JOHN J. RAMBO - Looking Back on an American Icon

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos Ramos flies solo with a look at Sylvester Stallone's second most iconic role - John J. Rambo. A staple of the 1980s, Rambo is a problematic example of American Screen Heroism. From David Morrell's source novel First Blood, the Rambo character started as a confused and damaged Vietnam veteran pushed too far and forced to take revenge on a small-town. The series would begin in 1982 with First Blood and continue with Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), Rambo III (1988), Rambo (2008), and - the supposed finale - Rambo: Last Blood (2019). Claims of simplicity, colonialism, jingoism, and ridiculously over-the-top violence have been a constant label on this series. This episode looks at the memories, problems, and overall quality of this series. We hope you enjoy it.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.

As always - Thank You. 

Disappointments and Surprises: Kiss of Death & Where the Sidewalk Ends - A Continuing Journey Into Film Noir

On This week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ramos continues to go it solo looking at two classics of Film Noir - Henry Hathaway's Kiss of Death (1947) and Otto Preminger's Where the Sidewalk Ends (1950). Two films heralded as classics of Noir with one of them holding up much better than the other. Take a listen as Ramos continues his descent into the heart of darkness. 

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Continued Love & Thanks!

Losers Refusing to Give Up - Robert Wise's The Set-Up

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, I continue my solo microphone runs into the world of Film Noir. I've always loved this genre (is it a genre?) and am thrilled to be making my way through so many films that have been sitting on my shelves. This week the show focuses on Robert Wise's RKO Classic The Set-Up from 1949. This is almost universally recognized as one of the best and most important Film Noirs. With a great lead performance from Robert Ryan as an over-the-hill boxer aware of how much he has lost and no idea of how hopeless it all is. This is really one of the great films of Noir. I'm thrilled that I've had the opportunity to finally see this film and now have the chance to present it to those who haven't seen it and give insight to those who have. Thanks for the opportunity. As always, I appreciate the continued love and support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks. 

Edgar G. Ulmer's Detour - Riding into the Darkness of Noir

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos I fly solo with a look at The Criterion Edition of Edgar G. Ulmer's Detour (1945). With this B-Movie/Poverty Row production, Ulmer secured his place in the annals of film history. One of the earliest Noirs of record, in 1992 Ulmer's film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". It's a wonderful film and a great introduction to the genre. Take a listen as I discuss this classic starring Tom Neal, in a superb Noir Hero performance, and Anne Savage as the quintessential femme fatale ballbreaker. It's a good time and one which you should enjoy. Take a listen and decide for yourself. 

Thanks for the continued Love & Support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks.