The Epitome of 'Entertainment'

Rating: 10/10 (18 August 2010)

First of all, do not believe the negative reviews you may read, because they were clearly written by people that don't appreciate action movies.
I let myself get swept up by the hype over the last few months, attended the premiere, and went into the cinema with very high expectations. I did previously read reviews of this film, a mixed bag of excellence, and disappointment...
The movie starts with an action scene, and the pace is suddenly slowed down, setting the scene, introducing characters, and also a very special encounter (nuff said). Then there are the odd few chunks of action and dialogue, which ultimately leads to easily the most epic action witnessed in any film. ever. Undoubtedly the most explosive, and exciting 30 minutes of any film I've ever seen.
The actors do not act their age whatsoever, and even though they self criticize throughout the movie, they still look incredible, and fight as if they were in their prime. Whoever calls any one of them a has been is insane, the action scenes are as good as they were 20 years ago. They work wonderfully together, and the roles were cast perfectly, so well done to stallone.
The film is supposed to be a kick in the face to all the CGI, toned down, soul-less, story driven action films of today.
The Expendables amazingly possesses that charm that all the classic 80s action flicks had, a time when films didn't have to have overly thought provoking story lines to be popular, when all you needed, were some badass characters, gun fights, explosions, car chases and well timed one liners.
Don't go in to this film, expecting a thoroughly flawless, deep plot. Because i will break it to you now, Shawshank Redemption this is not.
Go in expecting to see the greatest action heroes of all time, doing what they do best. Prepare to laugh out loud at the truly epic one liners, and prepare to walk out that cinema with a massive smile on your face.
If i had one criticism, it would be the very shaky nature of the camera, especially during intense fight scene, perhaps a little unnecessary sometimes, but nothing too major.
This movie was made with one purpose, to entertain the hell out of you, and it without a doubt does that perfectly, so i will give this a well deserved 9/10