The Expendables

 

Director: Sylvester Stallone

Run Time: 1 hrs. 43 min.

Rating: R

The Bouw-Man.

It will be interesting to see if audiences go the sentimental route, and give this one a chance.  Obviously, Sylvester Stallone is going all out here as he assembles a “who’s who” of action-film stars of the last 25 years.  It reminds me a bit of what Adam Sandler did this summer with ‘Grown-ups.”  At one time, Sandler, Chris Rock, David Spade, Kevin James and Rob Schneider could open a film by themselves.  However, time changes things and the comedy film business has passed the majority of them by in recent years.  So, why not bring them all together for one last shot?  That’s what Stallone is doing here.  However, action films are a little bit trickier to gauge than comedy films.  With each passing year, it becomes harder to believe that an action-film star in their senior years can bring the same energy and excitement to the big screen at this stage in their life. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

 

It appears “The Expendables” will bring nothing to the table in terms of an original story.  A small group of mercenaries seemingly must beat incredible odds to bring a resolution to an international conflict.  I’m sure we can expect a lot of cool one-liners, and numerous attempts to make a patriotic statement.  Many of the successful action films of the last 25 years play up the notion that it’s us (the United States) against the world, so I expect “The Expendables” to be no different.  One of the scenes from the trailer actually has a foreign soldier/dictator yell to a group of men, “We will kill this American disease!”  Wow, you can cut the testosterone with a knife.  

Prediction.

Despite having such a great cast, I get the sense that “The Expendables” won’t meet its high expectations.  I’m sure many of its stars are hoping the film will revitalize their career, but I just don’t see that happening.   Look for a run similar to “Predators,” which came out earlier this summer.  $25 million opening weekend sounds about right.

Opening Weekend Gross: $25 Million

Noodles.

At this stage of the summer this movie feels like it should have come out a month ago. I'm looking at a trailer boasting some cool names that have great sentimental appeal. Stallone, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and Jet Li to name a few. Its got gunfire and explosions and what looks to be like some decent ass kicking possibilities. 

When looking at Expendables you have to remember that while Stallone's latest movies haven't exactly hit on all cylinders, he did write "Rocky", and I think that movie got like ten oscar nominations. This one looks like it could be one of those thoughtful action films that does slightly better than usual because at its heart there's a good story. I guess the weekend will tell the tale.

Prediction.

Even though my wife swooned at the poster for Expendables I'm going to say it doesn't beat Julia Roberts for #1 this weekend. I think it will do pretty good at around $25 Million.

Opening Weekend: Gross: $25 Million

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