Sequels, and sequels of sequels, often struggle to stand out from their predecessors. However, Expendables 4 (or Expend4bles, as it’s been cleverly marketed) takes recycling to a whole new level. In fact, a significant portion of this action-packed, joke-filled, and effects-driven finale feels like a carbon copy of the thrilling climax in last month’s Meg 2: The Trench, where Jason Statham battled a sea monster that made Moby Dick look like a backyard pet. It’s shamelessly borrowed material that’s impossible to ignore if you’ve seen Meg 2. But hey, Statham’s rugged charm and perfectly maintained facial stubble once again prove he’s the master of the seven seas.
The all-star cast of macho-men, including Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dolph Lundgren, Terry Crews, Jet Li, and Randy Couture, has been a highlight of the franchise since its inception in 2010. They’ve been joined by the likes of Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson, Antonio Banderas, Wesley Snipes, Mickey Rourke, Chuck Norris, Liam Hemsworth, and Jean-Claude Van Damme for one or two films each. Despite facing critical dismissal, the trilogy managed to rake in nearly $600 million worldwide. However, the third installment in 2014 saw a significant drop in revenue, signaling the end of the ride.
For a while, it seemed like the star-studded franchise was dead and buried. But when Stallone decided to return, others followed, resulting in a solid cast led by Statham. The initial stretch of the film may be hokey, but it’s enjoyable thanks to the familiar faces and the camaraderie they share. It’s like a reunion of old friends in a big old-time barroom, where rough playfulness reigns supreme. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or not, there’s something comforting about seeing this gang back together. You know trouble is lurking, but after surviving this long, everyone is in good spirits and ready for some fun.
And fun is exactly what you get, just as much as you’d expect at a class reunion where most attendees are on the far side of fifty. These movie stars, despite their age, are still sharp and in great shape compared to previous generations. They may joke about getting older, but they can still deliver kick-ass performances when the script allows. The interplay between the cast is entertaining, and where else would you see Jason Statham reading want ads for a job?
But amidst the fun, there are serious matters to attend to. Did Statham remember to trim his stubble this morning? Is there really a nuclear bomb on their ship heading for the China Sea? And could there be a giant sea creature, just like the one in Meg 2, lurking and ready to devour anything in its path? Maybe there are even two Meg 2s?
So, after a quick trip around the world, it’s Statham once again battling a giant fish in a way that feels eerily similar to their previous encounter in Meg 2. It might be somewhat interesting to watch if we hadn’t already seen it a month ago. Couldn’t the writers come up with something new? Perhaps they intended to, but then the writers’ strike happened, and they couldn’t continue working on it.
Despite the amusement provided by the star-studded cast, Expendables 4 falls victim to its lack of fresh ideas and underutilization of the talented actors involved. One thing’s for sure, we definitely don’t need a Meg 3 anytime soon. It’s time for everyone to get busy with something else.
Title: Expendables 4
Distributor: Lionsgate
Release date: September 22, 2023
Director: Scott Waugh
Screenwriter: Kurt Wimmer & Tad Daggerhart and Max Adams
Cast: Jason Statham, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, Dolph Lundgren, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Randy Couture, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran, Andy Garcia, Sylvester Stallone
Rating: R
Running time: 1 hr 43 min
