Every once in a while an action film comes around that sets precedent for blood, gore and above all action.  That movie is The Expendables, a title previously held by another Sylvester Stallone film, the 2008 release of Rambo.  The plot is simple enough, Barney Ross, played by Sylvester Stallone, leads a team of over-the-hill mercenaries on suicide missions.  This team of misfits includes a who’s who list of action stars such as Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lungren, Eric Roberts, Randy Couture, Steven Austin, Terry Crews and Mickey Rourke.  While I will say action stars, for the most part Randy Couture is the only true bad ass of the bunch; my apologies to Steve “Stone Cold” Austin, but the WWE is not exactly mixed martial arts.

The Expendables is exactly what you expect to get when watching the trailers.  Sylvester’s team of mercenaries deliver the ultimate ass kick on a small South American island where a conflict is engulfing the city.  This death-trap of a mission is handed down by the mysterious Mr. Chruch, played by Bruce Willis. During the initial trip to the island, Lee Christmas, played by Jason Statham and Barney Ross meet a local rebel Sandra, played by Giselle Itie.  Sandra and Barney ultimately grow fond of each other and the group of mercenaries find themselves back on the island for the ultimate action hero showdown.

If you are expecting an intricate plot you will be sadly disappointed. The Expendables is about blood, bullets and women, and in that regard the movie delivers as promised.  While I consider myself a huge Sylvester Stallone fan, I found myself growing tired of the exorbitant level of gore and explosions.  I understand that realism is not a priority when making an action film that emanates the ambiance of early 90′s action, but excess does not equal substance.  I’d argue that the film is predictable, but isn’t’ that simply a characteristic of action films of that era?  Ultimately I suggest waiting for The Expendables to release on DVD or Blu-ray instead of spending the $13+ ticket price at your local cinema.  However, if you breathe and sleep 90′s action films then you might be in for the ride of the summer.

GMR Blog Rating: 6.5/10

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