I feel like a little girl again. :)

Rating: 8/10 (24 August 2010)

I'm an 80s girl so I grew up watching most of the cast including Jet Li in his earliest works. Seeing all of these guys plus new gen action heroes like Jason Statham on the same screen at the same time was pretty much a dream come true.
To start, I just want to say that we don't really watch action movies for any sort of compelling plot. I have no illusions about that so The Expendables' lack of said compelling plot doesn't particularly disappoint me. Still, I have to say props to Mickey Rourke for somehow, when you least expect it, drawing the viewer into this senselessly violent world and making something human of it. I've never gotten misty eyed at an action flick before, this was the first time.
Generally, the cast was colourful and entertaining, I enjoyed their idiosyncrasies and Stallone's willingness to take potshots about his age. His age definitely was showing in this film, (though I am relieved to see that his arms aren't so grotesquely enormous this time around *cough*RamboIV*cough*) but he still retains a kind of gritty, lumbering charm that many of us Rambo fans know and love.
I really liked what was planned with the action scenes but I have no love or praise for the camera work. I could only barely follow what was happening with the camera sweeping back and forth rapidly between characters and scenes in uncomfortable angles. The movie was fast-paced enough as it was and the camera didn't do it any justice. I think it was the only thing that really ruined it for me.
Overall, I was drawn into the funny and action-packed world of these soldiers of fortune. It was a pleasure to re-experience the same wide-eyed visual thrill-ride of my youth. Supposedly there's a sequel in mind, I have to admit I'm looking forward to it. :)