Rampage

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson’s new monster movie, based on a 1986 arcade game, is basically Godzilla on steroids. Back in 1993, a breakthrough in bio-engineering technology, known as CRISPR, gave scientists a way to treat incurable diseases through genetic editing. In 2016, fearing its misuse, the U.S. intelligence community designated genetic editing a 'Weapon of Mass Destruction and Proliferation.' (All of which is true, by the way.) Cut to the explosion of an American spaceship bearing a genome experiment gone awry, as three CRISPR vials fall to Earth—much to the consternation of nefarious brother-and-sister execs (Malin Åkerman and Jake Lacy) at a company called Energyne in Chicago. At San Diego Wildlife Preserve, primatologist Davis Okoye (Johnson), who prefers animals to people, has formed a strong bond with an albino silverback gorilla named George that he rescued from poachers and with whom he communicates in sign language. Suddenly overnight, once-docile George becomes hyper-aggressive and grows to gigantic proportions. Obviously, he’s become infected by a pathogen from one of the vials. And there are two other mutations: an agile 30-foot-long gray wolf and an immense Everglades crocodile. These enhanced predators wreak terror and destruction on Chicago, where a sonar beacon beckons them as Okoye and former Energyne scientist Dr. Kate Caldwell (Naomie Harris) try to administer an antidote to George while a wily government agent (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) runs interference. Formulaically directed by Brad Peyton, this is an optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the behind-the-scenes featurettes 'Bringing George to Life' (12 min.), 'Trio of Destruction' (10 min.), 'Rampage: Actors in Action' (10 min.), 'Attack on Chicago' (10 min.), and 'Not Just a Game Anymore' on the film’s video game origins (6 min.), as well as deleted scenes (10 min.), and a gag reel (3 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a silly monster movie.] (S. Granger)