“The Expendables” was released in 2010. (same year The Runaways came out) It received mixed reviews from critics and movie goers alike. Despite divisive reactions, the movie made enough revenue at the box office. A much better sequel came out in 2012 and third installment released in 2014 which is considered the weakest.
My favorite action hero, Jason Statham will reprise his role as Lee Christmas in “Expend4bles.” The fourth installment will be released on September 22, 2023. So, don’t forget to mark your calendars. As a fan of “The Expendables” series and Mr. Statham, I wanna share my thoughts on the first movie.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you newcomers a chance to see the first movie.
Mighty & Weak Aspects
Mighty: Sylvester “Sly” Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Terry Crews, Randy Couture & Mickey Rourke all did an awesome job for their respective performances.
Besides playing Barney Ross, Sly also directed the movie and wrote the script with David Callahan. He’s known for writing scripts for “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” & “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”
Other Cast Members such as “Stone Cold Steve Austin” & Eric Roberts both did a great job for their respective performances.
Action Sequences are over-the-top leaving a bloody mess. Ten times better than these stinkers from 2010.
- The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
- The Tooth Fairy
- Jonah Hex
- The Spy Next Door
- The Bounty Hunter
- Killers
- Furry Vengeance
- The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
- The Last Airbender
- Fred: The Movie
- Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
- Vampires Suck
- Resident Evil: Afterlife
Brian Tyler (The Fast and the Furious sequels, Iron Man 3, Crazy Rich Asians) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Practical Effects were heavily involved while C.G.I. was used sparingly. Some of the cast did their own stunts.
The Expendables is a throwback to action movies from the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s with our favorite action heroes as members of the titular team.
There’s some funny moments and inside-jokes regarding an actor’s career.
Bruce Willis & Arnold Schwarzenegger make cameo appearances. When I was in a movie theater back in 2010, everybody in the audience went nuts seeing the founders of Planet Hollywood together for the first time.
Fun Fact 1: Tool quips if Lee should get a “Charlotte’s Web” tattoo. Julia Roberts was in an ensemble romantic-comedy titled, “Valentine’s Day.” She and Eric are siblings. By the way, Emma Roberts is Julia’s niece and Eric’s daughter.
Fun Fact 2: Kurt Russell was considered for the role of Mr. Church. He turned it down, due to scheduling conflicts. So, Bruce won the part.
Fun Fact 3: Barney quips that Trench wants to be President. An in-joke when Arnold used to be Governor of California in 2003-2010.
Fun Fact 4: Barney sarcastically questions Lee if he’s Zorro. Antonio Banderas later appeared in the third movie.
Fun Fact 5: Barney says “Let him go” twice. An homage to Rambo’s line in “First Blood.” “Let it go, let it go.” It was Rambo who said it first, not Princess Elsa from “Frozen.”
Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back In Town” is played during the end credits. Justin Bieber & Jaden Smith’s “Never Say Never” from “The Karate Kid” wishes it ends like The Expendables.
If you own a DVD/Blu-Ray copy, Sly provides audio commentary reflecting the process on making the movie.
Weak: Although the movie’s about the titular team, it solely focuses on Barney & Lee. The rest of their teammates have less screen time.
Don’t expect this movie to a non-stop action movie. It’ll take a while for our heroes to engage in battle.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BOMBS AWAY!
The Expendables is a good start. The second movie gets better. If you’re psyched to see the fourth entry, watch all three installments to keep yourself occupied.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 