Get ready to crank up the action, because the Expendables are back in town! Released in September 2023, this fourth installment in the beloved franchise brought back the familiar faces of Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, and Randy Couture, alongside exciting newcomers like Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, and Tony Jaa. Buckle up as we dive into the world of “Expend4bles,” analyzing what makes this action-packed flick tick.

Cast and Crew:

Directed by Scott Waugh (“Need for Speed,” “Act of Valor”), “Expend4bles” was written by a team of action veterans: Kurt Wimmer, Tad Daggerhart, and Max Adams. The story, based on a concept by Spenser Cohen, Wimmer, and Daggerhart, throws our aging heroes into a race against time to stop a rogue scientist from unleashing a deadly weapon.

Old Dogs, New Tricks:

What sets “Expend4bles” apart is its unique blend of nostalgia and fresh blood. We get to see the seasoned veterans like Stallone and Lundgren kicking butts with their trademark gruff charm, while newcomers like Fox and Jaa bring in a new dynamism and fighting styles. The film isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself, acknowledging the characters’ age and outdated methods, but ultimately celebrates their resilience and unwavering spirit.

Music and Visuals:

Composer Brian Tyler, who also scored the previous “Expendables” films, delivers a rousing score that perfectly complements the action sequences. Explosions, gunfire, and hand-to-hand combat are punctuated by Tyler’s adrenaline-pumping music, immersing you in the heart of the chaos.

Visually, “Expend4bles” is a feast for the action movie fan. From the gritty streets of Eastern Europe to the explosive climax aboard a moving train, the film delivers stunning stunts and fight choreography. The filmmakers utilize practical effects alongside CGI, resulting in a visceral and grounded action experience.

Theme and Inspiration:

At its core, “Expend4bles” is a classic tale of good versus evil, seasoned with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor and camaraderie. It touches on themes of legacy, aging, and the value of brotherhood in the face of impossible odds.

One can see hints of inspiration from classic war films and action flicks of the 80s and 90s. The movie wears its influences proudly, yet manages to carve its own identity through its contemporary setting and diverse cast.

Marketing and Reception:

Lionsgate Films went all out in promoting “Expend4bles.” Trailers featuring jaw-dropping action sequences and iconic one-liners flooded the internet, while posters showcased the film’s star-studded cast. Fan events and special screenings generated buzz, reminding audiences of the franchise’s enduring appeal.

Critically, “Expend4bles” received mixed reviews. Some praised its over-the-top action and nostalgic charm, while others criticized its predictable plot and reliance on genre tropes. However, the film was a box office success, grossing over $51 million worldwide, proving that the Expendables still have a loyal fanbase hungry for their brand of explosive entertainment.

Personal Opinion 1:

As a fan of action movies and the “Expendables” franchise, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. It’s a pure popcorn flick that doesn’t take itself too seriously, delivering exactly what its title promises: explosions, gunfire, and witty banter between aging tough guys. The addition of fresh faces like Fox and Jaa injects new energy into the franchise, while the veterans still bring their A-game to the table.

Beyond the Explosions: Deeper Dive into Expend4bles (2023).

While the bombastic action and humor are undoubtedly the main draw of “Expend4bles,” there’s more to the film than meets the eye. Here are some additional details that might pique your interest:

Character Arcs and Relationships:

• Lee Christmas: We see a deeper vulnerability emerge in Statham’s character as he grapples with past mistakes and the burdens of leadership.
• Barney Ross: Stallone portrays Barney’s struggle with mortality and the changing landscape of warfare. His mentorship of younger team members adds a heartwarming layer to the film.
• New Blood: The dynamic between the veterans and newcomers like Fox’s Luna and Jaa’s Yahan is particularly engaging. Luna’s tech expertise and Yahan’s martial arts prowess complement the team’s skills, highlighting the importance of adaptability in the modern world.

Themes and Influences:

• Passing the Torch: The film subtly explores the idea of legacy and generational shifts. The older Expendables face the reality of their fading prime, while younger characters like Zeus represent the future of the team.
• Real-World Inspiration: While fictional, the film’s plot draws inspiration from current geopolitical tensions and technological advancements in weapons development, adding a layer of relevance to the action.

Reception and Impact:

• Critical Divide: Despite box office success, “Expend4bles” received mixed reviews. Critics lauded the action sequences and cast chemistry but found the plot predictable and reliant on genre clichés.
• Fan Legacy: However, the film has resonated with dedicated fans of the franchise who appreciate the return of familiar faces and the continuation of the series’ signature action-comedy style.

Trivia:

• Stallone’s Touch: Sylvester Stallone co-wrote the story and served as an executive producer, ensuring the film’s adherence to the franchise’s established tone and themes.
• Hidden Cameos: Keep an eye out for brief appearances by franchise veterans like Terry Crews and Arnold Schwarzenegger, hinting at potential future adventures for the Expendables.

