The Expendables

There is, as far as I can tell, unofficial trailers for Sylvester Stallone's upcoming film The Expendables kicking around Youtube. The Expendables has, before even a single frame from the film came into contact with public eyes, become, for better or worse, something of a legend.

And so it should be. Just look at the cast of great action stars the film's roaster boasts: Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Eric Roberts, Mickey Rourke, and Danny Trejo. Not to mention there is also not so great stars like Dolph Lundgren, the wrestler "Stone Cold" Steve Austen and the late Brittany Murphy. On top of that there are also cameo appearances by Stallone's friends and former business partners Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger. With a cast like that, nothing could go wrong right?

Well, the trailer is both inspiring and leaves something to be desired. On one hand, the film looks to be like a fun, senseless action flick like the kind these stars used to make in the 80s and, from the looks of thing, Stallone will be relying more heavily on actual action sequences that involve real stunts, explosions and gun fights instead of the computer generated effects. If there is one thing action movies are in desperate need of these days it is the authenticity that made those 80s action flicks so enjoyable (and based on the footage, there will be a lot of it).

Also the film looks like it packs a lot of humour. Stallone looks like he is having more fun here than he's had since Demolition Man in the early 90s.

However, will the film be too stacked for it to develop all these people into real characters instead of simply relying on their star presence, or will the film be so packed to the brim with senseless action sequences that audiences won't care much about the story at hand? This wouldn't be something unfamiliar for any of these stars.

There is also the question of Stallone's direction. Stallone has never directed himself in an action movie before outside of the forgettable Rambo. The problem with Rambo was that it was dark and bleak and forgot that sense of fun and excitement that the first three films had. This film looks like it remedies that situation by lightening the tone and playing up the comedy, but, as a director of mostly character dramas, will Stallone be able to handle a bunch budget action picture?

If nothing more, at worst The Expendables will at least probably end up being an admirable missed opportunity and at best, could revive the spirit and authenticity of the 80s action movies by starting a new and exciting franchise. Here's to hoping.