Movie Preview: The Expendables

Sometimes a movie is just what you expect it to be. With the Expendables the promise is action, explosions, and a few snappy lines. I see no reason for the film to fail to deliver on all 3.

This is an action movie first and foremost. It's a combination of the stars of the 80's and the latest action movies. Stallone, Lungdren, Rourke, Statham, Li, and Austin. What a combination of testosterone, with enough bullets and explosiuons to level a mid-sized city. Which is pretty much the plan of the film.

The plot is simple enough. A group of mostly older mecenaries is hired to take out a South American dictator. Along the way they get double crossed by former associates, and have to fight to survive. Cliche but it works.

If you were going to see this film with the hope of understanding the greater meaning film can bring to the inhumanity of war and combat, wrong film.



The fight scenes look good (and they should since Stone Cold Austin would up fracturing Slyvester Stallone's neck in their fight scene). Obviously the stars of this film all will get their moment to show off their particular talents and style. But we can also see that plenty of money was spent to ensure the battles would look huge and devastating. Because in an action film there is no such thing as overkill.

Plus there looks to be more than a few well timed and funny one-liners and situational jokes. Likely there will be other attempts that will fail, but as long as the writers didn't try to fill every scene with a hoped for catchy phrase (Like in Running Man with the Governator) it should work more often than not.

Also keep an eye out for the rest of the 80's stars. Which includes Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis. Forest Whitaker had a role written for him, but had to drop out, initially to be replaced by 50 Cent (the thought sends a chill down my spine), and ultimately filled by Terry Crews who should fill in well. Jean-Claude Van Damme, Steven Seagal, and Kurt Russell all turned down roles in the film. Which is a shame as they really would have completed the mix of 80's to current action film stars.

This won't win Oscars, or likely any award other than from Spike TV or MTV. But this will almost certainly be one of the biggest money makers of the year. The real question is who out of the entire cast will have the best fight scene? My money goes on Jason Statham. Best one liner will almost definitely go to Stallone - it is his movie after all.


**Spoiler Alert**
Not everyone on the team will survive (Li and Crews are the likely victims). But there is already talk that those who do, will be in a sequel. Seagal and Russell might make it yet.

The Expendables: Cast growing with action movie icons

In a bit of a quick update there is the news that the 2010 film, The Expendables, has increased the large and famous cast. The latest addition to the film will include yet another major icon of the 1980’s action movies.

Yes the Guvernator himself will be taking a role in Sylvester Stallone’s latest film. But this will not be a major part, just a cameo. And he will be playing a role that will involve little acting – he will play the Governor of California. How embarrassing might it be if his role is done poorly?

Still the Expendables movie is continuing to look like a must see film. The cast of Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren (an old nemesis of Stallone and Schwarzenegger) , Mickey Rourke, and Forest Whitaker is compelling. The addition of the Governator just adds a bit of flair.

By the way, here are some of the match-ups from the past with this cast.

Stallone has been in films with:
Mickey Rourke – Get Carter (remake)
Dolph Lundgren – Rocky 4

Jason Statham has been in films with:
Jet Li – War and The One
Mickey Rourke – 13 (filming now - remake)

Mickey Rourke has been in films with:
Eric Roberts – Pope of Greenwich Village

Forest Whitaker has been in films with:
Ben Kingsley – Species

And oddly enough, Christopher Walken (who is not in the film) has been in movies with:
Mickey Rourke – Dominoe, Man on Fire
Arnold Schwarzenegger - The Rundown (the Governator had an uncredited role, did you notice?)
Sylvester Stallone – Antz
Eric Roberts – Prophesy 2
Dolph Lundgren – A View To A Kill

Just thought I’d add that.

Movie Preview: Crank 2

Sometimes you just can’t keep a bad man down. And when that man is Chev Chelios, you really don’t want to try. At least that is the idea behind Crank 2.

There is no question that the film is running on the same concept as the original film, and the major star power of Jason Statham. The big question is if it can pull off the running idea. Especially since our favorite man vs. time since 24 died at the end of the first movie.

