The Expendables 3 (2014)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  4 / 10

  The Expendables 3 is the most expendable entry of the series. The first was a trip down 80s nostalgic lane, the second was an improvement and an entertaining action film in its own right. This third instalment has lost its grip on classic action films that charged its predecessors, so much so that even aficionados struggle to find enjoyment in this mindless mess. Barney is up against an adversary from the past, in which he decides to abandon his current team and recruit younger members in order to eliminate the enemy uprising. Aside from the predictable old versus young sub-plot, does the story sound familiar? Is that a resounding yes? Well, you would be right. The exact same narrative structure where the Expendables must defeat the disposable enemy mercenaries from creating global terror which then concludes with a short fist fight with the antagonist before they all grab a pint at the local bar and wait for all this to blow over...! Now, we have horrendous visual effects which include but not limited to: false explosions, disastrous demolitions, helicopter dogfights, Stallone's still face and...wait, that's not visually altered? Oh...anyway, the point is the quality of the acting, action and storytelling has lowered drastically. So low, that it comes across as tired and generically uninspired. Introducing new fresher faces to the team was a good idea, but their chemistry is nowhere near as dynamic as Statham and Lundgren. The cheesy banter was non-existent, it's only when the experienced players come onboard that the entertainment value heightens. Snipes taking a dig at himself for tax evasion, Schwarzenegger shouting "get to da choppa!!!" and Gibson being his usual crazy self, that is when the dialogue and characterisation strives for fun. Banderas was a welcomed addition however, it just wasn't enough to save this generic boring sequel. Mindless fun sure, but the worst in the series by far. Did 80s action films utilise horrific visual effects like these? No. Stop saving money and remain authentic! Otherwise this whole franchise will be expendable.

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