What Should Be Exciting Instead Becomes Boring

Rating: 5/10 (7 February 2011)

"The Expendables" boasts a potentially fun concept -- bring together a bunch of stars, past and present, known almost exclusively as action heroes and put them all in the same movie. And it is fun for a while, especially as people like Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger pop up in cameos. But by the time the movie is over, it's become a loud bore, and the cold-blooded manner in which the movie goes about satisfying its audience's bloodlust makes what should be a rousing and exciting finale instead rather disturbing and uncomfortable.
One must give co-writer, director and star Sylvester Stallone some credit though for keeping his ego in check. Otherwise, there's no way someone who looks as good as Jason Statham (who disappointingly doesn't get to do any of the nifty stunt work he's known for) would be let within 100 feet of Sly and his seen-better-days pals. Though I did notice that Statham was not once allowed to appear without his shirt on....
Grade: C