Movie Review: Rampage

I got a chance to see Rampage before its release on April 13. The latest movie from Warner Bros., Time Warner Inc. and New Line Cinema brings new life to films adapted from videogames. Filmmakers added their expertise to make a monster story bromance spearheaded by Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Joe Manganiello and an albino gorilla named George.

Johnson stars as Davis Okoye, a man with a military past who has found peace working as a primatologist. After a pathogen from an illegal experiment in space lands in George’s habitat, Davis teams up with disgraced geneticist Kate Caldwell (Naomie Harris), who just so happens to have worked for the company that produced the serum that is increasing George’s growth and aggression. Later we find out a wolf and an alligator have also been infected, making this the monster movie that every dude-bro not on steroids will enjoy.

It is a welcome distraction to just kick your feet up and veg out as this ragtag group of renegades tries to stop these mutated monsters from destroying the world. There are moments in the movie that bring humanity to the forefront, but it’s not to be taken seriously as those moments are quickly followed by the comedic styling’s of George the gorilla making crude comments and inappropriate gestures like that uncle nobody invites to parties anymore but everyone is secretly happy when he tears Aunt Cheryl a new one.

Props to director Brad Peyton for this romp in the city; his vision, coupled with the writing talents of Ryan Engle, Carlton Cuse, Ryan Condal and Adam Sztykiel, makes for a great action & adventure film to see with friends.