Monster Mayhem
As our charismatic lead, Dwayne The Rock Johnson, flexes his monumental acting muscles, were thrust into a plot as intricate as a coloring book. In this city-leveling rollercoaster ride, science takes an extended vacation while oversized genetic experiments romp around like Godzilla at a disco. If overblown devastation married ludicrous CGI, their toddler would be Rampage. Grab your popcorn and switch off your brain, because logic just got dropkicked out the nearest skyscraper.
Our hero, primatologist Davis Okoye, shares an uncommon bond with George, a remarkably intelligent gorilla. When a rogue genetic experiment goes haywire, it turns George, a wolf, and an alligator into rampaging creatures of vast size. Davis must then race against time, navigating this high-rise chaos to secure an antidote, not only to halt a global catastrophe but to save the fearsome beast that was once his friend. Its quite the behemoth of a plotline.
Ah, where to begin. Perhaps lets question how our rampaging beasts perfectly coordinate across miles. Or Daviss uncanny immunity towards being flattened by countless near-death experiences. Then theres the magic serum that somehow knows to shrink monsters, not normal animals. Yeah, science, right?
On the bright side, the film delivers a stampede of pure, unapologetic spectacle, led by Johnsons colossal charisma and the monsters CGI-rendered majesty. Its a thrill ride designed for enjoyment, not examination. On the flip side, the plot has the depth of a kiddie pool. Characters are as thin as cardboard, dialogue lines seem like theyre borrowed from a B-movie script, and the scientific backstory might insult actual scientists. Its riotously fun yet inescapably foolish.
The Rock flexes his heroic charm while performing his indestructible yet sensitive guy routine with apelike finesse. The supporting cast, however, seems to be competing in a wooden acting contest. Meanwhile, director Brad Peyton adheres to the bigger means better philosophy as if his life depends on it.
Conclusions
So, amid all the skyscraper-toppling, logic-defying chaos, theres a strange charm that makes you forget about the movies obvious shortfalls. Call it the The Rock effect. Rampage takes our brains on a much-needed vacation while delivering car-sized gorillas and wall-to-wall action. This is a movie for those who enjoy check-your-brain-at-the-door cinema or anyone with an inexplicable fear of flying wolves. Despite its fluffy plot, Rampage entertains admirably, proving sometimes you just need to see some stuff smash.