Well, to be fair he should have been dead. He fell from an incredibly high helicopter, into a car, and bounced badly onto the street. It looked painful, but then again so did most of the things that he did to keep himself going. But as the credits began to roll, we heard a sound that even a Timex watch would be hard pressed to make. His heart just kept on ticking.

Still we knew he had to be dead. Not that we wanted that. And the movie studio agreed, especially after they saw the ticket receipts.

This time around our man Chev is brought back to life after getting a new heart to replace his twice drugged and damaged one. It seems that someone felt that a heart this strong had to be bought, along with any other organs not crushed in the impact of his fall. Throw away the logic of how damaged everything in his body would naturally have been and Chev wakes up.

He quickly discovers that though he has a new heart, it too has a big problem. They didn’t use Duracells. And he has yet again, an hour to live unless he zaps himself with enough electricity to charge up the faulty batteries keeping him alive. He only reprieve… get his heart back - which must have been cleaned of the drugs that were killing him (maybe) – and his trusty, and obviously always on call, back alley doctor will patch him up.

Sounds easy, except he has no idea where his heart is, or who has it.

Thus starts a new round of mayhem and destruction. And more than just a few amazed people – ordinary citizen or criminal bad guy alike. Because at this point in the loose plotline, EVERYONE knows his face. They just thought he was dead. Talk about a dramatic entrance.

This isn’t even a real preview. This is essentially the entire plot. And it doesn’t matter if you know 90% of everthing that is going to happen in this movie just from the trailer. Because you can be sure it’s going to do one thing extremely well, deliver huge amounts of action with slight pause of any piddly thing like plot or dialogue.

Normally that would annoy me. I wouldn’t see the film. But with Jason Statham as the vehicle of chaos I’m excited. This should be a better film than the first. Not because there will be better writing, but because their will be more action.

The only thing that would have made me happier than watching Jason Statham getting hyperkinetic would have been that this movie came out on my birthday. But its close enough.

The Expendables - 2010 movie

Now here is a concept that I am looking forward to seeing trailers for. A movie with action as its complete drive. Plot be damned, this will be fast-paced and sure to provide a pounding.

The Expendables is a film featuring Sylvester Stallone, Mickey Rourke, and Dolph Lungdren. With just that part of the cast you might think this is a return to the action movies of the 1980's. Which is not an entirely bad thing. But hold on.

Add to this group of oldies but goodies Jet Li and Jason Statham. And for a bit of dramatic flair there is also Ben Kingsley and Forest Whitaker. Now that is a cast of standing. You can stage a film about almost anything with this group of actors.

This film will focus on mercenaries that are hired to take down a South American dictator (might he have a last name sounding like Chavez?). It doesn't need to get much deeper than that.

Likely good guys are Statham, Li, and Stallone. Probable bad guys are Rourke, Lungdren, and Kingsley.

While I don't expect this to be an Oscar winner, I do expect massive amounts of explosions and kicking ass. There will be big guns a plenty. So if you enjoy art house films this will not be for you most likely.

One thing I would really enjoy in the film would be a fight scene between Li and Statham. I am sure the film has to have that, if only for a few minutes. That would be a great action sequence. That will make the film for sure.

There is no video yet, but be confident that once there is I will be getting it out to you all. Expect this in 2010.

Movie Review: Transporter 3

$1.25 for gas
$20 for tickets to movie theater
2 hours of your life

"Are look upset?

But let me tell you why." - From the Birdcage

That I think aptly describes the experience of going to see Transporter 3. That isn't to say this was a bad film. It is to say that I should have waited for the DVD. Because the film is disappointing.

The Transporter series of films have come to make a few things expected. Great car driving, a couple of 5 or more on 1 fight scenes, Jason Statham changing his suits (and thus shirtless for the ladies in the audience), and explosions of large order. These are all very good things in a action film, which the latest does have. yet you feel somehow jilted by the end of the film.

The pace of the film is far slower in the feeling than the other prior movies. While the Audi has another staring role it seem to be held back from what you'd really like to see happen. Often you are just sitting waiting for something to happen. And you just never get a good payoff.

