A small band of famous old guys kill a bunch of stuntmen
THE PLOT
A group of mercenaries led by Barney Ross (writer/director Sylvester Stallone) are hired by a CIA operative (Bruce Willis in cameo) to ‘remove’ the drug-lord dictator of a small island in the Gulf of Mexico. The general is being supported by rogue CIA agent (Eric Roberts) to run his own drug cartel. Things are made complicated and personal when Ross reflects on his life-long military service, along with all the terrible things he’s undertaken and witnessed, and feels obliged to rescue the General’s daughter.
THE REVIEW
Look, this movie was never going to win any awards, OK. It was never even going to be a blockbuster. This is indulgent macho cinema, but to that end it’s nearly perfect. Eighties beefcake’s abound, although curiously absent are the expected countless one-liners. That’s not to say there isn’t humour, but there is a little more depth to this flick.
Jason Stratham is entirely watchable in his usual cheeky way. Terry Crews, Randy Couture, and Dolph Lundgren are all well cast as an over-the-hills band of brother’s mercs (what, no Van Damme?). Jet Li’s Ying Yang stands out as the most miscast of the bunch but doesn’t detract from the whiplash speed of the action and provides a focus for some of the ‘matey’ humour. Buffy and Angel’s Charisma Carpenter also makes an always enticing and busty appearance as Statham’s girl.
The stand out performance comes from Oscar nominated Mickey Rourke as Ross’ former colleague and loyal friend. Rourke lends credibility to every scene he’s in, without overshadowing it.
The joy of this film is in the tempo and frequently jarring action. Be it explosions (not frequent, but friggin’ huge) or just the number of ways you can break (or explode) body bits, I found myself gasping for air at one point as I’d forgotten breathe amidst all the action! In fact, there were numerous times the small audience winced and sucked in air, often followed by a chuckle.
THE VERDICT
It is hard to justify a recommendation for this film on the basis that it’s not much more than a guilty pleasure for any fan of fun, pointless, fast-paced action. However, this is unexpectedly one of the better fun, pointless, fast-paced action movies so far this summer. Sit down. Eject brain. Insert popcorn. Enjoy.
TC
NOW SEE THE TRAILER...
THE PLOT
A group of mercenaries led by Barney Ross (writer/director Sylvester Stallone) are hired by a CIA operative (Bruce Willis in cameo) to ‘remove’ the drug-lord dictator of a small island in the Gulf of Mexico. The general is being supported by rogue CIA agent (Eric Roberts) to run his own drug cartel. Things are made complicated and personal when Ross reflects on his life-long military service, along with all the terrible things he’s undertaken and witnessed, and feels obliged to rescue the General’s daughter.
THE REVIEW
Look, this movie was never going to win any awards, OK. It was never even going to be a blockbuster. This is indulgent macho cinema, but to that end it’s nearly perfect. Eighties beefcake’s abound, although curiously absent are the expected countless one-liners. That’s not to say there isn’t humour, but there is a little more depth to this flick.
Jason Stratham is entirely watchable in his usual cheeky way. Terry Crews, Randy Couture, and Dolph Lundgren are all well cast as an over-the-hills band of brother’s mercs (what, no Van Damme?). Jet Li’s Ying Yang stands out as the most miscast of the bunch but doesn’t detract from the whiplash speed of the action and provides a focus for some of the ‘matey’ humour. Buffy and Angel’s Charisma Carpenter also makes an always enticing and busty appearance as Statham’s girl.
The stand out performance comes from Oscar nominated Mickey Rourke as Ross’ former colleague and loyal friend. Rourke lends credibility to every scene he’s in, without overshadowing it.
The joy of this film is in the tempo and frequently jarring action. Be it explosions (not frequent, but friggin’ huge) or just the number of ways you can break (or explode) body bits, I found myself gasping for air at one point as I’d forgotten breathe amidst all the action! In fact, there were numerous times the small audience winced and sucked in air, often followed by a chuckle.
THE VERDICT
It is hard to justify a recommendation for this film on the basis that it’s not much more than a guilty pleasure for any fan of fun, pointless, fast-paced action. However, this is unexpectedly one of the better fun, pointless, fast-paced action movies so far this summer. Sit down. Eject brain. Insert popcorn. Enjoy.
TC
NOW SEE THE TRAILER...
Love love love this film! Id give it 5 out of 5 but then again im not a film buff like yourself!
ReplyDeleteI particularly liked when Jason Statham kicked the asses of them men on the basketball court, reminded me a bit of the hubby haha!
Would definately recommend!