transitional period in movie making when it came to action films. Starting to quickly erode in the 1980s was the importance of situation and character in action movies. What started to happen was that films became more defines by their complicated and expensive explosions, stunts, and action sequences - which would eventually be supplemented by plenty of CGI. Rambo was written as an interesting and strong character, in interesting situations. The action was both excellent and authentic, thanks to the impressive athleticism of Mr. Stallone. Later action films become very predictable "on rails" visual experiences where viewers more felt like they were on a predictable rollercoaster ride with the protagonist. In Rambo, you get the real sensation that the lead character is actively making decisions on the spot - with the story line able to go in a few directions at once.

Rambo is still a guy flick but it isn't disrespectful to women in a way that other era films may have been. Rambo is the manifestation of the military hero dream many young boys have, but one that also hints to the trauma and pain of war - as much as its cool weapons. If your intention is to enjoy a great, memorable action series, then the Rambo films need to be on your list. Sylvester Stallone is excellent in them, and the action scenes and suspense hold up incredibly well by today's standards.