Part of the problem is the writing. And action fans are probably saying "what does that mean?" Action films are not known for their plots. Usually there are plot holes big enough to crash Mac trucks in. But the Transporter series has tended to be better than average in making it all make sense. Until this film.

Early in the film we are left with a big issue. Somehow our female lead is inexplicably asleep until a gentle touch from our hero. At this point one sorry soul has already failed to say 2 words that would have ensured his life. He said 4 or 5 other things, that make no sense to anyone out of the loop. But literally 2 words could have just kept him alive. And the lady also wastes time, and is highly insensitive to the situation, in cluing in Frank Martin (Jason Statham).

Later when Frank has ample time and opportunity to find out what is going on, the lady yet again is about as helpful as acid on your tongue (don't try it, it's just a bad idea). Had she been even slightly helpful everything would have changed. But instead we plod along.

I should mention that the relationship that develops between Frank and this young woman is unbelievable in virtually every aspect. Her whole purpose in the film seems to be to provide a love story so female viewers had a reason to buy the DVD. I felt it was a complete waste of film and did nothing for the story.

The 2 big fight scenes were decent, but not the best. The first movie had the best I think. The car scenes only had 1 that was really cool, and again I think the first movie was far better on this score as well. And when it comes to unbelievable actions, this film beats the other 2 in spades. I dare Mythbusters to try this escape-from-the-lake scenario and bust it wide open.

If you noticed I kept getting disappointed by the film. That includes the final bad guy fight, which ends stupidly. Perhaps one of the most believable parts of the film is Frank fishing with the ever so Columbo-ish French officer that seems to be is detached sidekick now. And that is not saying much.

For all these problems the film is not terrible. It's a decent action film and there are dozens far worse. It's just that I went to the theater for this. At $9 a ticket (and the Regal Theater in Binghamton smells bad by the way) I tend to want more than ok. especially from a film series that has done better than that in the past.

Jason Statham didn't have much to work with in this film. He tried and is just under par with his previous performances as Frank Martin. The French officer is exactly what he has been in the past. And the Audi excels as a top-end vehicle of choice for movers of questionable goods.

The problem is, in the middle of the film when the key bad guy says

"I just realized I don't need the best driver for this job. Any sucker that can drive can do it."

The audience has to say, 'He's right.' And then you wonder why you are watching this film anywhere but in your living room.

Upcoming movies for 2008 holiday season and 2009

Now that the election is over, and while we are still learning how our money is being spent in ways we never considered (thank you Paulson), the need for a distraction is eminent. This holiday season, as unemployment rises and stock market hopes fall, we all need to get away. Escaping to a vacation that we all can afford. A good movie.

The big question though is if Hollywood has anything to offer us. In recent years the obsession of Hollywood in electing a liberal a President as possible consumed the silver screen. Millions of dollars and huge amounts of time were wasted on political statements that were poorly written, and wouldn’t be worth watching if they were on broadcast television with American Idol and Dancing with the Stars on before and afterwards.

To put it bluntly, if you’ve seen more than 3 movies in a theater this year you wasted money and left thinking that you were once smarter than after the movie experience. But can Christmas bring us all what we have been wishing for, entertainment?

Well the answer is yes and no. There are a couple of movies that might compel you to leave the comfort of your own home. Of course these movies are surrounded by crap that you are probably seeing trailers for right now.

Let’s start with what may be worth your groceries for a day or 2.

Seven Pounds


Will Smith is on a roll (like he stopped). You watch this trailer and you get a couple of thoughts. Why is he doing this? What is the secret? Will this be uplifting? I don’t know the answers but I am very sure of the ability of this actor to make it worth the time for find out. This movie will make money, but more importantly it will entertain you. It will let you share an emotional response with everyone in the theater, and that’s why we see movies.

