The Expendables 3
The Expendables 3
(2014)
A Review by Grant Kanigan
Directed by: Patrick Hughes
Written By:Sylvester Stallone, Creighton Rothenberger,
Katrin Benedikt, and Dave Callaham
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger,
Antonio Banderas, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson
Rating: PG
Release Date: August 15th 2014
Release Date: August 15th 2014
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| Jason Statham & Wesley Snipes compare 'knife size' in The Expendables 3 © 2014 - Lionsgate |
Where previous Expendables films have carefully straddled the line between satire and silliness, the latest installment is an all out spoof. With a knowing wink at the camera, Stallone and company find themselves in hot water; after a failed attempt at stopping an illegal weapons trade and the injury of their most jovial member, (the absolutely hilarious Terry Crews), Stallone decides to retire his motley crew. Attacked by a former friend, Stonebanks, (Mel Gibson), a morally void and ruthless man, Stallone is forced to watch his back. Ultimately, to protect his friends, he'll have to take down Stonebanks with an all new crew of mercenaries. Under the guide of Boneparte, (Kelsey Grammer), Stallone recruits a new group of young and hungry fighters. What follows is predictably formulaic, but we're not here for the formula, we're here for the action.
The Expendables 3 follows the formula of some of the best action films from the eighties, like a greatest hits version of its stars' best years. The stars too, are a cavalcade of action icons from all races, countries and, (finally), genders including; Stallone, Statham, Crews, Li, Lundgren, Snipes, Schwarzenegger, Banderas and more. The new crew, while not anyone special cinematically, have fun here. MMA fighter Ronda Rousey shines as the sole female fighter in the group, and holds her own. Kellan Lutz, mostly known as the "dumb looking strong guy" from the Twilight movies and the dude in that Hercules movie that didn't have the Rock in it, finally proves he's smarter than a bag of hair; it seems like he might just have bad luck in choosing his roles. Lutz finally hits an enjoyable stride as a goofy, grumpy motocross rider. All in all, the additions don't take anything away from the film, and there's ample time to see the cast members we've enjoyed in past installments.
The Expendables 3 follows the formula of some of the best action films from the eighties, like a greatest hits version of its stars' best years. The stars too, are a cavalcade of action icons from all races, countries and, (finally), genders including; Stallone, Statham, Crews, Li, Lundgren, Snipes, Schwarzenegger, Banderas and more. The new crew, while not anyone special cinematically, have fun here. MMA fighter Ronda Rousey shines as the sole female fighter in the group, and holds her own. Kellan Lutz, mostly known as the "dumb looking strong guy" from the Twilight movies and the dude in that Hercules movie that didn't have the Rock in it, finally proves he's smarter than a bag of hair; it seems like he might just have bad luck in choosing his roles. Lutz finally hits an enjoyable stride as a goofy, grumpy motocross rider. All in all, the additions don't take anything away from the film, and there's ample time to see the cast members we've enjoyed in past installments.
In closing, the ridiculous, idiotic and cheesy moments are the best moments of the film, and they're absolutely intentional. When Harrison Ford, who is a real life pilot, flips his helicopter upside down and sideways, we know it's not possible, and so does he. It's an the over-the-top blast, and knowing these guys can goof off in a world with it's own set of rules, (the good guys' bullets never run out, they can't die, and physics don't exist), is all part of the fun. These guys might play the fool, but they're in no way dumb. Stallone, before his excessive success, wrote some fantastic screenplays: Rocky, (which was nominated for an Oscar), and Rambo: First Blood. The former, while a taut action thriller, was also a poignant exploration of the throes of war, the treatment of veterans, and PTSD, (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Lundgren has a masters degree in chemical engineering from the University of Sydney, and was offered a scholarship to MIT which he declined to pursue acting. These guys may play dummies, but their real life personas are far from their on screen roles. The Expendables is in no way original, and it's completely silly, but it's a familiar vehicle that can rise to profane speeds. If you don't like the car, don't get it in. But, with these classic heroes at the wheel, it's one hell of a ride.
Grant's Rating: 3/5 Stars
The Expendables 3: "Roll Call"
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