RAMPAGE (2018) ***

The Rock plays a primatologist whose best friend is an albino ape named George.  When genetic material literally falls from the sky, George comes into contact with it and begins growing exponentially.  Pretty soon, a giant crocodile and a mutant wolf (who can also fly) begin stomping on Chicago and only The Rock can stop them.

Rampage is based on the old ‘80s video game, which of course was itself a throwback to King Kong vs. Godzilla (with a giant wolf thrown in for good measure).  As a fan of the game, I was a little dismayed that the monsters didn’t turn into naked humans when they were slain, but other than that, it’s a good enough interpretation.  The monsters climb buildings, eat people, and beat the crap out of each other.  If only it didn’t take so long to get around to the good stuff.

Like a Godzilla movie, you can’t judge Rampage for its sometimes-unnecessary dialogue scenes.  The cast infuses the film with a weird energy that prevents these scenes from getting too dull.  Jeffery Dean Morgan is a lot of fun as the shady government agent who’s a cowboy at heart.  Malin Akerman is a hoot as the evil corporate villain responsible for unleashing the monsters.  Resembling Cameron Diaz playing Cruella de Vil as an ‘80s yuppie, she chews the scenery as much as the monsters do.  (I also loved the fact that she kept the old Rampage arcade cabinet in her office.)

In addition to King Kong vs. Godzilla, the movie also slyly steals from Aliens (the scene where Joe Maganiello’s SWAT team gets taken down one by one by Ralph, the wolf), The Blob (the scene where George comes into contact with the serum), and Mission:  Impossible (the scene where The Rock escapes a crashing airplane).

The best moments come early on when The Rock cares for George.  The bond between the two is genuine and it gives the movie an unexpected emotional core.  It’s particularly funny when they bust each other’s balls via sign language.

The second act where Morgan mobilizes his men and the monsters make their way to Chicago is a bit pokey.  This stuff could’ve benefited from some tighter editing.  Once they reach the city, the gloves come off and the monster mashing is full of carnage, extensive destruction, and fun.