ViewGuide

Created Aug 17, 2010 11:52PM PST • Edited Aug 18, 2010 12:05AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Great 4.0

   Though not delivering without a fair share of problems, The Expendables does deliver a good amount of the action and fun one would want out of a summer movie. Its the perfect “man movie.” From the opening face off to the ending credits’ use of the rock n’ roll classic “The Boys are Back in Town” by Thin Lizzy, this is just about everything one guy would want from a great summer action film.

   The film focuses on a group of mercenaries. Leader Barney Ross (good ol’ Sly Stallone), second in command Lee Christmas (Jason “The Transporter” Statham), martial arts expert Yin Yang (Jet Li), Hale Caeser (Terry Crews of “Everybody Hates Chris” fame), Garner Jensen (Dolph “Drago” Lundgren), and Toll Road(Randy Couture or UFC fame). They’re sent to a small unknown island off the coast of South America. They’re mission is to overthrow an evil dictator. Though when they get to the island they learn the true enemy is an ex CIA operative by the name of James Monroe (Eric Roberts).

   Aside from many action movie cliches, the film has quite a few problems. For example: Some of the actors were not given much to do until the very end of the movie. In fact, Giselle Itle (who plays the dictator’s daughter and serves as damsel in distress) is practically wasted as just another love interest for the tough guy. Even Mickey Rourke doesn’t get anything to do, and he’s tougher than most of the guys in the movie. On top of that, the film was not long enough for us to truly get to know these characters. But, either way, I think you can look past some of these things and remember “There’s always room for them in Expendables 2.”

   Though the film does have quite a few bugs in its system, thats not enough to makes its engine burn out. Sit back, take a few friends, heck, even invite your dad to join the party. Enjoy the action, enjoy the fun, and have a blast!

4. Acting

   Very Good 3.5

   Like I said, a lot of the actors didn’t get much to do, but that doesn’t mean they can’t turn in some good performances!

   Sly does what he’s done best all these years.

   Statham’s as cool as ever.

   Roberts is menacing.

   I can actually understand Lundgren this time around.

   Li is great.

   Couture is surprisingly good.

   And Crews is into it.

   The only one I didn’t care for was Itle as the potential damsel. Aside from that, pretty solid.

5. Male Stars Great 4.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Great 4.0

8. Male Costars Very Good 3.5

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Really Great 4.5

14. Visuals Great 4.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Sordid 2.7

    A heavy action film. Thats exactly what I’d expect from Sly. Leave the kids at home on this one.

17. Sex Innocent 1.0

18. Violence Savage 4.0

19. Rudeness Profane 3.0

21. Reality

    Surreal 3.0

22. Circumstantial Surreal 3.0

23. Biological Surreal 3.0

24. Physical Surreal 3.0