REVIEW – Expendables 3, Probably The Most Fun Out Of The Three Expendables Films

We have to admit that when Sylvester Stallone first floated the idea of the Expendables films, we weren't the only ones who were slightly concerned about the idea of this new franchise. Yes, the actors involved were huge stars and in a league of their own but they had most certainly been around the block more than a few times and many thought they just didn't have it in them anymore. Add to that the fact that this just seemed like a giant cash cow and you get an audience who were more than a little alienated from these ageing action heroes. However, somehow the Expendables worked out. Yes, it was low on plot and high (we mean high) on action but you have to admit, the fact that the cast looked like they were all having an amazing time while filming translated on to the big screen and really won over the fans. On top of that, the appearance of an old favourite in the form of Arnold Schwarzenegger made action fans squeal with delight. The Expendables took in a whopping $274 at the box office, the second film took in 305 million worldwide but most importantly, it returned the old childhood heroes back to the big screen and boy, were they missed. Let's face it, Bourne raised the bar when it came to the action genre but it could never hold a candle to the likes of Commando. What little plot exists in the Expendables 3 revolves the crew that Barney (Sly) has recruited for his missions. At the beginning, we're back with the crew as they launch a full scale attack on a seemingly impenetrable prison to retrieve one of their old crew members, Doc (Wesley Snipes). Barney has brought Doc back to help him out on a mission seeing that he is down a person. However, when he undertakes the mission in question, he discovers his old friend and now arch enemy, Stonebanks (Gibson) is not only still alive but at large and now a wanted war criminal. Following the first mission failure, Barney is asked to go back in to get Stonebanks but after the injury of one of his team, he goes out and recruits some young blood, people who have no care for their lives and are absolutely fearless. But they, of course, get kidnapped by Stonebanks and (stay with us) Barney has to go back AGAIN with his old crew in order to rescue the new crew. Now you see why we really didn't want to explain the plot... We can't stress this enough here, you really need to not expect too much of the Expendables but that's not necessarily to say that it is not entertaining. If you like even one of the action heroes in this film, the entire experience has a huge pay off. You will even get to hear one of those lines from an old 80s classic film that you will absolutely adore. The Expendables is action by numbers but you really have to hand it to Sly for kickstarting all of the careers of those involved because let's be fair, there are some stars in here who finished in the 80s. The performances here are absolutely hilarious, the entire script entirely aware that these guys have moved on a little and there is a new "happening" crew who are on the way up. That doesn't mean they can't show them a thing or two! Sly is typical dependable Sly, Statham typical dependable Statham but Arnie is the real stand out here. The man just looks like he is having the time of his absolute life. The action sequences are all engrossing and brilliant, albeit completely far fetched. There is one particular scene involving a motorbike that you may actually laugh out loud at but the action scenes, like the most part of the film, are just a lot of fun. You may laugh solidly for some of the scenes but that isn't to insult anyone here, they certainly know that everyone is here for a good time. It isn't Bourne but it is fun. If you are an action fan, you will certainly enjoy this one.