Kick-ass FUN - kudos to Stallone and the boys!

Rating: 8/10 (2 September 2010)

Just got back from seeing this with a mixed group - hats off to Stallone for this escapist vehicle. It's just pure rockin' fun, well-paced, with a cast of old pros that know how to poke fun at themselves, but damn, these guys look GOOD - a testament to serious gym time. Plus, the story moves along, a nice balance of some drama with spectacular explosive action. I was really impressed with a scene between Mickey Rourke and Stallone, during a serious moment - it was just PERFECT, beautifully done. Not to mention the way the action violence is handled - it's over the top but in the right way, and all six of us laughed our asses off - haven't laughed that much through a movie in a long time.
Flaws? A few, a bit less shaky cam, and the story has some holes and illogical moments, and the bad guy is a real weasel. I wonder if my favorite author Lee Child (the creator of the ultimate intellectual bad ass Jack Reacher) has checked this film out?
Anyway, had a few highbrow friends who turned up their noses, saying this "wasn't their kind of thing.." Well, they can snuggle down with their copy whatever philosophical tome they like, but on a perfect summer evening grab some friends and check these boys out - I was sorry when it ended and have my fingers crossed for a sequel. Great job by Stallone & co., I'd hazard a guess this could be for 12 and up, maybe, take your daughters so they can see some real men who don't sparkle.