InstigatorGIRL's Rant & Review of The Expendables

InstigatorGIRL's Rant & Review of The Expendables

The ultimate action movie? Or all talk and no fizzle? *Clips and Minor Spoilers*

Review Opinion
By InstigatorGIRL - Aug 13, 2010 03:08 AM EST
Filed Under: Other
Source: IMDB.com

The Expendables brings together an action cast like no other movie has done before, and it was awesome! I will admit I was very surprised at how great this movie was! Were there flaws? Yes, but not many. Everyone in the theater walked out with nothing but praise for the movie.


Here's the synopsis for the movie from IMDB:
"THE EXPENDABLES is a hard-hitting action/thriller about a group of mercenaries hired to infiltrate a South American country and overthrow its ruthless dictator. Once the mission begins, the men realize things aren't quite as they appear, finding themselves caught in a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal. With their mission thwarted and an innocent life in danger the men struggle with an even tougher challenge, one that threatens to destroy this band of brothers.

Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) is a man with nothing to lose. Fearless and void of emotion, he is the Leader, the Sage and the Strategist of this tight-knit band of men who live on the fringe. His only attachment is to his pickup truck, his seaplane and his team of loyal modern-day warriors. His is a true cynic who describes what he does as "removing those hard to get at stains". The team behind him is made up of Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), former SAS and a savant with anything that has a blade; Yin Yang (Jet Li), a master at close-quarter combat; Hale Caesar (Terry Crews), who has known Barney for ten years and is a long-barrel weapons specialist; Toll Road (Randy Couture), a skilled demolitions expert and considered the intellect of the group; and Gunnar Jensen (Dolph Lundgren), a combat veteran and an expert in precision sniping who struggles with his own demons.

When the mysterious Church offers Barney a job no one else would take, Barney and his team embark on what appears to be a routine mission: overthrow General Gaza (David Zayas), the murderous dictator of the small island country of Vilena and end the years of death and destruction inflicted on its people. On a reconnaissance mission to Vilena, Barney and Christmas meet their contact Sandra (Giselle Itie), a local freedom-fighter with a dark secret. They also come to learn who their true enemy is: rogue ex-CIA operative James Monroe (Eric Roberts) and his henchman Paine (Steve Austin). When things go terribly wrong, Barney and Christmas are forced to leave Sandra behind, essentially giving her a death sentence. Haunted by this failure, Barney convinces the team to return to Vilena to rescue the hostage and finish the job he started. And to perhaps save a soul: his own."



-Great action! There were many scenes that had people cheering and laughing and just flat out getting hyped. It even had us in the theater saying "Oh S**T!" Especially the fighting with Statham; this just had great choreography. Each actor had their moment to shine and to deliver the action and they didn't disappoint!

-This movie definitely was not the best example of proper movie editing. The editing was very lazy and it showed in a few scenes. Also there were scenes that could've been taken out that were just kinda there for no real reason.

-Some damn good dialogue. To be honest, I wasn't expecting the dialogue to be that great and although its not "Oscar-worthy" it wasn't crappy either. The thing that bothered me was how the some of the actors would deliver the lines. It wasn't the lines themselves that sucked just how the person delivered them.


-Which brings me to the acting. Okay, here's how I felt with the acting. Some delivered and some didn't. Statham and Stallone, awesome. Especially their scenes together. Eric Roberts too, but Rourke takes home the prize for this one. He's not even in the movie that much but just the few lines he says is just so damn good. One scene he even gave me chills. Arnold, meh... Bruce Willis no complaints but no praise either. It wasn't anything he hasn't done before. Jet Li, some scenes he was good others just bad. Anyways, the acting can be split in half.




-The Arnold/Stallone scene was just hysterical! *SPOILER* What was so great was the little jabs they make at each other, but the best part was when Arnold leaves. Bruce Willis asks Stallone what Arnold's problem was, and Stallone says something a long the lines of, "Oh, nothing. Dude just wants to be President." Anyways, that whole scene was just funny.


-Just enough blood and gore. I think that says enough.
Could Of Killed Me Clip

-Again, the choreography in this was great! Especially Statham's fight scenes. Just so damn brutal.

Guys will love this movie! As I said before, everyone walked out of the theater very happy about this movie. It will make you laugh and totally saying your "oooh's and awww's." I liked it so much I am going to go see it again for sure. This movie is a fantastic ride from start to finish and is worth every dollar to watch it. TWO THUMBS WAY UP!

Now get to the theater and watch this or I'll confiscate your man cards!!!!
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ClintEastwood
ClintEastwood - 8/13/2010, 4:28 AM
Sweet!
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 8/13/2010, 7:00 AM
Damn, I didn't know it was out yet!!!

Holy sh1T in a handbag!

Gonna be the sweetest movie of the year, easy!!!

Gr8 review @ GATOR!

Can't wait to see it...

Hell, SLY and ARNOLD, no way in hell I'm not watching this baby, hell no!

Hell yes and thumbs up! :)
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 8/13/2010, 7:02 AM
Damn, SLY and ARNOLD should have done a movie together way b4 this...

