Review of The Expendables (2010)

General Information

• Director: Sylvester Stallone
• Main Cast:
  • Sylvester Stallone (Barney Ross)
  • Jason Statham (Lee Christmas)
  • Jet Li (Yin Yang)
  • Dolph Lundgren (Gunnar Jensen)
  • Terry Crews (Hale Caesar)
  • Randy Couture (Toll Road)
  • Mickey Rourke (Tool)
  • Bruce Willis (Church)
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger (Trench)
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller
• Runtime: 103 minutes
• Studio: Lionsgate

Plot

The Expendables is an action-packed, star-studded film about a group of elite mercenaries who take on dangerous missions for hire. The film follows Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), the leader of the Expendables team, which includes skilled fighters such as Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), Gunnar Jensen (Dolph Lundgren), Yin Yang (Jet Li), and others. When tasked with overthrowing a dictator named General Garza (David Zayas) in a small Latin American country, they uncover a deeper conspiracy involving a corrupt businessman, James Munroe (Eric Roberts), who is secretly backing Garza’s regime for his own gain.

As the team ventures into the war-torn country to complete their mission, they quickly realize that things are much more complicated than they initially thought. The film’s plot is relatively straightforward, with the Expendables facing intense battles, enemy forces, and personal tensions along the way, all leading to explosive action sequences and an eventual showdown with the villainous forces.

Highlights

1. Star Power and Iconic Cast
   • One of the biggest draws of The Expendables is its ensemble cast, which brings together some of the most iconic action stars in film history. Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, and Terry Crews all bring their unique skills to the film, creating a powerhouse team of mercenaries. The film also features cameos from action legends Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger, adding to the film’s nostalgic appeal for fans of classic action movies.
   • Stallone’s leadership of the team is strong, and his ability to balance the various personalities of his crew adds a sense of camaraderie and fun to the film, despite its heavy focus on action.
2. Action Sequences
   • As expected from an action film led by Stallone, The Expendables delivers some explosive, intense action sequences. The film features everything from hand-to-hand combat to high-speed chases and full-scale gunfights. The mercenaries’ brutal methods and their use of heavy artillery make for thrilling action set pieces that are sure to appeal to fans of the genre.
   • The final showdown is packed with chaotic action, featuring machine gun fire, explosions, and plenty of hand-to-hand combat, all choreographed to give each character a chance to shine. The film doesn’t shy away from violent, over-the-top action, delivering on the promises of its “all-star” cast.
3. Nostalgic Appeal for Action Fans
   • The Expendables is a tribute to the action films of the 1980s and 1990s. With Stallone at the helm, the film plays up the nostalgia of action movies filled with machismo, large explosions, and tough guys who never back down. The film’s sense of fun and its commitment to delivering big, loud action moments will appeal to fans of classic action films like Rambo and Die Hard.
4. Humor and Banter
   • While The Expendables is primarily an action film, it does include moments of humor and light-hearted banter between the characters, adding levity to the otherwise intense scenes. The camaraderie between the team members, particularly between Ross and Christmas, is enjoyable to watch, and the one-liners and subtle jokes add a layer of fun to the film.

Criticisms

1. Thin Plot and Character Development
   • While the film delivers on action, the plot itself is relatively thin and predictable. The narrative is straightforward, with little in the way of twists or surprises. The characters, though played by some of the biggest action stars, are somewhat one-dimensional, with little depth or exploration beyond their roles as mercenaries. The focus on action means that emotional stakes and character development take a backseat, which may leave some viewers wanting more depth.
2. Underwhelming Villains
   • While Eric Roberts delivers a solid performance as the villainous James Munroe, the character is not particularly memorable or well-developed. Similarly, the plot’s focus on the mercenaries’ mission leaves the antagonists feeling secondary to the action, which reduces the overall tension. The film could have benefitted from a more compelling and fleshed-out antagonist to elevate the stakes.
3. Somewhat Cliché
   • As a film that celebrates the genre of 1980s and 1990s action movies, The Expendables can feel somewhat cliché and formulaic at times. The story is not particularly innovative, and the film relies heavily on familiar tropes of the genre. For those looking for a deeper or more unique story, the film may feel like a recycled version of familiar action formulas.

Verdict

The Expendables (2010) is a high-octane action film that delivers on its promise of intense combat, explosions, and a star-studded ensemble cast of action icons. It thrives on its nostalgic appeal to fans of 1980s and 1990s action films, offering plenty of thrills and fun for viewers who enjoy large-scale action. While the film lacks a strong plot and deeper character development, it’s an entertaining ride that capitalizes on the chemistry between its veteran stars and its over-the-top action sequences. If you’re a fan of classic action movies or just looking for a fun, explosive film, The Expendables hits all the right notes.

Rating: 8/10