Transporter 3


Jason Statham tends to always deliver. He is the man of action films these days, and with good reason. His characters tend to be intelligent, the plots tend to make some kind of sense, and the action is not filled with CGI or stunt doubles. Generally the more sequels you have the worse the movies get, but the Transporter series has done well to date. This should easily be worth the price of admission, because he can drive!

Valkyrie


Tom Cruise has finally gotten this movie ready for theaters. I mentioned this earlier when this was planned for the summer. I’m looking forward to the film. But I must admit that with reflection, and seeing additional trailers I have one problem. Cruise. He seems to boyishly happy and young to be a Nazi Colonel that is going to try to kill Hitler. While it’s a true story, I would expect the look of the real schemers to be a tad bit grim. But I will see if all the brightness in the film hinders or benefits the plot.

My Name is Bruce


Ok, I admit I am a Bruce Campbell fan. I just love his movies (and television shows most don’t recall). He is funny. So this film sending up his celebrity and still focusing on what made him famous is spot on. The trailer got me chuckling. Will I see it, yep. Will it win an Oscar, nope. Will it be entertaining? More likely than not. Bruce Campbell may not be Will Smith (on many levels) but one thing they both do well is pick movies that they can excel in. Now where is that boomstick?

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans


I thought this movie had been made a while ago (like Vin Diesel’s Chronicles of Riddick – which supposedly has the 3rd film done years ago) so I’m not surprised it’s coming out. The first film was well worth the price of admission. The second not as much. But redemption seems at hand. This 3rd film is more of a prequel though. And a good thing too, because I really wanted to see more of the Lycan-Vampire war. Mythical creatures, medieval setting, swords, warfare on massive scale. Yep this should be good. And I like the lead actors too! Bonus.

Not Easily Broken


Morris Chestnut is definitely the go to guy in Black films. He has done very well in taking roles that are uplifting, and afrocentric. This is another of those films. I like this personally because, besides the quality acting and plot, it is an example that being African American does not mean being in a pigeonhole of stereotypes the media loves to display us as. This will actually be out in January 2009 (in time for the inauguration – how interesting), so thankfully it will give the Black community a choice besides seeing Notorious – which I do not recommend.

Movie Review: Death Race

I was able to get out to the theater this weekend and went to see Death Race.

I had previously previewed the film, so I was walking into the film with relatively high hopes. This is not an Oscar worthy film; it’s an action movie and so has to be judged as such.

The film starts off with a bit of homage to Death Race 2000, starring David Carradine. It was driving me nuts throughout the film trying to place the voice, and the end credits were the only way I figured it out. Beyond that, the opening sequence gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect in the film.

That idea is a good one. The film is short on dialogue, easy on plot, and frequent with gunshots and explosions. It’s exactly what an action movie is supposed to be.

Let me stop to discuss the visuals. This is a gritty movie and the scenes match it well. Everything is dirty, and you just get a feeling of frustration and a breaking down of society. Even the daytime sunny scenes are gritty with dirt from the prison, and a body of water that is best described like the Hudson River. On a bad day. It’s a great tone.

The race scenes are filmed well, with an eye out to capture the speed of the race, yet not blurring the details. And when the film slows down to give us a bit of background everything is a bit more shaded and dark. In fact there isn’t a scene in the entire film that is cheerful or bright with the exception of the introduction of the female navigator prisoners. That lasts about 10 seconds. But the ladies do look good.

But there is a bad spot in the film. Just before the big race the camera goes to a steady-cam shot. It is anything but steady. It’s shaky, with bad angles, and distracting. The rest of the film had no scenes like this, or at least that you might notice, so the change is jarring. I imagine that this was a reshoot, separate of the main filming. Thankfully it only lasts about 1 minute.

The sound is good. The roar of the engines doesn’t overpower any of the vocals, but is a powerful background reminder that everything is happening at speed. Explosions are crisp and powerful, the big guns sharp and constant. And the crunch of another driver going down is painful, but not enough to really clue you into the violent deaths that just occurred.

Actually the race looks like it could be an excellent video game (if a designer actually took time to make it right and not just throw out something for a quick buck) which is a bit of a reversal on the theme these days.

