Film Review by Kerry Robinson
The Expendables 3 (12A)
Director – Patrick Hughes
Starring – Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Mel Gibson, Wesley Snipes
Runtime – 126 minutes
THE concept for The Expendables was to produce a film that invoked memories of the action movies of the ’80s and ’90s. It was a huge box office success so a sequel was inevitable.
Four years and three films later, the idea has expanded but conversely diminished at the same time.
The current instalment of the franchise, The Expendables 3, finds Barney Ross (Stallone), Lee Christmas (Statham) and the rest of the team still carrying out missions and blowing things up. However the introduction of bad guy Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson) means fresh, younger team members have to be brought in to help take him down.
The new recruits include Twilight’s Kellan Lutz and UFC World Champion, Ronda Rousey.
As well as the expanding cast, the set pieces have increased in absurdity but it’s all shamelessly entertaining. However, with such a large ensemble, it’s easy for some of the stars to get lost in the crowd. A couple of the team are little more than cameos. The rookie members don’t always get their chance to shine although I was delighted that the token female, Miss Rousey, was given an opportunity to showcase her talents, especially her trademark armbar.
The action is intense, although the decapitations and severed limbs have been replaced with bloodless violence which has allowed it to receive a 12A rating. This will delight some viewers but, at the same time, may alienate others.
Overall the film is an enjoyable two hour journey filled with explosions, fights and a few laughs (in particular Antonio Banderas as Galgo). Do not set your expectations too high and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
