The Expendables

Paradoxically, it should have been even duller and more straightforward. The film is particularly damaging by the pursuit of a sophisticated motivation for a lifelong killer who wants to save at least a piece of his empty soul. In Rambo IV, Stallone drowned it in blood and bulldog focus, here the film struggles with it and has trouble explaining to the viewer why the characters are where they are and why they do what they do. Regardless, The Expendables looks like disparate testosterone action sketches and a spelling-book of "meta-movie" catchphrases (the more you know the map of the 80s, the more you enjoy them). The event is solidly physical, but confusing in places for my taste – those attempts at "Greengrass kinetics" – and rushed. The film is also lacking the 80’s drive in the style of "you killed my uncle, so I’m going to hurt you now". I had a good time, but I couldn't shake the feeling that Stallone didn't cross the magic line and fall into that retro river completely. Sometimes he seems to try to "talk" his way into it unnecessarily when the door needs to be kicked in. That's why I'm hesitating about giving it a fourth star. (08/11/2010)

Stallone is such an experienced hard worker and intelligent person that he basically confirmed what was expected, and he doesn't disappoint in The Expendables. He made exactly what was expected of him, paying homage to classic action movies of the past decade. There is a clear and distinctive directorial style (gore, action), which is a good thing, of course. But on the other hand, considering that the last Rambo was made by the same director, I would have expected a more coherent action. Overall, it is watchable, so mission accomplished. (09/18/2010)

I hope someday they publish a collector’s edition on an over-played VHS videotape with the special Czech “speed-dubbing" and normal editing. Then and only then can these be considered to be the real McCoy action movies “like out of the eighties". But as it is half way between a pleasant movie playing at being nostalgic and real, unadulterated nostalgia (the church, the church!). But it has three main problems. Too much “Bournesque" editing, too little work with the personality cults of various testosterone legends (this happens only in scenes with Jet vs. Dolph and in the church) and of course the must fundamental problem - no Asia Argento, but instead (no) Charisma. (08/20/2010)

I know that the review at the end is exaggerated, but I just can't help it. I know that the story is incredibly simple and cliché, that there are scenes that play on emotions in almost unnecessary ways, which do not have any meaning for the plot, but when I watch the movie... It's still great. Sylvester Stallone had an idea. Get together more aging fighters, put them together with the young ones, and create a great gathering of stars. He succeeded a bit. Besides Sly himself, there are also Dolph Lundgren and Mickey Rourke from the old guard, Bruce Willis and, of course, Arnold Schwarzenegger in smaller roles. Finding these guys and adding stars like Jason Statham and Jet Li, as well as spicing it up with football star Terry Crews, MMA fighter Randy Couture, and wrestling giant "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, this had to be a hit in the end, whether you like it or not. Together, there is an incredibly packed and explosive team that has to stand up to a small dictator, his army, but mainly a scheming American who finances the dictator for his own interests. Among other things, the dictator is played by David Zayas, known from the TV series "Dexter," and the scheming American is played by B-list legend Eric Roberts. The story is not brilliant, not perfect, but the action scenes are just fantastic, each one has its place, each one has its style. Jason Statham is a knife thrower, Dolph is the brawler, Jet Li is the master of martial arts, and Terry Crews is a pro at really big explosions. I'm looking forward to the sequel, I'm looking forward to the third one, which I have no doubt will be made. My rating is high mainly because this is a return to legends, a return in a style that suits them. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/09/rebelka-perfect-sense-sprosty-holky.html (02/27/2013)

Arnold’s back... It worked! Stallone proved that a bunch of action legends won’t get in each other’s way, they can work together as a team in a movie about guys, for guys. The action is some top-notch, good, honest work that cost a lot of blood, sweat and broken bones, and the end result is totally worth it. The bombastic finale, the brawls and the brilliant old-style car chase. It’s beautiful. The cast is a whole other chapter of its own. THAT scene is milked to the last one-liner, every wink, every little jab is a sight to sore eyes for someone who was brought up on these old guys. Jason Statham has broken the jinx of co-starring fails with Jet Li. And Jet’s grumbling little squirt is such an impossibly nice guy, it’s incredible. Dolph Lundgren, one word – awesome. Ok, I’ll cut it short, but I must mention Eric Roberts who, if you don’t count the bad guy monolog, had almost exclusively snappy lines. And Tyler’s music rumbled away in all the right ways. A heartfelt matter. ...Arnold left. Now Sly’s here. Warning shot! (08/23/2010)