In Preparation for The Expendables 4 , a film with the series’s highest budget, lets go over the series top five best action scenes.
It would be 2010 that would be the start of 3-part trilogy. Whilst some have disliked the idea and execution right from the get go, others have been able to get on board with the concept and embrace its utter ridiculousness.
Whether what side you are on, this franchise has boasted some remarkable moments from most of the cast members, to the point where you just can’t believe how any them survived, but remember, The Expendables bridge that fine gap between ordinary and superhero.
If you are considering checking this franchise out then perhaps these 5 moments may convince you or give you a better idea of what to expect. It’s true these films have never been rewarded for character development and writing, but the iconography alone is still entertaining enough.
Most importantly, the action set pieces have been well put together in each film, with director Simon West (Con Air, Tomb Raider, The Mechanic) and Patrick Hughes (The Hitman’s Bodyguard) both having their say on how the film should look and feel, but it was the experienced Stallone that set the standard for the series with the first film, offering more of a dramatic and realistic take on the action. To be fair, the series has maintained this tone in its sequels.
However, to this day, I still don’t know whether some of the kills are supposed to have a sense of self-aware humor to them or if they are meant to be just plain violent.
Here we go!
Starting off with number 5.
5. The Expendables: Ride and Die. Catching a flight!
This scene is pulled straight out of the first film. This had all the makings to be an interesting action scene on paper. It’s a scene where it develops the chemistry between Statham and Stallone even further as the two have to work together in a pretty extraordinary situation.
Stallone and his crew definitely thought of several ways of how they can destroy enemies on a large scale, this method seems to be very effective. For any die-hard fans of planes out there, the plane they use is a Grumman HU-16A Albatross.
This scene will be especially problematic to execute in real life, but Statham and Stallone pull it off. They would later use it in the sequel, but it was at its most fun in the first film. A unique action scene, one which we had’nt seen before in the modern action genre category of films in the 2010’s and maybe even prior. Its retro old school action that for me worked a charm and a blast.
4. The Expendables 2: The Airport Scene
The sequel grossed more than its original and its for good reasons.
This scene comes from the second film, where newcomers Chuck Norris and Van Damme were added.What a way to conclude the sequel, featuring more stars and this time the tone is comedic but just as violent.
However, we see Bruce Willis make a comeback as well as more screen time with Arnie. It’s corny in places but it has the visual literacy of action icons at its peak. We get to hear several dialogue exchanges from their previous work. Some of the lines work and some don’t. The highlight is Bruce Willis driving a small car with Arnie as the passenger.
3. The Expendables 3 final act/Mel Vs Stallone
Its Mad Max vs Rambo and these two don’t like each other, if only they could work together they could dominate the world.
The Expendables 3 is probably the least violent in the series but the Stallone and Gibson rivalry is what keeps the film working and helps you to take the film seriously when the bloodless action occurs to fulfill its PG-13 rating. Given the critical and financial reception of this film, some would be surprised it’s this high on the list, but this fight is pretty cool.
They both had stunt doubles for some of this sequence, but a lot of it looks real for the most part. These are two actors who are in their sixties and are still giving convincing action. Harrison Ford will also get some screen time in the final act. Hovering above in a helicopter but not the Millenium Falcon.
In this last scene, we get some good action scenes from some of the younger cast crew who are all very tough, Arnold can be seen using his AA-12. This finale is good because it is’nt full of constant one liners unlike the finale of the second film. Its quick and snappy.
2. Stallone Vs Van Damme
In terms of sheer brutality, this scene packs it.
The physical nature of this fight scene is on par with some of the fight scenes from The Raid (2011). You can feel every crunch and punch. Both of these actors have very different physical attributes which make this scene worth watching.
It’s two styles clashing together, the outcome is intense. Both clearly know how to prepare physically, making the scene just that more realistic. In contrast to the Gibson vs Stallone fight, this installment was given a hard R rating, whereas the third was PG-13.
1. The Final Act
For my number one spot, I wanted to put emphasis on the first film as it is still the best in the series. The final action scene is fantastic because it takes itself seriously, you feel the stakes and the threat.
Given it’s been a little over 10 years since its release. the final act of the first film is everything you want from this type of genre. You see explosions, knives, bombs and more use of the AA12. To me, the tone of this final act feels the most realistic compared to the sequels, which sounds a bit ridiculous but It has a sense of grit.
The whole sequence is around 25-30 mins long and it never felt too long or too short.It’s a group of around 6 men taking on a whole army. The camera work and stunt work are all top notch and there is great use of physical combat. In particular, look out for Jason Statham and Jet Li’s characters as both have their moments of fine armory.
Overall
These films work as an expression of mindless entertainment. The casting is different for each film, which gives the viewer a deeper incentive to be interested. I think they are good for Friday and Saturday night watches.
If you are looking for films that pull the heart strings, I would recommend steering away from this franchise, although lookout for the scenes with Mickey Rourke in The Expendables. One aspect I would like to point out is the soundtrack by Brian Tyler. Each of these scenes would not have been as effective without his soundtrack and input.
Brian Tyler would later compose the music for the Fast and Furious films and Iron Man 3. I recommend checking out his work, he’s very talented. Out of the three, the second one was the most financially successful, achieving a worldwide figure of $311 million. This film is also the only fresh entry on rotten tomatoes with a 67% rating.
Most importantly, check out the films for yourself, all three films are available on Amazon Prime. and you can buy the three film collection here.
Do you agree with the list?
What are your favorite action scenes from The Expendables?
Article by Samuel Edwards
Author Bio
Sam is a content writer. He loves all elements connected with film and writes with passion, always. You can find him on Linkedin, where you will be able to read more articles. When he is not writing, you can find him practicing football
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