The Expendables
Michael Frederic

When someone asks me, “What is your favourite movie,” I really can’t give a reply. Defining favourites mixes oil and water for me. I love the things I love. I can’t pick singular great-of-all-greats.

One thing I can do, though, is I can discuss favourites of a particular ear. Back in the old days, well not that old, but let’s say before 2002, action movies were different animals than the techno-thrill rides we see today.

Still, I want to bring up a newer film. This film identified part of me; a part I sorely missed. I longed for action genre to return to its former glory and, with this movie, it might start the journey there.

For these reason, I’m tempted to pick this movie as my favourite, but am no sure. Still, this may be the classic action movie of the decade. The movie is, “The Expendables.”

“Expendables” has a cast so full of big names they probably had to pay double to make the credits reel. This movie features stars Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Eric Roberts, Mickey Rourke, Jet Li, Gary Daniels, Bruce Willis, Schwarzenegger, Randy Couture, Jason Statham, Terry Crews and Steve Austin. How’s that for including every action star worth his salt?

This is the guy-flick to end all guy flicks. There are explosions, violence and stunts aplenty. True action movie fans, the ones who love the stuff that died with the early 2000s will love this movie to death. The only possible missing link in this movie is Chuck Norris. For good reason though, simply because if he were added to this cast he would accidentally cause the universe to implode from awesomeness.

The overall plot for “Expendables” is sure to please those who miss old-school action. A team of operatives assumes the job of taking down a militant leader and corrupt CIA agent. Both reside on a Latin American island.

Life is never simple in an honest action movie. I don’t like giving details away and spoiling movies, but just imagine an entire complex full of fuel and drugs going up in flames all at once. Currently scheduled for a 2012 release, there is a sequel in the works. I won’t miss seeing it.

Sylvester Stallone co-wrote and directed “Expendables.” Since its release, in 2010, the move grossed $275 million at box office. The film had an initial budget of 82 million dollars and became the tenth biggest independent movie of all time.

Rotten Tomatoes said, “It makes good on the old-school action it promises, but given all the talent on display, ‘The Expendables’ should hit harder.” Critics were hard on the movie, but that is what you expect from a throwback type of action movie. Critical reviews, as usual, did not reflect audience approval. I find this to be commonplace. I put little value on the musings of movie critics.  

I probably won’t ever become a critic. Too many movies aren’t Oscar pieces, but are fun for me to rip up. This movie is one of them. It has its holes, and different little eccentricities, but it is a very entertaining ride. Go get a copy of “The Expendables,” you have to appreciate action movies for what they used to be, but if you liked them as do I, you will love this flick.