THE EXPENDABLES 3 (2014)

Featuring: Sylvester Stallone; Jason Statham; Arnold Schwarzenegger; Jet Li; Dolph Lundgren

Director: Patrick Hughes

Besides the above, and by now familiar, list of big names that appeared in the two Expendables movies so far, for #3 the cast is joined by Antonio Banderas (Desperado; Zorro), Wesley Snipes (Demolition Man; Blade), Kelsey Grammar (Frasier; Hank), Mel Gibson (Mad Max; Lethal Weapon; Braveheart) and Harrison Ford (Star Wars; Indiana Jones and too many others to mention). But don't let this fool you. If you expected anything more than what you got so far from this franchise, you will be sorely disappointed.

This time round, Barney (Sly Stallone) and his team is commissioned by the CIA to capture a notoriously elusive arms dealer. But once our hero finds out his target is none other than his erstwhile-partner-gone-rogue, Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson) - and who he also thought was dead - he quickly realizes that this mission is going to be a whole lot easier said than done...

One critic had this to say about this movie: "Unfortunately none of the big names do anything interesting on-screen." I tend to agree. Too much of a good thing is not necessary always a good thing. However, that being said, this movie still did exceptionally well at box offices worldwide which, I suppose, means it does have it's loyal following. So, for their sake, I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xD0junWlFc

 

  The cast

THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2012)

Featuring: Sylvester Stallone; Jason Statham; Jean-Claude Van Damme

Director: Simon West

By the time this first sequel in The Expendables series hit the big screen, one thing became clear: You either love it or you hate it. So, if you find yourself on the side of the latter, keep clear. If not, you will be sure to be curling your toes from more bloody-head-exploding enjoyment.

Since the previous mission did not render the desired results, Mr Church (Bruce Willis) is convinced that Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) and his team owe him. So, in order for them to settle their debt, he gives them another assignment. This time they are off to Bulgaria in order to intercept a forgotten consignment of explosive high grade plutonium. Obviously things do not go their way and again they have to resort to old school tactics in order to succeed.

A few more familiar faces join the already illustrious cast in this movie. First there is Liam Helmsworth (The Hunger Games) as Billy, the team's sniper. Then there is Chuck Norris (Walker, Texas Ranger) as Booker, the Lone Wolf. And then, of course, there is Jean-Claude Van Damme (Bloodsport and too many others to mention) as Vilain, the villain (although not very convincing as the baddy...) Maybe the best approach to this particular franchise is to watch it for what it is. Don't look for intricate plots (because there are none) or realistic action scenes (because it is so totally over the top) but rather look at it tongue-in-the-cheek as, I am sure, the makers intended it to be. Only then can you appreciate true absurd humor behind it all.

And it is for this reason that I rate #2 in the series again 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip_CYHdyUBs

Like I said: absurd...

 

THE EXPENDABLES (2010)

Featuring: Sylvester Stallone; Jason Statham; Jet Li

Director: Sylvester Stallone

From one Sly Stallone project to another:

Although The Expendables was not exactly Sly's brainchild (that honor goes to David Callaham) he did write the script and directed the film. But this movie's actual claim to fame is, of cause, its ensemble cast. Some of the biggest action stars from the '80s and '90s make their appearance in some way, shape or form over the course of the three films of this franchise.

In this first film of the series we meet Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) and his initial band of merry men; guns for hire who call themselves 'The Expendables'. But when they are engaged by the mysterious Mr Church (an uncredited Bruce Willis) to take out some unknown South American dictator, things do not go exactly as planned.

So, if you like mindless action with a lot of blood, guts and exploding heads, then this one is definitely for you. The plot is a bit thin but on the other hand, it stars one of the best baddies in the business: Eric Roberts. And that alone, at least for me, makes this movie worth watching.

My rating? A solid 3 out of 5 stars...

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN63RwnB9NA  

The cast...watch this space

ROCKY BALBOA (2006)

Featuring: Sylvester Stallone; Burt Young; Milo Ventimiglia

Director: Sylvester Stallone

According to Leonard Maltin this sixth and final (?) delivery in the Rocky saga is: "Not as bad as it might have been, even though it strains credibility; contrived, to be sure, but curiously endearing". I tend to agree. What was it that Clint Eastwood once said about a good thing? Hopefully Mr Stallone heeds his wise advice.

Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) is now a sixty-something restaurateur. His wife, Adrian, died a few years before and he has all but lost contact with his yuppie son. And all this make him feel a bit discontented or, like he puts it to his lifelong friend, Paulie (Burt Young): "There's still stuff in the basement." So he signs up for one last fight... against the much, much younger reigning champion!

Like Maltin said: "...it strains credibility." But if you can look past that, overall this (hopefully) final film is a fitting conclusion to the entire series; especially after the messy street-brawl-ending of the previous one.

I rate Rocky Balboa 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tab8fK2_3w

 

I just couldn't resist...the old man (and his dog) running up the famous victory steps one last time!