Issue of them being bigger back then and SLY's height plus pay packet, damn them lol heh heh! : P
antonio
antonio - 8/13/2010, 7:18 AM
i really enjoyed this more then that scott pilgrim crap.

i thought it was a 8.75 or 9 out of 10.however,in my opinion,not da greatest action movie ever made.i mean,it no terminator 2.
marvel72
marvel72 - 8/13/2010, 7:35 AM
i think i'm gonna check this out over the weekend.

i just wished they made this movie back in the 80s when arnie,stallone,lundren & willis where at their best.

still can't wait.
InstigatorGIRL
InstigatorGIRL - 8/13/2010, 9:40 AM
@antonio Oh I never said it was the greatest action movie ever but that it was a hell of a lot better than I expected. It is a great action movie but not the best one ever.

@tea LOL. Enjoy! *hugs*

@TABOO Oh man, that was an awesome scene but the scene you posted is the short version of it. There was more there, and that's nothing compared to the carnage he causes at the end.

@LEEE Thanks! Get to the theater and see this sir! The Stallone/Arnold scene is just so damn funny.
Stumblin
Stumblin - 8/13/2010, 9:53 AM
Freaking sweet review InstigatorGIRL, I'll definitely be taking my girlfriend to see this this weekend, she loves mindless action as much as I do.
InstigatorGIRL
InstigatorGIRL - 8/13/2010, 10:08 AM
@Stumblin Thanks and enjoy! This movie delivers enough of that to please.

@TABOO Go see it! I'm gonna go see it again tomorrow.
MatchesMalone
MatchesMalone - 8/13/2010, 10:22 AM
@IGIRL- Very nice review! Very thorough. Sounds like about what I expected. My badass self will definitely be seeing this badass movie with my badass friends so I don't get my badass man card revoked!

"Toll Road (Randy Couture), a skilled demolitions expert and considered the intellect of the group." Lol!
XmutantX
XmutantX - 8/13/2010, 10:54 AM
Sweet review IG...any comments on the other players???...Lundren..austin..crews...???
~X

ps. I luv how the "manliest" movie is being reviewed 1st by a lady (well..a girl atleast :P j/k)
tango1978
tango1978 - 8/13/2010, 11:00 AM
My testosterone went through the roof during this movie!
peterparker420
peterparker420 - 8/13/2010, 11:02 AM
GREAT REVIEW!!

I really wish they used JACKIE CHAN..instead of JET..
CHAN IS WAY BETTER!! and CHAN's fight scenes have NO wire or CG effects..also i like CHAN'S movie better..
(his movies BEFORE the rush hour movies)

Any way can't wait to see it!

Now THIS is a fight scene!!


also..THIS..CHAN'S..BEST FIGHT SCENE EVER!!
HelaGood
HelaGood - 8/13/2010, 11:03 AM
SWEET review IGirl!!!!!
i cant wait to see this!!!!!
113
113 - 8/13/2010, 11:22 AM
I was thinking about seeing this..Glad it's actually a fun ride and not lame.
MercuryWest
MercuryWest - 8/13/2010, 11:34 AM
sweet. JCVD [frick]ed himself over....
DeathWalker
DeathWalker - 8/13/2010, 11:41 AM
Can't wait to see this now. Going to go on Sunday with the Mrs. and kid for my B-day. I heard it was really good so from other sources, but IGIRL your review is the icing on the cake.... Thanks *HUGS*
Stumblin
Stumblin - 8/13/2010, 11:54 AM
peterparker420, that last Jackie Chan video was tight! What movie was that I don't remember it...
Hawksblueyes
Hawksblueyes - 8/13/2010, 11:57 AM
IG: Dammit woman! Now I'm even more stoked to see this. ;P
XmutantX
XmutantX - 8/13/2010, 12:04 PM
Hey Jet has done sum dope sh!t 2 bub...kiss of the dragon was amazing!!!
Ranger14
Ranger14 - 8/13/2010, 12:05 PM
This will be one I watch just to see some good action and not expecting much for substance. Team of "commandos" goes to third world country to take care of ruthless leader...kind of redundant theme in many action movies and shows. Just to watch all the cast together should be fun, but going to be more of a popcorn flick for me.

peterparker@ Chan over Li? I like Chan well enough, but he is an actor how learned the martial arts as opposed to a martial artist who learned to act. I would take Li any day over Chan in an actual fight. Regardless of whether Chan does his own stunts or not, Li is a much mored studied and accomplished martial artist.
thatiscrazy
thatiscrazy - 8/13/2010, 12:20 PM
Luke Cage haha Cruz can't act lol why can't people get that... he only knows how to be goofy.. but his character kicked ASS.

This movie was awsome!!!!!!!!!

And Jet li's fight scenes where pretty slick too.

Stathm was a [frick]ing bad ass. Actually they where all awsome.
thatiscrazy
thatiscrazy - 8/13/2010, 12:21 PM
I'm So glad van dam wasn't in this movie =D
peterparker420
peterparker420 - 8/13/2010, 12:40 PM
Stumblin- It was from a GREAT movie called GORGEOUS.