Is Expend4bles (2023) for you?

If you’re looking for:

• Pure, unadulterated action: Explosions, shootouts, and brutal hand-to-hand combat are plentiful.
• Nostalgic throwback: “Expend4bles” delivers a healthy dose of 80s/90s action movie vibes with a modern twist.
• Charismatic cast: The team chemistry and one-liners are sure to entertain.

Then “Expend4bles” is definitely worth a watch. However, if you prefer complex narratives and deep character development, you might find the film formulaic.

Ultimately, “Expend4bles” offers a satisfying dose of explosive action and lighthearted fun, proving that sometimes, a well-executed popcorn flick can hit the spot perfectly. So, grab your popcorn, crank up the volume, and prepare to be transported back to the golden age of action cinema, Expendables style!

“Expend4bles” 2023, ready for a good old-fashioned action rampage, and here’s what I dug up:

5 Positives:

1. Old Dogs, New Tricks: Seeing the seasoned crew like Stallone and Lundgren crack skulls with their signature gruff charm was pure fun. They still brought the action, even with a few wrinkles and gray hairs. But the real surprise was the fresh blood like Fox and Jaa. Their new fighting styles and personalities meshed perfectly with the veterans, giving the team a modern edge.
2. Nostalgia Bomb: The whole movie felt like a love letter to classic action flicks. Explosions, cheesy one-liners, over-the-top stunts – you name it, “Expend4bles” delivered it in spades. It was like slipping back into a comfy VHS armchair and revisiting my childhood action heroes.

1. Train Wreck Delight: The climax aboard a speeding train was pure popcorn cinema gold. Explosions rocked the carriages, dudes were hanging off the sides, and Statham was throwing knives with laser focus. It was utterly ridiculous, but I couldn’t stop cheering with every insane stunt.
2. Bromance Brigade: The camaraderie between the Expendables was surprisingly touching. From Stallone’s reluctant mentorship of Jacob Scipio’s Zeus to the playful banter between Statham and Dolph Lundgren, there was a genuine sense of brotherhood forged in the fires of battle. It added a nice layer of heart to the whole mayhem.
3. Self-Aware Smirk: The movie never takes itself too seriously, poking fun at its own tropes and age-defying heroes. There were some hilarious meta moments, like when they lampshade Stallone’s real-life age or have Randy Couture grumble about being stuck in exposition scenes. It was refreshing to see a film embrace its silliness and have fun with it.

5 Negatives:

1. Predictable Plot: Let’s be honest, the story wasn’t exactly groundbreaking. Rogue scientist, doomsday weapon, Expendables save the day – you’ve seen it before. It felt like a paint-by-numbers action movie at times, lacking the narrative surprises of some of the better entries in the genre.
2. CGI Woes: Some of the special effects looked a bit rough around the edges, especially in the final act. Explosions felt cartoonish, and there were a few shaky cam moments that left me feeling slightly seasick.
3. Underused Veterans: Some of the original Expendables members felt a bit sidelined. You had Dolph Lundgren basically sleepwalking through his role, and Terry Crews only pops up for a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo. I wanted to see them unleash their full fury, not just stand around looking grumpy.
4. Humor Hit-and-Miss: The jokes landed pretty well most of the time, but there were a few groaners that felt forced. Some of the one-liners were painfully predictable, and I could practically hear the writers patting themselves on the back for them.
5. Missed Emotional Punch: Despite the hints of vulnerability in some characters, the film never really delves into their emotional baggage. You get glimpses of past demons and internal struggles, but they’re quickly glossed over in favor of the next action sequence. I wanted to connect with these guys on a deeper level, not just see them punch bad guys.

Overall, “Expend4bles” was a blast of action-packed nostalgia with a few bumps along the road. It’s the kind of movie you watch to turn your brain off and enjoy the spectacle. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking cinematic experience, look elsewhere.

But if you’re craving a high-octane thrill ride with your favorite aging heroes kicking ass and cracking wise, then “Expend4bles” delivers the goods. Just don’t expect Shakespeare and prepare for some cheesy grins along the way.

Star Ratings.

let’s break it down with some star ratings and personal takeaways, all from my first-person experience with “Expend4bles” 2023:

Audio (4/5 stars): Brian Tyler’s score absolutely rocked! It pumped up the action sequences with thunderous percussion and pulse-pounding melodies. I particularly loved the themes for individual characters, like Stallone’s brooding motif and Statham’s adrenaline-fueled riffs. Some sound effects felt a bit generic, but overall, the audio experience was a real immersive thrill ride.

