It’s a winning formula really. Introduce gigantic monsters that destroy everything in their wake. Then have the armed defence forces underestimate the creature’s ability for havoc. They throw in the towel and the ‘expert’ steps in to save the day. A bit of conflict here and there from the bad guys and a few hammy characters will only heighten the experience. There’s a million ways this premise, in spite of its formulaic approach, could be surprisingly fresh. Rampage though, did not reinvent the wheel. Though if you squint hard enough and wrack your brains, there’s a wisp of a social message about animal conservation. But this litany isn’t of much consequence.
This is how Rampage brings monster mayhem to the big screen. An evil corporation is headed by a caricature-like brother-sister duo, the cruel Claire (Malin Åkerman) and brainless Brett (Jake Lacy) have been experimenting with genetic editing in space. Infected pathogens make their way to America affecting an albino gorilla, wolf and crocodile. The siblings emit a low-frequency call to get their hands on the monsters. The animals’ long journey to the radio tower in Chicago is rife with damage, debris and danger. Primatologist Davis Okoye (Dwayne Johnson) — who rescued the primate, lovingly named George, from poachers — must save the world along with a Dr. Kate Caldwell (Naomie Harris). The leggy sidekick though boasting beauty with brains, has nothing to offer other than a non-essential side story of a cancer-afflicted brother.
Brad Peyton’s ( San Andreas , 2015), deliberate and focused narrative with strategic comic relief spells out a ‘blockbuster by numbers’ philosophy. Despite its very primordial form of cinema, with an undercurrent of big fat nothing, Rampage ’s action will still titillate audiences. Because who doesn’t love a good ol’ fight on the big screen? Of particular note though, is Okoye’s joyous camaraderie with George which vastly exaggerates primate intelligence, but is funny nonetheless. The less said about the actors’ performances the better, but I’ll let this slip: one character just gives cowboys a bad name. Johnson is singularly enjoyable in a role we’ve seen him play many times before: the man of strength with a heart of gold and a sense of humour to boot. The film’s special effects which often slip below par thankfully never distract from the unfolding creature feature.
With Rampage , switch off your brain and enjoy the monster madness like you would lather, rinse, repeat with no expectations.
Rampage
Director: Brad Peyton
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Åkerman, Jake Lacy, Joe Manganiello, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Story line: Genetically edited animals are destroying Chicago and primatologist Davis Okoye needs to save the day
