The Expendables 3

As a fan of the Expendables, I was at an early showing to see how the ‘guys’ did this one. As usual, Expendables 3 is full of shooting, great stunts, and lots of well known actors. I think that is the part I love the most. Who is going to show up next. You have the usual, Sylvester Stalone, Barney and Jason Statham, Christmas along with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Trench,  Dolph Lundgren, Gunner Jenson,  Randy Couture, Toli Road and Terry Crew as Ceaser, who gets hurt and is only in it in the beginning and very end. Jet Li as Yin Yang from the previous two Expendables shows up near the end.
This time around they added some other well known names Harrison Ford, as Drummer (taking over Bruce Willis’s role) Antonio Banderas, Mel Gibson, Wesley Snipes (so glad to see him again, and there is a priceless line near the beginning of the movie which had me laughing really early - if you know the history of Wesley Snipes you will get it. If not, ask me and I will advise you). Kelsey Grammar has a part in helping Barney find the new ‘young’ crew - Glen Powell, Victor Ortiz, Kellan Lutz, and Ronda Rousey. Each actor plays a contributing part and I enjoyed everyone.



The story line is usual, bad man (Mel Gibson) has to be taken out and the Expendables have to do it. Barney (Stallone) goes after a new team (the young ones) and they get captured and so its up to the old team (yeah - so happy to see them involved) to go save them. Then the ten of them work together to fight the bad guy and an army. Impossible odds, but heh this is the Expendables. Lots of great stunts as previously said, and if you don’t mind the noise of things being blown up then you will enjoy the Expendables once again.


Personally, I enjoyed it. I like love seeing the older actors, they are like a familiar family member. Now I’m attached to the new ones. I do hope they do an Expendables 4 with both teams alive and well once more.

3 ½ out of 4.

Homefront - movie review

I am a Jason Statham fan, and I was wondering how he would be playing this role in Homefront, where is plays a widower with a young daughter.  As a former DEA undercover agent, he moves to a 'quiet' town to raise his daughter.  Of course it is not 'quiet' at all James Franco is there as the drug dealer.
When Jason's character's daughter upsets Cassie Bodine Klum, played by Kate Bosworth, she sets her drug lord brother on him and the fun begins.  First I must say I did not recognize Kate Bosworth until the credits rolled at the end.  So thin!!!  Then I did not recognize Winona Ryder, playing James Franco's character's girlfriend, she looked great!  Therefore, great actors who I did not recognize until the credits. 

Isabela Vidovic who plays Maddy Broker, Jason's daughter does an admirable job as being able to take care of herself, and yet frightened when need be.  Another young actress who I'm sure will be 'working' a lot.

Although this movie has the usual Jason Statham's action it also has a warmer side of him, (perhaps not as much as some actors, but acceptable.).  Do you need to see this movie - no, but if you love Jason Statham, or like the gender, then yes, he is at his best. He has enough warmth to be the widowed father, he of course won't take anything from anyone...I said at the end "well that definitely got rid of any built up aggression I may have had".  My adrenaline was pumping. 

I was surprised to see that Sylvester Stallone wrote this movie, and I have read it was originally designed to be part of his Rambo series. Not overly deep, but entertaining.  Think of an older Rambo with a kid, but with Jason Statham playing the role. Quiet, deep, but taking no guff from nobody.

3 out of 5. (only if you like people being beat up and have your adrenaline going).

Killer Elite

If you read my movie reviews, you will know I do like the 'man' movies and this one was no exception. I had to go by myself, as my often movie goer did not want to see it, plus we had been see Moneyball the night before. But, I wanted to see this. Three main actors, Jason Statham, Robert DeNiro and Clive Owen. Three actors I like. In fact, surprisingly I have become a Jason Statham fan (probably from Transporters). Anyway, I took myself off to see this movie without any expectations. When I saw in the early credits it was based on a true story I really got excited. I like nothing better than 'based on a true story'. At the end it explains the movie is based on a book that was written.  The movie moves fast, first explaining why Jason Statham - Danny - character was wanting out of the assassination game, and then the story unfolds as to why he gets back in, to save his mentor - Robert DeNiro. It is quite a plot, he has to kill this three soldiers, so his friend is released and earn six million. Then the Clive Owen - Striker - is there trying to stop him. What I liked was at the end all three survive and although it leaves you wondering what will happen next to them, you are pulling for Danny to get what he wants, the girl and a quiet life.  Oh yes, lots of shooting, death and fighting with the usual car chases etc. I thought it was good for its type. I enjoyed it and did not mind going and missing some TV shows (mind you I had PVR'd them).  Even though it was Sunday night, I was surprised there were not more people in the theatre, although most were men and probably were surprised to see a white haired older women come in and sit down by herself. But heh, I'm a fan!!  Great going guys!
3 1/2 stars out of five.