Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Big, loud, occasionally gory game-based adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rampage
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 32 parent reviews
Based on 58 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a thrilling yet violent adventure that features a lot of action and destruction, making it suitable for older kids and teens despite its gore and strong language. While some found it entertaining and well-produced, others criticized its writing and heavy use of violence, suggesting that it may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
- intense action
- strong language
- graphic violence
- suitable for teens
- entertaining experience
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on a classic 1980s arcade game, RAMPAGE tells the story of what happens when genetic modification research conducted in space crashes into Earth and alters the DNA of three animals: a gorilla in a California wildlife center, a wolf in Wyoming, and a crocodile in Florida. The gorilla, called George, has a special bond with primatologist Davis Okoye (Dwayne Johnson), with whom he communicates via sign language. So when George grows substantially in size and strength overnight, Davis knows something is wrong. He confirms this strangeness when lab scientist Dr. Kate Caldwell (Naomie Harris) arrives at the zoo and explains that the changes must be tied to research she did at her former lab, which is currently being run by greedy, downright evil siblings Claire (Malin Ackerman) and Brett (Jake Lacy) Wyden. Government agent Harvey Russell (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) shows up to take control, but things get truly horrific after the Wydens emit a powerful frequency to attract George and the supersized wolf and crocodile to the Wyden Labs headquarters in Chicago. Davis and Kate follow the animals' path in hopes of finding a cure that will stop the giant animals, rescue George, and save humanity from the huge, rampaging predators.
Is It Any Good?
Even the immensely likable Johnson can't save this video game-based adventure from its laughable premise and ridiculous dialogue. Johnson's character is downright invincible in Rampage: He survives so much -- including actual gunshots (which he treats like nothing more than irritating mosquito bites) -- that you can't help but giggle aloud whenever he looks "injured." It's impossible to take anything in the film seriously when everyone is a "type." The Wydens are so unambiguously evil that you almost expect them to have monocles, top hats, and mustaches to twirl as they cackle maniacally. Ackerman's Claire actually refers to black ops consultants as "Killers R Us." Oh, and speaking of the mercenaries, they're led by a machine gun-wielding Joe Manganiello, who's not in the movie long enough to be more than a glorified cameo but is memorable nonetheless.
Despite Rampage's many flaws -- we won't even speak of the made-up science -- there's a certain amount of amusement in watching Johnson win at pretty much everything he does. He's nearly as much of a giant on screen as George the gorilla, and anyone who isn't entertained by The Rock's presence likely wouldn't see this movie in the first place. As a fan, it's never a complete waste of time to watch him do his heroic thing, but it's also not necessary to support such a violent, unimaginative, unremarkable action film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Rampage. Was it realistic? Was it more graphic than you expected? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Is anyone a role model in the movie? If so, what character strengths do they display?
How do Davis and Kate use teamwork to help rescue George and save humanity?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 13, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : July 24, 2018
- Cast : Dwayne The Rock Johnson , Naomie Harris , Jeffrey Dean Morgan
- Director : Brad Peyton
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of violence, action and destruction, brief language, and crude gestures
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate