The movie Expendables (or The Expendables 4 for those who prefer the formal title) didn’t quite fit in when it was released earlier this year. Sylvester Stallone played a smaller role, allowing Jason Statham to take up most of the screen time. While the new additions to the cast, including “50 Cent,” Megan Fox, and Andy Garcia, were enjoyable, they lacked the star power of previous action legends like Mel Gibson, “JCVD,” Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Chuck Norris. However, upon revisiting the film with appropriate expectations, it turns out to be an entertaining action flick that’s perfect for popcorn munching, even if it doesn’t feel as grandiose as its predecessors.
The Expendables franchise is introducing a fresh batch of stars to the already action-packed adventure. The usual suspects, including Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, and Randy Couture, are now joined by Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, and Andy Garcia. Together, they take on an arms dealer and his private army with unconventional styles and tactics that give “new blood” a whole new meaning. While this movie is more focused on Statham, the rest of the cast still manages to add to the story. The ship setting may not be the most exciting place for action scenes, but it does give room for some interesting dynamics between the new group members. Overall, Statham delivers and the new cast members bring a fresh perspective to the franchise.
Although the CGI could have been better and the film lacks the larger set pieces seen in The Expendables 2 and 3, there are two standout additions that make this movie enjoyable: Iko Uwais and Tony Jaa. These action movie veterans deliver some impressive fight scenes in the second half of the film, with the showdown between Statham and Uwais being particularly entertaining. Fox also shines in her supporting role, displaying great chemistry opposite Statham. Despite disappointing box office returns, it would be nice to see another adventure with this group.
The home release includes two featurettes that are well-edited and informative. “Bigger, Bolder, Badder: The Expendables In Action” is a 17-minute look into how some of the film’s action scenes were created, with insightful interviews from the production staff. “More Than A Team: New Blood Meets Old Blood” is a 19-minute featurette that offers a fun behind-the-scenes look at the cast, which includes both returning veterans and fresh faces. Stallone’s process is also highlighted, along with input from the actors.
The real standout feature of the 4K release is director Scott Waugh’s audio commentary. He is candid and open about production issues and how certain elements came together on the fly. His passion for the project shines through and makes for an interesting watch, regardless of whether you found the film underwhelming or enjoyable. Overall, the commentary adds an extra layer of appreciation for what was accomplished.
My Thoughts on Expend4bles 4K: The Ultimate Conclusion
After watching Expend4bles 4K, I can say that it’s a great addition to the series and provides a satisfying conclusion for now. Although the cast isn’t as star-studded as before, the combat scenes featuring Statham, Iwais, and Jaa are top-notch and some of the best in the franchise. Moreover, the commentary and featurettes accompanying the movie are definitely worth checking out and provide extra value for action enthusiasts. Overall, Expend4bles 4K is a must-see film for fans of the genre.