The Rock plays a primatologist at San Diego Zoo. Oh yeah, and he also happens to have a Special Forces background, and was once a member of an anti-poaching unit. Anyway, he has unique bond with the animals, especially an albino gorilla named George, whom he rescued as a baby (it's a sweet story, really). But all hell breaks loose when a dangerous genetic experiment touches down across the country, causing any creature that comes in contact with it to become colossal, mutated, destructive beasts. George happens to be one of victims, and he, yes -- goes on a rampage. So with the help of a scientist (played by Naomi Harris, Moonlight), The Rock sets out to put an end to the madness.
With a movie like Rampage, you pretty much come in knowing exactly what to expect, and that's exactly what you get. It's pure, giddy spectacle -- I mean, this is a film where a flying wolf takes down a helicopter, an enormous crocodile scales a skyscraper, and where an albino gorilla swallows one of the film's villains like a popcorn shrimp. It definitely doesn't take itself too seriously, but it does actually have a lot of heart, especially when it comes to The Rock and George's relationship. They exchange hilarious jabs with each other by communicating through sign language, and The Rock constantly refers to George as his "Friend." It honestly made my heart melt.
This romp is a terrific showcase for The Rock's greatness. When The Rock takes down two armed guards with his own bare hands - we cheer. When The Rock bonds with George - we smile. When The Rock says "You've got to be kidding me" after one of the creatures comes back to life - we laugh. In fact, whenever the film strays focus away from The Rock and dives into its subplot conspiracies, it loses some of its steam. Luckily, Jeffrey Dean Morgan's government agent character helps to keep those stretches afloat. At first, it seems as if it's just Negan from "The Walking Dead" in a suit, but the surprisingly likable character takes some welcomed turns along the way, and JDM plays the role really well.
Rampage is an uproarious, stomping, massive good time. God bless The Rock.
( 7.5/10 )
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