The Golden Age of Hollywood Action Blockbusters: From Commando to Rambo 3

Hollywood has seen its share of soaring heights and turbulent descents in the world of action films. The 1985-1988 period marks a golden age, a brief but intense era where iconic action franchises detonated at the box office. Particularly, the three movies—Commando, Rambo: First Blood Part II, and Red Dawn—captured the zeitgeist of the time and defined cinema culture for a generation.

The Impact of Commando (1985)

Commando, starring Lee Marvin and Edward Douglas, was the pioneer in the early 1980s of the action film renaissance. This action-packed film featured Eddie Douglas as a former marine turned mercenary whose mission to save his kidnapped son in near-death situations and chases through wilderness and urban landscapes was nothing short of a spectacle. It grossed approximately $118.6 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing movies of its time. While not the largest box office hit of the era, it set the stage for the monumental powerhouse that would follow.

Rambo: First Blood Part II – A Quantum Leap in Popularity

In the year that followed, Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) catapulted the action genre to new heights. Starring the indomitable Rambo himself—Sylvester Stallone—this film was a financial and cultural bonanza. With an estimated gross of around $173 million, this sequel was not just about the box office performance but the Rambo effect it brought upon cinema. It introduced ? dictionaryWith arrows exploding in vivid detail, iconic lines like "Yippee ki yap!” and a narrative that played on the public's fascination with the Vietnam veteran and his redemption story. This film not only cashed in but also cemented the brand, paving the way for more action-packed adventures in the future.

Sweat, Fear, and Loads of Death – Red Dawn (1987)

Red Dawn (1987) was like a rip-roaring punk rock anthem of the era. Fueled by the Cold War tensions and the general paranoia of a potential all-out nuclear war, this film was a salvo against the Soviet Union. With its deer blood and Russian forces, it captured the tension and apocalyptic fears of the time. It grossed $115 million, making it one of the most successful films of its year. The film's blend of action, suspense, and hyper-violent kill counts, all adding up to over 100 in one scene, created a sense of chaos and intensity that was gripping for the audience.

The Peak and Sudden Decline with Rambo 3 (1988)

The momentum continued with Rambo 3 (Also known as Rambo: First Blood Part III), another high-profile release in 1988. However, this was the peak—and also the turning point. It was the highest grossing film of that year, with an impressive $165.6 million globally. Despite its success, it was also the 'biggest box office bomb in history' concerning money lost, as the high budget and marketing could not stave off the film's underwhelming reception. This sudden drop in sales marked the end of the era and ushered in a different era for Hollywood.

The Lasting Impact on Action Cinema

These films, while coming from different genres—subtle distinctions between action and war—they all shared a common thread: they tapped into the zeitgeist of the era. The synergy between the actors, the screenplay, and the visual effects created an era where Hollywood couldn't help but focus on action films. Though they didn't sustain the same level of success post-Rambo 3, the impact they made on the blockbuster genre is undeniable.

Conclusion

The reign of action blockbusters that began with Commando and ended with Rambo 3, marked a period of immense success and cultural significance. While Red Dawn with its iconic scenes and intense action kept the flame burning, and Rambo II set the stage for a new age of action films, it was the abrupt conclusion with Rambo 3 that signaled the end of an era. However, their legacy lived on, influencing action films, even today.