“The Expendables” (2010)
Rating: 
“How Stallone Spent His Summer Vacation”
Only 3.5 stars, with all these action-movie veterans in one film? Yeah, ‘fraid so.
Actually, as I sit here and ponder it, The Expendables wasn’t really all that bad. It just wasn’t really all that good either, not good enough to be a 4-star film, anyway. There’s a lot to like in this movie, actually, and for pure action fun, it’s pretty good. I enjoyed this movie more than I did “Inception”, to be honest.
OK, lets start with what’s wrong with the movie:
- One of the best scenes – with Arnold and Willis and Stallone all together – felt forced. Clearly Stallone (who directed and produced as well as acted) was having fun with this movie, so they probably had fun shooting it. But this scene felt completely out of place.
- A good mercenary flick really needs to dig a bit deeper into each member of the team’s speciality. David Statham’s skill with throwing knives was about close as we got. And even that was just sort of matter-of-fact. OK, Stallone’s quick-draw is well done too. Part of the fun is knowing the “signature” move or weapon or skill of each character and seeing it come into play. That was missing. Which is a shame because they’re all capable of pulling off some moves.
- The plot of the Generalissimo and his daughter was awkward. It just didn’t fly.
- The thought that an ex-CIA operative would control an island-nation and only bring two henchmen to impose his will – even if one is “Stone Cold” Steve Austin – is a bit far-fetched. You need tighter security than that with so much money and drugs and weapons being moved.
- As for Austin … ooof. The guy has a lot of charisma and it was buried. Maybe he was being true to the script, but he seemed wooden.
- An editing gaffe. At least I think it was. When they’re heading back to the island (in broad daylight?) they set the plane on auto-pilot, Stallone and Statham then head back to the main cabin … next thing you know it’s night-time and they’re attacking the palace. So, like what happened to those missing hours?
As for what’s good about the movie, there’s actually a lot to like:
- It’s obvious that the main cast is having fun making this movie. So it’s enjoyable watching from that perspective.
- Jet Li has some pretty funny lines, asking for more money from the job because he has to work harder – because he’s the shortest. They toned down his martial arts … way, way down … but he’s still a charming guy on film.
- Dolph Lundgren actually, kind of, sort of learned how to act. No … really. He was’t horrible.
- The aforementioned scene with Arnold and Willis is funny and well-written. Arnold is stiff as a plank, but Sly and Willis are good.
- Mickety Rourke is awesome as the grizzled veteran who traded his guns for a tattoo needle. Older age really suits him, for some reason.
- David Statham is always fun to watch and as Sly’s second-in-command here he does a solid job.
- As for Stallone, given all his responsibilities on this film he did a pretty good job acting as well. I’d say better than the last “Rambo” flick.
- Eric Roberts is great as a bad guy.
- The action scenes are well done and not completely over the top. A little too much emphasis on pro-wrestling moves in the fight scenes, but given the cast I guess that’s to be expected.
- The sound track is pretty good – been a while since I heard Leslie West and Mountain do “Mississippi Queen.”
So there you have it. As long as you don’t take this movie too serious, it’s a great way to spend an hour-and-a-half. And that’s really not a knock on the movie, the cast was having a ball shooting this one, and the best thing to do is just enjoy the ride. It’s no “Apocalypse Now“ … or even “Tears of the Sun“ … but it’s pretty good weekend fare.
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