'Rambo' regress

"Of course you should be cynical," said Sylvester Stallone to me two years ago during a promotional interview for "Rocky Balboa."
The former superstar was candid, and nearly popping out of his shirt, during our chat about his new film.
But he had good reason to offer up some humble pie. His self-created comeback vehicle would soon shout down critics who thought making another "Rocky" film was a desperate ploy for relevance, 21st century style.
That Stallone should follow up "Rocky Balboa" with "Rambo," the resurrection of his other long-dormant franchise, is the equivalent of a reality check.
As the director/writer/star, Stallone keeps the pacing and action at full tilt, and it's hardly foul cinema by modern standards. It also reminds us of a simpler time, when heroes could blast away at the bad guys and not wring their hands afterward.
Yet given the complexities he brought to the aging Italian Stallion, he serves up precious reason to reunite us with John Rambo.
My review shares my ambivalence toward the project, from its ace pyrotechnics to its simplistic narrative.
News that Stallone will star in a new "Death Wish" feature indicates he may not be interested in expanding his range as an actor. He simply wants to mow down the enemy once more for a new generation of fans.
Frankly, I think he's better than that. Perhaps his new "Wish" will surprise us all over again.