The race is simple. One lap around the track to get speed and bump the opponents. On the 2nd lap electronic devices are turned on that activate weapons and defenses on the cars, all a driver needs to do is drive over such a spot before another driver. And there is a 3rd device that activates kill traps. Basically spikes pop up from the ground to impale an unlucky car, and retract with the pieces ensuring a kill. Honestly any person that’s driven a racing game in the past 15 years will understand the concept.

There are 3 laps to a race. 1 race a day for 3 days. Qualifying for the next race is as simple as surviving the race. The winner is the first to cross the finish line in the third race, usually also meaning that you are the only driver left alive.

The rules are only this, win 5 races (the winner of the 3 days) and you get to go free. In 7 years of races no one has won.

**Ok here come the spoilers – you are warned.**

Jensen Ames (Jason Statham) was framed for the murder of his wife, so he could replace a popular driver who wears a mask and is called Frankenstein. Frank as he is called has won 4 races and needs one more to win. Ames (Statham), in the mask, only needs to win once and he can go free – reclaiming his infant son from a court appointed family.

Adding to his motivation is the fact he recognizes the criminal that killed his wife, the white supremacist scum that picks a fight with him when he enters the prison. The aryan uses the false charges of killing a woman to ensure that no other prisoner will help out Ames – with full knowledge that this is a lie.

Of course the warden (Joan Allen), a ball busting woman with an eye to profits, has no intention of letting our man go free. Either he can chose to lose, win and elect to stay for further races, or she will kill him on the track and substitute another racer as Frankenstein in the mask. And she has no problem with the fact she organized the frame that got Statham convicted.

None of the other racers are allowed to know who Frankenstein is, except the pit crew and navigator. Anyone that tells the secret is killed, so there are no loose lips.

As the film progresses, and the number of drivers drops, Ames becomes aware of the plot to kill him. He comes up with a plot to escape based on a weakness in the prison that has been overlooked. To do so he needs the help of the key driver looking to kill him, or actually Frankenstein. Prior to that he does kill the white supremacist purposefully (getting out the car and walking over to the guy to snap his neck as he begs for his life)… and no one missed the character I’m sure.

The escape makes sense, and works – though the timing of a train being in the area, and so close to the prison is a bit silly. And of course at the end our hero gets the girl. He also may have acquired a gay male companion.

Perhaps one of the most interesting things in the film is Tyrese Gibson as Machine Gun Joe. This chatracter is constantly referred to as being gay. He is the only driver with a male navigator (actually several as he keeps killing them if actual racing doesn’t). It’s clear that he is not a nice person, but his actual sexuality – and the crime he was convicted of – are never revealed.

Now I find it interesting because the film goes a long way to convince us that he is someone to cheer. He wants out of the corrupt prison, he’s murderous and volitale. He severely hates Frankenstein, whom he does not know was replaced.

Yet by the end of the film he has not only escaped, he is with Ames and seemingly on friendly terms.

I also think it’s a brave move for Tyrese. His persona in most films and rap back up an image of a tough bad ass. Yet in this film the question of his sexuality is prominent. That would generally be seen as a negative to his career, and a difficult sell to Black women. Actually the thought of gay African Americans is so taboo that I can’t recall any film that touches on the subject besides the Crying Game – though that is a British film and seen differently here. So he gets a mention for the choice of this character, not that his acting is above average.

**End Spoilers**

Overall I love the film. It delivers on what it’s supposed to be. Mayhem and violence. No big statements on society or politics. No attempts at trying to be overly clever or artsy. Just simple get-your-pulse-up crashes, bangs, and booms – with just a dash of a cute girl for spice.

Death Race - mixing old and new with a kick

I may have missed what will become the underground hit film of the summer season in all my reviews of 2008 movies. Now by no means will this be an Oscar Award winning film (which means someone in America will see it). This is a simple action driven, fast paced, plot as an excuse for explosions kind of film.

The film is called Death Race and it will star Jason Statham. Now obviously the man can drive (or at least look cool acting like he can) as seen in his Transporter films (the 3rd coming out shortly). He’s definitely one of the better action stars able to do his own stunts.

