First Blood (1982)

Having seen this film numerous times, to me it is very telling that I seemingly always notice new nuances within the film which make it more powerful and a great view each time I see it. This film is Sly Stallone. His acting is actually rather good and his ability to craft a realistic survivor of not only war but the elements makes the film entirely believable. The role of the sullen Rambo is perfect for Sly. Whereas normally he grunts his way through a script, this role allows him to be silent for the most part and his eyes exude a fire which is riveting. A great test for how good an actor is in a role is trying to imagine someone else in that role. No one can take Sly's place here. His believability in the role is enhanced by his obvious familiarity with the skills he displays as Rambo. In fact, what helps set this film apart from the typical action garbage is the plausibility of it's protagonist and the believability of his actions. He doesn't go on a wild killing spree, he rarely uses guns, doesn't know incredible amounts of martial arts or in other words, everything that Rambo became in the sequels.
The other two major roles in the film are expertly and deftly played by two great actors, Dennehy and Crenna. Dennehy plays the small town sheriff with a chip on his shoulder to the letter. The audience hates his sheriff but Dennehy plays him in a way that allows for us to sympathize with him as well. Crenna plays the grizzled Army colonel with panache and adds that aura of invincibility to Rambo.
The true power of this film lies in the reflection of early 80's America towards war vets, patriotism in general and it taps into a source of extreme pain within our country at the time the film was released. The film is a great allegory to the Vietnam War. A small, one man force takes on a bigger, better equipped enemy and ultimately prevails, to an extent. When Trautman (Crenna) the line "you want to fight a war you can't win?" to Teasle (Dennehy) the connection can't help but be made. The trauma that the protagonist endures mirrors that of our country as a whole.  Filming in the depressing and rain soaked northwest just adds to the depression and gloom of the film and it's themes.
The film shows how good an action film can be if it uses a less is more approach. Just wish they could get that through their heads when making films today.