First, and most obviously, the cast. Let's start with Jason Statham, Jet Li and Dolph Lundgren - all action veterans of varying degrees of success and skill. Then throw in a memorable smaller role for the newly-resurgent Mickey Rourke, who manages to deliver a monologue that makes you remember why he was nominated for that Oscar (yep, even in "The Expendables", he's still got it). Aside from that moment, no one's taking the movie seriously (and neither should you). Mr. Statham also showed some smarts by accepting the role, since he proves himself to be the most at ease on screen, and the clear heir apparent to the genre.
Next, Mr. Stallone called in a big favor from two old friends: Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger share the screen with Mr. Stallone for the first time. And their scene, though woefully short, is a real treat. It is to this movie what the Pacino-De Niro scene was to "Heat" (fun to watch but ultimately a letdown).
But then he made some poor decisions too, perhaps the most egregious being the script, which he co-wrote with David Callaham. The plot - which involves taking down the puppet dictator of a fictitious Latin American island - could have been cribbed from any 80s B-movie. There's also something in there about the dictator's daughter and a dirty CIA agent played, as only Eric Roberts can, by Eric Roberts. None of it makes much of a difference, since it's just an excuse to get to the fights (both gun-based and otherwise) and explosions. There are many, though none are particularly memorable.
It becomes very clear very quickly that, if it weren't for the cast, this movie would have gone straight to DVD. But it's undeniably a kick to see these guys in action together. Mr. Stallone, Mr. Rourke and Mr. Lundgren, in particular, redefine the word "grizzled". It makes you wonder if a Blu-ray version of the film is a smart idea (let's be thankful it wasn't filmed in 3D). From the movie poster alone, you already know if you want to see "The Expendables" or not. If you do, Mr. Stallone will deliver the goods. Told you he was no dummy.
| Movie title | The Expendables |
|---|---|
| Release year | 2010 |
| MPAA Rating | R |
| Our rating | |
| Summary | There's a lot in this nostalgic Sylvester Stallone actioner that lives up to its title - the recycled plot, the forgettable characters, the monotonous violence - but it's an undeniable kick to see these vets in action. |
