The Key to this film is the AutoPilot Scene!

Rating: 4/10 (17 March 2011)

It would be way too easy to write a snarky review tearing down this movie; other reviewers have that covered. In my opinion, the movie is at its best during Statham and Stallone's first trip to the island. It feels like we're in an 80s-action movie and the plot is still setting up. But then things go downhill rapidly.
Digging deeper, for me the key to this whole movie is a scene on the way back to the island the second time. For no particular reason, a shot holds on Stallone switching on the plane's autopilot switch. This shot seems out of place, but upon further recollection it's is a metaphor for the whole movie. The Expendables is what happens when you throw all these action guys together and press autopilot.
Pure speculation on my part here, but I imagine Stallone wanted to create an Oceans Eleven type experience and work with his friends. Not sure if he achieved what he wanted to, but the Expendables is no Oceans Eleven.