The Expendables Reviews
The strong point of this film is the good action sequences that occur in the final act, the negative point is the terribly poorly written script.
The Expendables is a decent homage to the old-school action films of the 1980s. Stallone and a host of action icons prove they still have what it takes to take down bad guys. The plot couldn't be more generic, though it is action-packed. If you enjoy films with simple stories and plenty of gunplay, this one is for you.
It’s remarkable how bad this movie is, BUT also how entertaining and funny. Great idea, poorly executed.
With so "badass" cast, expect smth little more..
Was complicated but still good casting, but the story was never straight for me
This was a terrible film. Devoid of any plot. Waste of a decent cast. I want my time wasted back.
The Expendables is a really good shooting film, I saw it for the first time this year and I really liked it, Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger really fantastic. Statham in particular, it's not right that the film has a 42%. this movie needs higher scores, I'll close this review by saying that The Expendables 1 was a great start to the saga and that it's one of the best Shootout movies in the world and I'll continue with the other 3, see you next time.
It promised to be the manliest movie ever with a star-studded cast, but was just flat all-around.
Entertaining and funny. Although, the expendables dont EXPand enough of storytelling.
One of those movies you can just enjoy without really thinking too hard.
Absolutely one of my favorite movies of all time! I enjoyed the rapport that these men have with one another throughout the movie. The sarcasm and innuendos, even during the most heart stopping, edge of your seat moments are hysterical, sometimes even heart warming. Knowing there are now 3 more following this movie (as of 2024), excites me to no end! I look forward to even more!
Legendary action stars have to carry this lackluster action spectacle with a bad script. Director Sylvester Stallone’s action ensemble thriller The Expendables (2010) is entirely underwhelming. For how many great action actors star here, charismatic personalities have to make up for Stallone’s dull direction, choppy editing, ugly digital cinematography, bad writing, and dull lighting. Stallone delivers some fun characters that are underwritten and a few cool fights and shootouts. However, big explosions are not enough to make a proper action movie. Writers Dave Callaham and Sylvester Stallone give each guy a few moments of heart, but underdeveloped their arcs and came up with a generic rescue mission as a pretense for action scenes. I really wish they gave Jet Li more to act as well as some cooler martial arts combat since he’s so talented. Every guy just looks so old and tired that The Expendables feels only mildly entertaining. Sylvester Stallone tries to be commanding as the mercenary group leader Barney Ross. Stallone has heart and grit, but lacks the warmth and liveliness of his best work. Jason Statham is a riot as knife wielding smartmouth Lee Christmas. Statham’s martial arts choreography feels believable and intense. Jet Li is funny and cool as their friend Yin Yang, who wants more money and delivers killer martial arts displays. I just wanted Jet Li to have a bigger role and character since I’d say he’s the best actor in the cast and easily the greatest fighter. Dolph Lundgren is funny as the crazy mercenary Gunner Jensen. Eric Roberts is menacing as the evil and greedy ex-CIA agent James Munroe. Randy Couture is amusing as the therapy seeking action hero Toll Road. Steve Austin is generic henchman Paine like David Zayas’ forgettable villain General Garza. Giselle Itié is pretty and sympathetic as the general’s daughter Sandra, who bravely remains defiant. Charisma Carpenter remains gorgeous and compelling as Statham’s girlfriend Lacy. I wish she had a larger role too because she’s a wonderful actress on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Terry Crews is funny as the muscular Hale Caesar with his loud bolt gun. Mickey Rourke is gritty and raw as the tattoo artist and motorcycle chop shop owner Tool. His monologue about losing his soul feels sincere and gripping. Bruce Willis gets a cute cameo as CIA contact Mr. Church, who hires Stallone and company. Arnold Schwarzenegger is funny in his quick cameo as Trench Mauser with witty quips to taunt Stallone. Editors Ken Blackwell and Paul Harb’s cuts feel hacked together for incoherent and hard to follow action sequences. Cinematographer Jeffrey L. Kimball’s ugly digital look and shaky camera work is awful. I cannot believe how cheap The Expendables looks. Lighting from Michael Ambrose and Dan Delgado is too dark and not very cinematic. The dozen or so camera operators providing shaky camera footage is very annoying. The sets look cheap, the practical effects are solid, but the CGI looks like a PS2 cutscene. The stunt fights and car chases are excellent and easily the action highlights. Composer Brian Tyler’s score is alright, but totally generic action slop music. In the end, The Expendables is just a cheap bit of action entertainment to let audiences see their old favorite action stars one more time.
"The Expendables" is a nostalgic gathering of iconic action stars, and watching them interact is a treat for fans of the genre. The action is undeniably over-the-top and provides a certain mindless entertainment. However, the film is weighed down by a plot that’s paper-thin, barely holding together the barrage of explosions and gunfire. While the cheesy one-liners and predictable plot points might appeal to some, they left me feeling more fatigued than thrilled. I appreciated the occasional comedic moments that lightened the tension, but they weren’t enough to lift the film above its generic formula. I enjoyed "The Expendables" more when it first came out, but with time, its flaws have become more glaring. If you’re into mindless action, this might be a masterpiece, but it’s simply not for me. Two stars.
The best out of all of them.
The expandables got all the cast from the 80's and 90's action movies and two actors who are from ufc and wwe shows in the movie but the story doesn't make sense with cartoonish bad guys and really dumb quotes from the characters and really terrible cgi blood scene and horrible vfx.
Weak Story Saved By Really Cool Action, Explosions And An All-Star Cast.
Mickey Rourke is so cringe I can't get it out of my head. Worth the calories. It's like you can smell the steroids through the screen. Lolzs and splosions.
Watched 5/16/2024.
Exactly what it promises: a thrilling, action-packed ride filled with explosions, tough guys, and adrenaline-pumping sequences. The star-studded cast, including Sylvester Stallone, Stone Cold, and Jet Li, brings their A-game, making this movie a must-watch for fans of the genre. It's a fun-filled adventure that doesn't disappoint!
Funny, action from the 80's 👍