MOVIE REVIEW: Rampage

 

This is a 2008 film regarding an illegal pathogen being tested on a space station which falls to earth when the station is destroyed. Engineered to give its victims increased size and aggression, it effects three animals upon landing. One is a wolf, another an alligator, and the third is a gorilla in a zoo that is capable of communicating in sign language. The gorilla's keeper, an ex-Special Forces Marine, together with a geneticist who used to work for the company responsible for the pathogen, team up to find the other animals and destroy them before they kill thousands of people in the heart of a major city.

Starring Dwayne Johnson (formerly known as the Rock), this is a thrilling action fest that never fails to delight with twists and surprises. The special effects are outstanding, featuring motion capture for the gorilla, and CGI for the other monster animals. The cast is superb, including Naomie Harris as the geneticist, and Malin Akerman as the CEO of the pathogen's creators. There is also a guest appearance by Jack Quaid, at a time before his voice was used to great effect in the animated comedy of Star Trek's Lower Decks. There is quite a large amount of violence, in the form of monsters destroying buildings, but very little strong language and no erotic scenes. This is definitely one that will be fun for family night.