Did The Expendables Pack A Punch? Or Did It Fizzle Out?

I must admit I love hardcore 80’s action movies. When I was old enough, or able to watch them at my friend’s house without my parents knowing, sorry mum, I became like everyone else obsessed with them. The violence, the cool hero, the guns, the big explosions, the car chases, the cheesy one liner. They were a guilty pleasure. Stallone, Schwarzenegger and Willis all became my obsession. The trend soon enough died in the 90’s with these characters fizzling out for what the media dubbed “the thinking man’s action hero.” I mean I love the Bourne Movies, and James Bond is a suave character, but there is no doubt the 80’s action men still rule to this day. So did “The Expendables” bring back this feeling in me? Or did I realise the 80’s action man is well and truly over? The answer is a big fat YES!!! The Expendables packed a major wallop. And here’s why.

Stallone new his career really was in the bargain bin. I mean I can’t even remember the last movie he did that went to the cinema. So with the help of a couple of friends, Stallone has managed to bring back the action big and loud. Stallone wrote, directed and starred in this vehicle which delivers action hard and fast. With him he has been able to secure a couple of well know hero’s of the last couple of year’s, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Steve Austin, Terry Lewis as well as old favourites Dolph Lundgren, Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke and a cameo by the one and only Arnie, (lets just say he could have been used more, but oh well, maybe the sequel will provide a vehicle for him, but gee he has aged). The only two who were missing were Segal and Van Damme, (oh well who cares never liked them anyway).

Here is the rundown of the story (which is pretty simple, but what 80’s action movie isn’t). A group of mercenaries headed by Stallone are sent down by Willis to overthrow a dictator who along with an ex American official (Eric Roberts) has taken over a small island in South America. The people need a hero and who better than Stallone and his team (I told you there wasn’t much of a story, but who cares). And here is when the fun begins.

Boys and girls get ready for the bodies to fly, the bombs to drop, the explosions to be big and the fights to be intense. Throw in a love story of the dictator’s daughter and Stallone, as well as a car chase, and you have the perfect vehicle for these actors to prove their masculinity as action stars.

Be prepared though, the last 20 minutes you will literally not want to be going to the bathroom as you will not be able to breathe as the action goes off. (I know this as the man beside me could not stop gasping and giving the whole cinema his reaction to every moment, he literally should be have been recorded it was hilarious).

Stallone, although not much of an actor, knows what he is doing as a director. He is not making Rocky, he is making a hardcore action flick that will bring back the memories of the good old days (where he could actually run, its hilarious watching this man run, but I wouldn’t say that to his face, the man is huge and I cant believe he is 65) The actors all look like they are having a ball as with all boys, they get to play with some big toys. The movie flows, and not once will you get bored. If the rumours are true, we will definitely be seeing these big (and steroid, did I say that) men come back for round two. I for one would love to enter the world of “The Expendables” again. I for one have missed the boys, and welcome them back with open arms. Just don’t shoot or cut it them off. 7.5/10