By Dorian J. Jackson Contributor
Can you imagine what would happen if a science experiment went horribly wrong and came crashing down from outer space? Imagine no more.
From the creative mind of Ryan Engle, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and based on a 1986 Bally Midway arcade game of the same name, “Rampage” is a heart pounding, action filled journey that will give you all the nail biting thrills you desire.
Davis Okoye (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) is a primatologist at the San Diego Zoo whose long-time friend and companion is a silverback gorilla named George. When George and two other animals get infected in an experiment that manipulates their DNA, they start to grow at an alarming rate and become very aggressive because of it.
“Rampage” is a fun movie, filled with lots of big explosions and colorful characters.
The newly created super animal predators race across North America, destroying everything and everyone in their path. Okoye, with the help of a less-than-forthcoming genetic engineer, Dr. Kate Caldwell (Naomie Harris), chases after them looking for an antidote to stop the animal’s destructive manner and save his friend George and the population of the city of Chicago.
The good guys are pure with realistic human faults that helps them come across as neither pretentious nor pompous. The bad guys are deliciously devious, driven by corporate greed, grandiose self-awareness and an all-around nasty attitude; they cannot see a bad idea even when it is right in their faces.
“Rampage” is a fun movie, filled with lots of big explosions and colorful characters. It doesn’t take itself seriously and you will find holes in the plot. But that is to be expected from a movie that is solely based on an arcade game in which the protagonists are oversized mutant animals destroying buildings, fighting the onslaught of military forces, pulverizing the city and eating people just so the player can advance to the next level.
This movie will have you sitting on the edge of your seat with excitement! It takes you on a fast-moving adventure with the smart comedic timing we have all come to expect from a movie starring Johnson. There were quite a few nods to the arcade game and the movie tried its best to portray some of how the game was played. This act will satisfy even the most ardent gamer who loved “Rampage” the arcade game.
If you love the ‘80s, are a fan of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and long to see your childhood favorite game come to life on the silver screen, you must “Rampage!”
"Rampage" is in theaters nationwide Friday, April 13.
