The Expendables (2010)

"The Expendables (aka Rambo's Ravens)!!!" - summit10

The film in a general perspective is very nicely done, the plot and story line was a bit easy to play with. But important thing is, Sylvester Stallone ensembled a cast that is truly daring, applaudable and amazing!

In retrospect, Stallone has made very convincing and iconic portrayals in his Rocky and Rambo films. He knows his field very well and explores more on how he can improve and make films that are worth seeing!

The story he co-wrote was about mercenaries who does Black-Ops when their country can't or won't do anything about these specific missions.

So it begins...

Somalia, a boat was captured by pirates and demands $5 M for the hostages, Ross (Sly Stallone) with his team has given $3 M to free them, but Jensen (Dolph Lundgren) just got a little bit trigger happy! Then people started to become smear on the wall! Restrained, Jensen was ordered by Ross to leave the team for being a loose cannon and for his psychological instability.

This was the part the audience applauded the trio. Enter CIA Agent Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) and Trench (Arnold Schwarzenegger), together they were discussing on who was going to take the mission, a little verbal exchanges with Ross and Trench since they were rivals from past missions, with everything said Ross got the deal from Mr. Church, but not without a warning!

Ross together with Lee (Jason Statham), did a reconnaissance in Vilena as World Wildlife Conservatory agents. They met a freedom fighter woman which made it more difficult for them since it was the dictator General Garza's daughter. Trying to save her, she willfully stayed instead to fight for her country.

They left with a lot of casualties and Ross is now feeling the guilt of leaving the woman behind. He wanted to come back alone but not without company.

As action heroes, fighting is their forte already, I was expecting that there would be a showdown with either Yin (Jet LI) or Lee with The Brit (Gary Daniels) who was one of the best kick boxers of his time but unfortunately he was tag teamed and got kicked in the ass! (in the head as well).

While taking down soldiers with Toll (Randy Couture), Ross was wrestling with Dan Paine (Steve Austin) on the other side. Now, here comes their weapon specialist Hale Caesar (Terry Crews) with his tank of a gun, who blows up everyone and everything in its path.

Running for his life together with the daughter ex-CIA James Monroe (Eric Roberts) was gunned down and knifed by both Ross and Lee at the end.

Going back to LA, Tools (Mickey Rourke) is having a knife throwing contest with Lee, while Yin and Jensen having reconciled regarding their past arguments (and some!)

People got curious on how the film and cast was planned out, actually giving emphasis on more action heroes that should have been added into the line up. Now here they are:

1. Steven Seagal - was offered but had past issues with the film producer.

2. Jean Claude Van Damme - was offered but didn't see any importance to his role.

3. Wesley Snipes - was offered the role for Hale Caesar, but declined, he has his own reasons for not joining the bandwagon.

4. Kurt Russell - should be doing the part of Mr. Church but later was offered to Bruce Willis (which many would agree to be the better of the two).

People can have mixed reviews for this film, but I understand how Sly was able to bring this together, his work ethic is over the top! And with the casts reputation and camaraderie these past 30 years, all was done well!

It was a simple story but very entertaining indeed, with all the characters having a good time and having that respect for each other. It's all in a day's work for the Expendables!