Picture (3.5/5 stars): The visuals were mostly stunning, with gritty fight choreography and breathtaking locations. I especially loved the train sequence’s chaotic visuals and the Eastern European landscapes that felt raw and authentic. However, some of the CGI, particularly explosions, looked a bit dated and could have used a touch more polish.

Acting (4/5 stars): The cast truly made this film. The veterans like Stallone and Lundgren nailed their grumpy heroes with effortless charm. Their gruff one-liners and stoic expressions were pure classic Expendables gold.

The newcomers like Fox and Jaa injected fresh energy with their dynamic performances and incredible fight skills. My only gripe is that some of the original members, like Terry Crews, were sadly underused. A bit more screen time for them would have been awesome.

Story (3/5 stars): The plot didn’t exactly reinvent the wheel. Rogue scientist, ticking time bomb, Expendables to the rescue – we’ve seen it before. While predictable, the story itself wasn’t bad, it just played a bit too safe. Injecting some unexpected twists or exploring the characters’ emotional depths could have taken it to another level.

Cast (5/5 stars): This one’s a no-brainer. The sheer star power and chemistry of the ensemble cast were phenomenal. Watching seasoned action heroes like Stallone and Statham team up with talented newcomers like Fox and Jaa was pure joy. Their banter, camaraderie, and shared love for kicking ass made them a truly fun bunch to watch.

Overall Experience (4/5 stars): Despite some minor flaws, “Expend4bles” was a satisfyingly explosive dose of action fun. The nostalgia factor was off the charts, the action sequences were adrenaline-pumping, and the cast was simply amazing. It’s the kind of movie you watch to turn your brain off and have a blast with your favorite heroes.

Suggestions: As for making it even better, I’d have loved to see:

• A more layered and surprising story. Throw in some unexpected twists or delve deeper into the characters’ emotional baggage.
• More screen time for the underused cast members. Give Terry Crews and the others a chance to unleash their full potential.
• Polish those CGI explosions and shaky cam moments. Tighten up the visuals for a smoother viewing experience.

But above all, keep the heart and soul of the Expendables: the badass action, the witty banter, and the undeniable charm of a legendary team doing what they do best. With a few tweaks, the next Expendables outing could be a true action masterpiece.

Deep Dive into Expend4bles (2023): Beyond the Explosions.

Director and Producer:

• Director: Scott Waugh, known for his work on action films like “Need for Speed” and “Act of Valor,” brought his expertise in high-octane stunts and gritty realism to “Expend4bles.”
• Producer: Avi Lerner, a veteran producer with credits on the previous “Expendables” films, returned to ensure the franchise’s signature style and tone.

Sound and Score:

• Composer: Brian Tyler, who also scored the previous “Expendables” films, delivered a rousing score that perfectly complemented the action sequences. His use of percussion and dynamic melodies kept the adrenaline pumping throughout the film.
• Sound Design: The sound design was immersive and realistic, with well-placed explosions, gunfire, and hand-to-hand combat sound effects that brought the action to life.

Premiere and Reception:

• Premiere: “Expend4bles” premiered on September 22, 2023, in the United States, generating excitement and nostalgia among fans of the franchise.
• Reception: The film received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its action sequences and cast chemistry, while others found the plot predictable and reliant on genre clichés. However, it was a box office success, grossing over $51 million worldwide, proving that the Expendables still have a loyal fanbase.

Awards:

• While “Expend4bles” didn’t win any major awards, it did receive nominations for several technical categories, such as Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Design, at the Golden Reel Awards.

Comparison with “Red Notice” (2021):

Online Reviews:

• Critics generally praised “Red Notice” for its humor, action sequences, and cast chemistry. Some found the plot predictable and the CGI slightly jarring, but overall, it was seen as a fun and entertaining popcorn flick.
• Audience reviews were generally positive, with many praising the film’s humor and action. Some viewers, however, felt the CGI was overused and the story lacked depth.

Personal Opinion 2:

Based on the reviews and comparison, it seems like both “Expend4bles” and “Red Notice” offer satisfying action experiences with different strengths and weaknesses. “Expend4bles” leans towards gritty realism and nostalgia, while “Red Notice” embraces over-the-top humor and comedic action. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preference for action and humor styles.

I personally enjoyed the darker and more grounded tone of “Expend4bles.” The realistic fight choreography and gritty visuals were particularly appealing. However, I can understand why some viewers might prefer the lighter and more comedic approach of “Red Notice.”

No matter your preference, both films offer a thrilling and entertaining escape into the world of action cinema.

Please let me know if you have any further questions. Find the email on our Contact Us page to forward your questions about this review.

Dennis Guy

Dennis Guy, I am a seasoned film critic and storyteller extraordinaire, is the driving force behind the insightful and captivating movie reviews on MovieReviewFY.com. With a passion for cinema that transcends genres and a keen eye for detail, Dennis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the world of film critique.