Summary
An upcomingNetflixfilm we have been waiting six years for is interestingly being compared withRamboandReacher. Given howRamboandReacherare two of the most popular franchises in the action thriller genre, it is not surprising that many movies and TV shows try to emulate their formula and recreate their character beats. However, the Netflix film in question is not a mere copycat, even though it is being compared with the two renowned franchises.
BothRamboandReacherare based on original books. While the firstRambomovie,First Blood, is based on David Morrell’s debut novel of the same name,ReacheradaptsLee Child’sJack Reacherbook series. The Netflix action film, however, is not a book-to-screen adaptation and follows an original story, which makes it even more exciting because it marks the return of an talented screenwriter and director.
First Blood: 10 Things That Still Hold Up Today
The original Rambo movie is a lot grittier and smaller-scale than its sequels, but First Blood is still a masterful thriller that holds up today.
Rebel Ridge Is Jeremy Saulnier’s First Movie In Six Years - And That’s Exciting
Jeremy Saulnier Last Directed Two True Detective Episodes
Jeremy Saulnier, who made his feature film directorial debut withMurder Partyin 2007, has an incredible track record. Nearly every movie or show he has helmed has landed favorable reviews from critics. Given how he has only directed four feature films and a few episodes of two TV shows, he has been selective with his projects. However, the critical performances of some of his best projects, likeGreen RoomandBlue Ruin, establish howhe has always focused on quality more than quantity. After a six-year hiatus from directing, he is finally returning with the filmRebel Ridge.
Long before he directedRebel Ridge, Saulnier helmed two episodes ofTrue Detectiveseason 3 in 2019. Since then, he has surprisingly stayed away from the limelight, opting to take a break from his directorial pursuits. Fortunately, he did not permanently hang his boots and is now finally returning after six long years, which makesRebel Ridgeincredibly exciting. Although only time will tell whether Rebel Ridge will perform as well as some of his best projects, the film is already being compared withRamboandReacher, which sets the stage for it to succeed.
Why Rebel Ridge Has Comparisons To Rambo & Reacher
Rebel Ridge Seemingly Shares Many Similarities With The Two Movies
Rebel Ridgehas been drawing a lot of attention before its release becauseits overpowered protagonist seems reminiscent of bothAlan Ritchson’s Jack Reacherand Sylvester Stallone’s John Rambo. Like the two iconic characters, he finds himself in a small town and does not go around looking for trouble. However, trouble finds him when a few cops steal the money he intended to use to bail his brother out of prison. AsRebel Ridge’s story and trailer suggest, its protagonist, Terry Richmond, stands tall in the face of danger like Jack Reacher and Rambo.
Since the “mysterious stranger turns one-man army” narrative has worked incredibly well forRamboandReacher, it is hard not to look forward to howNetflix’sRebel Ridgewill portray the same.
Instead of surrendering himself to corrupt law enforcers, he sets out to wage war against them, caring little about how they outnumber him. Similar to Rambo and Reacher, he seems to be portrayed as the overpowered, mysterious stranger who single-handedly puts the entire law enforcement of a small town on their toes when they unjustly try to harm him and his loved ones. Since the “mysterious stranger turns one-man army” narrative has worked incredibly well forRamboandReacher, it is hard not to look forward to howNetflix’sRebel Ridgewill portray the same.
Rebel Ridge
Former Marine Terry Richmond travels to Shelby Springs to post bail for his cousin, only to find his savings unjustly seized by a corrupt local police force. With the help of court clerk Summer McBride, Terry uncovers a deep-seated conspiracy and vows to bring justice to the town.
