You disrespecting me, man? As soon as I get my camera man and editor I'm gonna kick your ass.

Rating: 5/10 (13 November 2010)

A group of mercenaries called "The Expendables" are hired by the CIA to take out a Latin dictator who's making his people's life hell. The mercenaries later figure out that the real target is a former CIA operative who is using bribery and intimidation (acting like a "dictator behind the dictator") to conduct illegal activities in the country.
My problem with this movie and many action movies in general are "quick-cuts" (and "late-cuts"). Say what??? Okay. Editing. Since it is used to "cut from" and to "cut to" a scene, it's principal function and responsibility is CONTINUITY. Therefore if the cut is too soon or too late it disturbs continuity.
Editing, or "cutting away from" and "cutting away to" a scene can occur anywhere in a movie, but it is used in greater frequency in fight scenes and action scenes in general because a lot is happening in the moment. But is also used artistically or creatively to make an action scene look cool and/or to make you believe that something happened that might actually not have or could not have.
The fight scenes are what concern me. I'm a purist. I feel that too often they are aided by quick-cuts (the scene was not allowed to follow through). Basically, the editor helps the performer (even the ones in this movie that are supposed to know how to fight) with editing and camera work. The effect of which is a kind of "slight of hand" martial arts or fight scene.
In my opinion, the only way you can tell if someone really knows what they are doing is to use as few "cut aways" (and "cut tos") as possible during the action. This way you get a good look at their technique and have a sense of REAL continuity. This kind of "quick cut" and "splice" type of fighting in movies has sadly become the trend.
"What's your style?"
"Crane-style" kung-fu. What's yours?"
"Camera-editing" style."
"Never heard of it."
"Well, whenever I get into a fight, I make sure my camera is set up and running. Then after the fight is over I run home and do some editing so that I come out on top. Sneaky style, ain't it?"
"Yeah. It is."
Love, Boloxxxi.