Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
Rampage sees Dwayne Johnson returning to another video game adaptation (Doom was previous), and while the outcome isn’t any different, the amount of energy and ridiculousness possessed by Rampage is through the roof and brings this otherwise seen-before concept done with Rock-branded twist. While the complete insanity based on a video game doesn’t always lend itself to an adaptation to Film very well, Rampage succeeds.
The Film starts-off with a mission gone wrong in space helmed by genetics company Energyne. We see a normal rat grow exponentially, killing everyone but one person on the space station, the remaining scientist who returns to earth in order to bring back the research. Unfortunately upon re-entry to the atmosphere, the shuttle explodes and three containers of the serum Energyne was working on affects three animals. Davis Okoye (Dwayne Johnson) is a Primatologist who is best friends with albino ape George, who is affected by this serum. Upon hearing the news of Energyne’s mishaps, Dr. Kate Caldwell finds Davis and George and tries to explain what’s happening and wants to prevent Claire Wyden (Malin Åkerman) and her brother Brett (Jake Lacy) from causing any more damage to the planet as they’re set on destroying it.
What makes Rampage such a blast is Dwayne Johnson, he is the heart and body of the Movie. His energy and charisma makes the Film a new level of entertaining. As well the Supporting Cast of Jeffrey Dean Morgan who plays Harvey Russell and Joe Manganiello who plays Burke, all are energetic and fun in their roles. However it is the CGI monsters and George that steal most of the spotlight. Their all-out rampage in the Third Act of the Film is exactly what the audience paid to see. Giant monsters attacking and destroying the city as well as themselves. Rampage works because of how ridiculous it is, but is successful because of the talent on the screen.
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release RAMPAGE in theatres on Friday, April 13, 2018.
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