Movie Review: Rampage

RAMPAGE
Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
PG-13
1 hr and 47 minutes

Released: 2018
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Jeffery Dean Morgan, Malin Akerman, Jake Lacy - for additional cast names, click HERE

Blurb: Global icon Dwayne Johnson headlines the action adventure “Rampage,” directed by Brad Peyton. Johnson stars as primatologist Davis Okoye, a man who keeps people at a distance but shares an unshakable bond with George, the extraordinarily intelligent, incredibly rare albino silverback gorilla who has been in his care since he rescued the young orphan from poachers. But a rogue genetic experiment gone awry mutates this gentle ape into a raging creature of enormous size. To make matters worse, it’s soon discovered there are other similarly altered animals. As these newly created alpha predators tear across North America, destroying everything in their path, Okoye teams with discredited geneticist Kate Caldwell (Naomie Harris) to secure an antidote, fighting his way through an ever-changing battlefield, not only to halt a global catastrophe but to save the fearsome creature that was once his friend.

Trailer Link: Official First Trailer / Official Second Trailer


MY THOUGHTS

 Wow. Just wow. I've been wanting to watch this for a few months so it made me smile when my husband received it for Christmas. I wanted it to be the first movie of 2019 and it DID. NOT. DISAPPOINT. I'm still sitting here - a little exhausted emotionally - after finishing it a few moments ago. All I can say is I fell in love with George and my soft spot for Dwayne Johnson grew more than I thought possible.

I've loved Dwayne ever since watching him as The Rock. I've enjoyed all his movies, and this one proves that he's definitely a kick ass action hero. I thought he was amazing as Davis, and found him endearing with his relationship with George, the gorilla. It was definitely smart to showcase their extraordinary friendship and the sense of humor they exchange. My gosh, I laughed so hard at their banter, and I'm pretty sure that's what had me rooting for them both toward the end of the movie. They tugged on my heartstrings and I went through a rollercoaster of emotions as the climax hit. I cried both happy and sad tears. I peeked through my fingers. I begged my husband to stop me from ever watching movies like this where animals are involved because the suspense was killing me. I'm a bit of a softie, but that came from being invested in the story.

I totally forgot that Jeffrey Dean Morgan was in the movie so I squeed extra loud when he showed up. I loved that his character, Agent Harvey Russell. He felt like a delicious mix of Daddy John Winchester (shout out to my beloved Supernatural ... WOOT!) and Negan! I wasn't quite sure what his intentions were and liked that my uncertainty kept me guessing. Him and Dwayne in the same film doubled the SWOON factor for me. Lots of SWAGGER!

Rampage had a very Jurassic Park feel, which I liked because I LOVE those movies as well. I loved how the writers used humor throughout to soften some of the intense moments. Being made to laugh reminded me to breathe so thanks! Lots of twists and turns. One thing that did surprise me, especially considering I'm a romance author and LOVE that element in everything I watch, is my gratitude over Davis and Kate NOT hooking up. Life and death situations don't always translate into insta-love, so I was okay when the end arrived and the two hadn't exchanged kisses. That's not what the movie was about.

All in all, I give RAMPAGE a heartfelt FIVE STARS because I went on this intense ride that wowed and thrilled me the entire time. It moved me. It made me feel. It left me happily exhausted! Hahaha

FAVORITE QUOTES

Nelson: It’s, um, uh, what’s the terminology? It’s weird you like hanging out with animals more than people.
Davis Okoye: They get me. Animals like you, they lick you. They don’t like you, they eat you. You always know where you stand.
Nelson: Or where you lie, all chewed up in their belly because they ate you. Yeah, that’s just some food for thought. And by the way, you’re the food.
Nelson: Alright, get out of here, you big lug. Say hi to the dogs for me.
Davis Okoye: I will.
[Davis pulls the car away and drives off; to himself]
Nelson: Girls love him. I should shave my head.


Burke: Incoming!
[suddenly a giant flying wolf crashes through the building]
Davis Okoye: Of course the wolf flies.


Davis Okoye: Yeah, it did. I was hoping I could knock him out too, though.
Dr. Kate Caldwell: You know there are other ways of dealing with people, right?
Davis Okoye: I do know that, yeah, but that’s no fun.

Until Next Time ...

Bels xxx

Live Unapologetically!

This is something that’s been on my mind for a while - that feeling ... that compulsion to constantly apologize. I’m not talking about those moments when you genuinely do need to say sorry. I’ve noticed that we often apologize for things where no wrong was done ....

We apologize for things we love.
We apologize for taking care of ourselves.
We apologize for asking what we need.
We apologize for what we believe.
We apologize for not doing what others want.
We apologize ...
We apologize ...
We apologize ...
We apologize for BEING OURSELVES.

When did we start believing this was the norm? When did we start believing that who we are was something that needed that disclaimer of “I’m sorry.”? What I’m finding, in my own life, is that we not only train ourselves that something is wrong with us or that we are somehow less than, but we also train those AROUND US. People become accustomed to expecting us to apologize for everything - even those things that are not our fault. It becomes easy to become the “whipping boy/girl” because we flog ourselves for every perceived slight.

If you do something wrong - apologize. 
If you’re unsure - talk with someone you trust and do a reality check. 

This is a tool I learned from my therapist so instead of beating myself over something that isn’t mine, I can ask another for their opinion. It’s been a lifesaver and has helped me break hurtful habits and remove things from my life that were damaging my spirit.

So, I have a challenge for everyone, should you want to do it *winks* It’s twofold -

1. Pay attention to the things you say out loud and to yourself. How many times do you say sorry out of habit, because you feel you have to, or for things that aren’t your responsibility?

2. This is one I’m trying to embrace - live each day UNAPOLOGETICALLY. Be you! Live for YOU. Family and friends are wonderful but they shouldn’t dictate who you are. Even if you’re the only one who loves or believes something, that’s OKAY. Did you hear me? Let me say it again ... it’s OKAY. You are beautifully unique and amazing and we need you to be YOU! Not a shadow or extension of something else.

You.
Gloriously YOU.

I’m working on this challenge myself. It’s been a process and I know I still have work to do. It’s been over a year but oh what a year it’s been! Happiness comes from letting go of fear, habits that no longer serve, and fully embracing the gifts and light you bring to the world. Don’t EVER dull your sparkle or hold yourself back.

And please, for you ... the world ... don’t apologize for being YOU!

Love you. Now go conquer the world and SHINE!

Bels xoxo #dare2fly