Ranger14- WHOA hold on..I will admit Li is a better
ACTOR..but a more accomplished martial artist.
NO WAY! (this is just my oppinion) but I feel
like CHAN is way better, he chorographs ALL
fight scenes in ALL his movies..he worked with
Bruce Lee..He has more movies..he does his
own stunts..he NEVER uses wires or CG..I will
say CHAN used CGI for his LATER "family"
movies..but I don't count them..anyway
I just think CHAN is a better fighter.

Chan has been in over 100 movies and has been
studying martial arts since 1960!..He was born
in 1954!

I think he was a martial artist FIRST..
Then an acrobatic performer..Then an actor.
XmutantX
XmutantX - 8/13/2010, 12:59 PM
Li would kill chan if they fought 2day...in there prime..idk..but chan is older and slower now (the man has broken every bone in his body lol)...not 2 mention Jet li has won 15 gold medals in wushu :)
Ranger14
Ranger14 - 8/13/2010, 1:03 PM
peterparker@ And Li worked with Chan, so does that automatically mean he is better or more accomplished because of it or vice-versa?

Chan started learning kung fu from his father. Not sure what level or expertise his father was, but he started acting school at age 7 and that was his focus. He studied martial arts along the way. Most of the time during his early career he was doing stunt work...hence the reason he does his own stunts and choreography. That doesn't necessarily mean he is a better martial artist. Some fight choreographers aren't the best martial artists. They just have a good eye for visualizing a fight scene. Chan is an excellent martial artist though.

Li started studying wushu at the age of 8 and at the age of 11 won his first national championship for the Beshing Wushu Team and won it the next 4 years in a row after that. That means he is a championship fighter. He had to retire from competition due to a blown-out knee.

I personally like Li's style of fighting on-screen much better. It isn't as hokey and over-the-top as some of Chan's extravagant stunt/fight scenes. I find Li to be a much more fluid fighter than Chan. Again, I like Chan well enough, but I am partial to Li. As an ex-martial artist I enjoy watching any solid martial artists. We differ in opinions. No harm...no foul. :-)

Sorry IGirl, didn't mean to hijack your thread.
spider1489
spider1489 - 8/13/2010, 1:14 PM
I CANT WAIT TO SEE THIS MOVIE TODAY!! NOW I AM EVEN MORE PUMP!

and to comment on CHAN VS LI chan would rock li! jackie is the greatest! too bad him and jean claude van damn werent in this movie! but hey there are always room for them in the sequel! lol
InstigatorGIRL
InstigatorGIRL - 8/13/2010, 1:40 PM
@Ranger No need to apologize. =) Besides we all know Bruce Lee would [frick] them both up. LOL

@XmutantX Lundgren was okay... Austin was basically being Stone Cold from WWF, and Crews was really a bad ass in what little he was in it. He had one of the best lines in the movie. "Remember that shit at Christmas!" Couture's character was rather pointless in my opinion. I think The Rock should've played his role considering *SPOILER* that character and Austin's character fight and it would've made all the WWF fans jism in their briefs. They could've even done little jokes and jabs like they did with Stallone and Arnold.
AshleyWilliams
AshleyWilliams - 8/13/2010, 1:46 PM
This movie will rock!
Ranger14
Ranger14 - 8/13/2010, 1:57 PM
IGIRL@ True dat!

Crews seems over-the-top in everything I have seen him in. From Old Spice to his sitcom. Saw him as a guest on ESPN a month or two back and though he is likable, he is just obnoxious as well.
flames809
flames809 - 8/13/2010, 1:59 PM
cool review. i read one not so good review on this movie, so im not sure if i want to see it or not.
peterparker420
peterparker420 - 8/13/2010, 2:04 PM
IGIRL- Truer words were never spoken!

Ranger14- AGREED! were just on different sides of the
better martial artist fence..and that's OK!

I will say I respect LI and his fighting,
acting capability..but to me chan is my
man for always playing the "average guy"
when he fights (acts) he has this comedic
undertone..but never over the top...I just
like him better..to each there own!!
InstigatorGIRL
InstigatorGIRL - 8/13/2010, 2:07 PM
@Ranger Crews obnoxious? Who could ever think that? *sarcasm*
CBArtist
CBArtist - 8/13/2010, 3:03 PM
Awesome review!!
It's a great fun ride of a film!! Highly recommended!
UncleDrew
UncleDrew - 8/13/2010, 3:19 PM
I'm gonna watch Scott Pilgrim over this movie tonight!!! lol
Vish617
Vish617 - 8/13/2010, 3:38 PM
Just got back from watching this at the cinema - not disappointed at all! Probably not an award winner (unless there's an award for 'amount of shit that gets blown up in a movie' or 'best fight/action kill') but good action through-out the film, definitely had everyone going "oooh, ahhh and oh sh!t!".
Had some good funny moments in it too!
Overall good fun action movie! Possible sequel with a few more (or better) cast and story line...?
antonio
antonio - 8/13/2010, 3:51 PM
inception is still my #1 movie of 2010(And of all time).inception has the best fight scene ever.this should win a award for most amount of shit blown up and aweosme deaths.loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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