Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Expendables (2010)

DPMovieReviewExpendebles What is it about?

A team of banded mercenaries head to South America in attempt to overthrow an evil dictator.

Who is in it?

Sylvester Stallone – Barney Ross

Jason Statham – Lee Christmas

Jet Li – Yin Yang

Dolph Lundgren – Gunner Jensen



Favorite Scene:

After his old girlfriend was assaulted by her new boyfriend, Lee (Jason Statham) attacks him and his friends on a basketball court.

Favorite Quote:

Paine: Who sent you?

Barney Ross: Your Hairdresser.

Review:

The Expendables had a lot of hype when it was released as the ultimate guy flick, mainly due to the large all-star cast of action stars and notable key demo guys like Steve Austin and Randy Couture. With other guest appearance such as Arnold Schwarzhnegger and Bruce Willis, the movie had a cast to produce the action film of all action films. Unfortunately, the only thing the Expendables have going for it is indeed that – a roster of action stars.

This film, absolutely has no depth past it’s all-star cast. The plot is simple and basic, the dialogue chocked full of cheesy, roll-your-eyes-type of lines, the action scenes are full of head scratching moments, and the character have zero depth, except for maybe Mickey Rourke’s character. In fact, after watching the film, you’d be hard pressed to named the characters. It’s that type of film.

The positive of The Expendables is indeed the action. However, while the action is engaging, it lacks any real substance because it’s just there. With no rhyme or reason.

As noted on IMDB.com, Jean Claude Van Damme  was originally offered a role, but turned it down claiming there was no substance in the character. Van Damme saw this train wreck long before it started shooting, and that in itself speaks volumes.

The Expendables has a lot of glitz, glamour and hype due to its buffed-up cast and cool, bloody, scenes. However, all of the hype fails to measure up to its potential.

This one is better off watched if you have a few hours to burn while sick in bed on a rainy day. If not, there are much better options out there.

Grade: 1.75/5

Recent Favorites

WWE Survivor Series 2023 Review: "Whaddya Wanna Talk About?"

Well, following that premium live event, in the words of Cody Rhodes... "whaddya wanna talk about?"  The obvious is there, right? CM Punk, somehow, makes a bid for another moment-of-the-year candidate for wrestling fans with another "return" - his second over the last four years. This one, back to the WWE, in what felt like the most improbable of opportunities. But as we've learned, WWE truly is where you "never say never".  You can go in so many directions on this one. But without going too far down a road that hasn't developed or we have some headlights on, it's quite clear that WWE is absolutely crushing the wrestling business right now, and adding anything - or anyone - to that continued record success is the mission. They. Are. Not. Settled.  Second, the unveil I thought was great. Just absolute pro wrestling at its peak. As soon as the guitar riff to "Cult of Personality" hit and the familiar graphics hit the screens, my immedia

Quick Ponder: Gratitude

  My sense of gratitude explodes within my heart when I cease expressing it through the tangible, but rather through, time and moments.  Happy Thanksgiving, all. 

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/26/23

3 Up 1. Hostages Released - It might not be an overwhelming consensus - as this topic is so polarizing that I doubt we come to such agreements. Regardless, having innocent individuals released is a plus in the situation. I wish we still didn't have innocent people dying, but that's a whole other topic.  1a. Cease Fire - Who knows how long this will last. But the fact there is an agreement in place while hostages are being released is a plus. Take it.  2. Thanksgiving - The older I get, the more this day has a deeper focus and a sense of gratitude. Please take a moment today to focus on that among all of the chaos of food, family, friends, and everything else.  3. CM Punk Return - How cool was that? CM Punk returns to the WWE at the Survivor Series. Never say never in that company.  3 Down 1. NBA Ethics Optics - From Miles Bridges to Josh Giddey, its been really difficult lately to trust the NBA's moral compass. I'm not throwing them under the bus as they've done the