Expend4bles 4K review: A Misfire in the Mercenary Saga
Directed by: Scott Waugh
Starring: Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, and Sylvester Stallone, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran, and Andy Garcia.
Synopsis: As the highly skilled mercenaries take on an arms dealer and his private army with every weapon they can get their hands on, the new recruits bring daring styles and tactics that give “new blood” a whole new meaning.
Experience the “Expend4bles” like never before with its 4K transfer, showcasing every action sequence in stunning Dolby Vision HDR. The cinematic immersion is elevated even further with a room-shaking Dolby Atmos audio mix, ensuring that every explosion and fistfight resonates with powerful clarity. Director Scott Waugh takes audiences behind the scenes with exclusive audio commentary, providing unique insights into the film’s creation. Dive deeper into the world of “Expend4bles” with special features like “Bigger, Bolder, Badder: The Expendables in Action,” exploring the larger-than-life spectacle of the film. Discover the dynamics between old and new as “More Than a Team: New Blood Meets Old Blood” delves into the camaraderie and clashes within the ensemble cast. The cinematic journey is completed with the inclusion of the theatrical trailer.
“The Expend4bles” is the fourth entry in the franchise, and while many will be excited to see the ragtag group of mercenaries back in action with a hard R rating, disappointment will soon creep in. The Expendables creator and star, Sly Stallone, takes a backseat in this outing (in starring and writing duties) and lead to this entry in the capable hands of Jason Statham. Statham delivers the best he could with what he’s given to work with. Returning regulars Couture and Lundgren are given very little to do and have no standout scenes, something which can be said for the rest of the cast. 50 Cent, Andy Garcia, Levy Tran, Jacob Scipio, and Megan Fox are all very out of place and bring nothing to elevate the franchise or make The Expendables team anything worth remembering. A huge flaw was not bringing back the likes of Snipes and Banderas. Iko Uwais makes a good villain, but his fight with Statham felt very rushed. Tony Jaa also didn’t add any flavor, and his character simply disappeared at the end.
Director Scott Waugh seems to be unable to use his budget wisely; if we compare this movie to John Wick 4, which had the same budget, you’re left scratching your head in utter confusion. Waugh has some of the worst green screen work in the business; his previous movie, Hidden Strike, was a complete shambles, and after watching it, it was evident why it was shelved. EX4 is a movie that should have been shelved, as it is as fun as a wet fart when put next to the other entries in the franchise and to other action movies released this year.
On a plus, a moment that was funny was the ‘Colin’ scene. That’s the only memorable moment I could call a highlight.
While I highly doubt we will get an Expendable5 (like the way I already made the title), if we do, they need to bring back Snipes and Banderas, revert back to the style of the first movie, and have high stakes. Let’s kill some of these guys off, and finally, let’s get some more old school action stars in the franchise: Jeff Speakman, Don Wilson, Michael Dudikoff, Carl Weathers, etc., even if they’re cameos in the bar as Barney officially retires from the field and takes on a role like ‘Tool’ from EX1.
Overall, Expend4bles is forgettable. Watch John Wick 4 instead.
Read more reviews at Action Reloaded.
