The plot of this film isn't really why you should watch it. The set up is well done and gets you excited for the possibility of finally getting the formula right.
The film has several positives going for it. Wesley Snipes is the star of the first 20 minutes, this being his reintroduction the the action genre after a long time away. The basic story of this film turn out to be a revenge mission against Stonebanks, played with the perfect amount of wink and intensity by Mel Gibson. Stonebanks is a former Expendable gone rouge, and after he takes something from the team, Barney decides that a new, younger team is needed to take him down.
This is where the problems come in. Without spoiling it, the audience never feels that something really has been taken from The Expendables, an obvious missed opportunity for emotion that you will see when viewing the film. The next aspect being that Stallone retires his old team in fear of their safety. This could work but it isn't done in a way that is believable, making it odd that he suddenly cares if his team gets hurt. These films have never been for the masses, but rather fans of the classic action stars and films and this film makes a small mistake by putting the classics by the waste side for a good deal of the film in replacing of younger action "stars".
This could actually be a really great plot device if the new team wasn't such a mixed bag. If you're going to replace the team then younger actors better have a great screen presence, and while some have their good scenes, they just cant hold their own. This is perhaps a lack of finding people that are other than "faces" but also lay in the script. You get the feeling that this film started as a great idea that became more of a template because of too many ideas from too many people.
Having said all of this the complaints don't last too long as Mel Gibson shines in scenes that sometimes feel as though they are from another film. I was one who actually like how Schwarzenegger was portrayed in this film. He feels gritty, somewhat tired, and harder edged. The director Patrick Hughes seems interested in making Trench more mysterious, something that could be very interesting if played out. Statham doesn't get to do much, as sadly most of the team doesn't. This is unfortunate because Lundgren steals scenes by just standing there. Gunnar Jensen has been a character that could be so much more, and this shows in scenes where he gets to just use his face to express darkness. Couture is improving and sadly doesn't get to showcase his fighting skills as he should. Snipes is clearly having a blast and steals his scenes. Ford is good as the suit, however when getting in on the action you sometimes cringe at his lines, but this is all forgiven when you can see how much fun everyone is having, especially Banderas. If you love or hate the character he plays, its your choice, but there is no doubt that he brings out some form of expression from the audience, creating one of the more colorful characters of the franchise. Lastly Stallone, who seems incredibly different in this outing. On one hand he actually seems his age and more fatherly, conversely he is much less likable and this is what hurts the film as he takes up mostly every scene.
The film is a mixed bag that is saved by great action. Action that could have been even better if it wasn't so edited to receive a PG-13 rating. Hopefully a proper version is released because it could improve many scenes. If this franchise continues, one can only hope that Stallone sees that less is more. Focus on the interesting characters, not just stuffing the screen with them, and actually live up to the name EXPENDABLES.
The film has several positives going for it. Wesley Snipes is the star of the first 20 minutes, this being his reintroduction the the action genre after a long time away. The basic story of this film turn out to be a revenge mission against Stonebanks, played with the perfect amount of wink and intensity by Mel Gibson. Stonebanks is a former Expendable gone rouge, and after he takes something from the team, Barney decides that a new, younger team is needed to take him down.
This is where the problems come in. Without spoiling it, the audience never feels that something really has been taken from The Expendables, an obvious missed opportunity for emotion that you will see when viewing the film. The next aspect being that Stallone retires his old team in fear of their safety. This could work but it isn't done in a way that is believable, making it odd that he suddenly cares if his team gets hurt. These films have never been for the masses, but rather fans of the classic action stars and films and this film makes a small mistake by putting the classics by the waste side for a good deal of the film in replacing of younger action "stars".
This could actually be a really great plot device if the new team wasn't such a mixed bag. If you're going to replace the team then younger actors better have a great screen presence, and while some have their good scenes, they just cant hold their own. This is perhaps a lack of finding people that are other than "faces" but also lay in the script. You get the feeling that this film started as a great idea that became more of a template because of too many ideas from too many people.
Having said all of this the complaints don't last too long as Mel Gibson shines in scenes that sometimes feel as though they are from another film. I was one who actually like how Schwarzenegger was portrayed in this film. He feels gritty, somewhat tired, and harder edged. The director Patrick Hughes seems interested in making Trench more mysterious, something that could be very interesting if played out. Statham doesn't get to do much, as sadly most of the team doesn't. This is unfortunate because Lundgren steals scenes by just standing there. Gunnar Jensen has been a character that could be so much more, and this shows in scenes where he gets to just use his face to express darkness. Couture is improving and sadly doesn't get to showcase his fighting skills as he should. Snipes is clearly having a blast and steals his scenes. Ford is good as the suit, however when getting in on the action you sometimes cringe at his lines, but this is all forgiven when you can see how much fun everyone is having, especially Banderas. If you love or hate the character he plays, its your choice, but there is no doubt that he brings out some form of expression from the audience, creating one of the more colorful characters of the franchise. Lastly Stallone, who seems incredibly different in this outing. On one hand he actually seems his age and more fatherly, conversely he is much less likable and this is what hurts the film as he takes up mostly every scene.
The film is a mixed bag that is saved by great action. Action that could have been even better if it wasn't so edited to receive a PG-13 rating. Hopefully a proper version is released because it could improve many scenes. If this franchise continues, one can only hope that Stallone sees that less is more. Focus on the interesting characters, not just stuffing the screen with them, and actually live up to the name EXPENDABLES.
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