Sylvester Stallone’s Expendables franchise is back with its fourth installment, Expend4bles, after a long hiatus. But does this action-packed movie live up to its predecessors, or has it fallen flat? In this Expend4bles movie review, we’ll dive deep into the film’s early reactions, star-studded cast, and explosive action to find out if it’s worth your time.
Introducing Expend4bles: The Return of the Action Icons
After nearly a decade since their last mission, Sylvester Stallone’s Barney Ross and Jason Statham’s Lee Christmas are back with a bang. The Expendables franchise has always been known for its ensemble cast of action icons, and this time, they’ve added some new names to the roster, including Megan Fox, Curtis Jackson (aka 50 Cent), Andy Garcia, and more. The stage is set for high-octane action and epic showdowns.
Early Reactions: A Polarized Response
As Expend4bles gears up for its theatrical release, early reactions from advance screenings have started pouring in. The response is far from unanimous, with some viewers feeling ecstatic and others disappointed.
Eric Eisenberg of CinemaBlend pulled no punches in his assessment, branding the film as an “embarrassment for all involved.” He even compared it to a 1995 Direct-To-Video movie, suggesting that discussing the plot developments felt like mockery.
Nick of Bitesize Breakdown shared the sentiment that Expend4bles marks the weakest entry in the franchise, citing a lack of star power and humor.
Adriano Caporusso acknowledged that the movie isn’t so-bad-it’s-good but rather bad in a dull way. He criticized the obvious twists and a plot that failed to inject excitement.
Ian Sandwell of Digital Spy noticed a lack of fun, especially in the first hour, but found solace in the strong final act, emphasizing that the series shines when it embraces fun, particularly when Jason Statham delivers his signature Cockney lines.
However, it’s not all negative. Jeremy Kazieva likened Expend4bles to The Suicide Squad and suggested that fans of Call of Duty: Black Ops video games would have a blast. He praised the cast, Stallone and Statham’s dynamic, and the blend of combat, gore, and humor.
Film critic Rama’s Screen found the film to be “crazy nonsensical fun,” celebrating its return to gritty, hard-R-rated action. He highlighted Iko Uwais’ smashing performance as the villain.
The Future of the Franchise
With Sylvester Stallone hinting that this might be his final outing as Barney Ross, the future of the Expendables franchise remains uncertain. However, if Expend4bles proves to be a commercial success, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them find a way to bring him back for another mission.
Conclusion: To Watch or Not to Watch Expend4bles?
As Expend4bles hits theaters on September 22, 2023, audiences will soon have the opportunity to form their own opinions about this action-packed adventure. The early reactions have left us with a mixed bag of reviews, making it a challenging decision for moviegoers.
If you’re a die-hard fan of the Expendables franchise and enjoy over-the-top action, you might find Expend4bles to be a thrilling ride. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a more polished and cohesive cinematic experience, this movie might not be your cup of tea.
Ultimately, the final verdict on Expend4bles will come from the viewers themselves. Whether you choose to join Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, and the new additions in their explosive mission or wait for the full reviews, the Expendables saga continues, and it’s ready to deliver its unique brand of action spectacle to the big screen once again.