Death Race is a simple movie, the brainchild of someone who grew up in the late-70’s to early-80's. I say this because there are a few things that seem to be the inspiration of this film. And each of them are things that I personally enjoy.

It may be a bit esoteric but Car Wars, by Steve Jackson Games, seems to be one influence. The game is a simple map, with each player selecting a car, motorcycle or truck cardboard piece. On a piece of paper various armaments for the car are written down. The players then proceed to destroy each other until only one is left. Simple and fun.

Another influence is Mad Max. The film that made Mel Gibson a star, its best seen in the original Australian accents (then you will understand why Fifi has his name). Cars are the weapons and speed is a function of exposition. There are no good guys in white, and everything crosses some line at some point.

Lastly is perhaps the biggest influence. Death Race 2000.



The film clip explains it all, almost. It’s a cross-country race, with no rules beyond winning and points for killing people along the way. Devised as a means of population control, you can see why the elderly are the highest points. David Carradine is the star, Dr. Frankenstein, and Sylvester Stallone is in there too. It’s a fun movie.

This film coming out shortly has much of the elements above. But unlike most retreaded ideas (that I hate) where the whole point of the movie is thrown out the window, this one keeps focus, from what I can see. Our hero is a famous NASCAR driver (of course) that gets framed. He’s thrown into a jail where the inmates compete in a race to the death, similar to Running Man now that I think about it. People watch and the winner goes free – supposedly. The cars are souped up, decked out, and raw – much like the various drivers.

Now I don’t know but I guess Jason Statham’s character will win the race and live at the end. No doubt this will be the cause of a Death Race 2, just as there will be a Cranked 2.

But enough of my analysis, here is the video. (If the film gets a wide release I will get a review as soon as possible).

Movies coming to theaters after the summer - 7.31.2007.4

As the countdown before the highly anticipated Bourne Ultimatum ticks lower I wanted to take a look at some of the films that are a bit farther off in the horizon. Sadly the end of summer this year seems to portend the end of what little originality we have seen. Along with the loss of uniqueness we get only a glance at the glimmer of interesting theatrical movie magic.

Let’s start with the remakes. As most readers know well, I hate the recent trend of ‘revisioning’. I liken it to say revisioning a prime rib done medium-rare (which is just perfect) with a slab of warm tofu. It may keep you alive, but it’s not the same experience. That is how I would equate some of the better recent re-makes. In the worst cases I would say it’s like have my brain grated with a cheese grater while listening to a duet of William Hung and Biz Mark E.

So having said that, joy of joys there is a remake of Halloween coming up. I’m sure it will be no less interesting than the (yawn) Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I’m filled with giddy anticipation as we will most likely get either a scene for scene copy (minus the original interest or intensity), or a gore fest that can’t live up to the scares a bloodless original created. What a thrill ride there.

Also running the remake game is the 3rd version of the Invasion of the Body Snatchers. This time out of the gate the producers and movie execs have decided to cut the name to simply The Invasion so that younger viewers will not notice the connection to any other version. In yet another attempt of Hollywood to assume that the public is as dense as a twinkie, we see them saving money on original ideas to re-tread movies that were done well the first time only. While I doubt this film will have any real interest, I would be willing to bet that this time there will be an even more feminist twist to the storyline than the 2nd version. I’m sure this will work with movie-goers about as well as the re-visioned Hitcher movie did. Can you feel the blood just draining from your brain?

But wait, there is a movie approaching that is almost original. Yes, a movie that is not some new director’s wet-dream of a ticket to everlasting fame having bested a master filmmaker. Before you get too giddy, its another global-warming film. The 11th Hour. Buzzkill I know. But if you feel that the world is ending in a ball of flame and smoke by next Tuesday, you will probably flock to this film. The only thing I can say is I hope they sell broccoli sticks instead of popcorn at the theater. It will leave less of a carbon footprint.

You may ask is there any film that I might be looking forward to in the near term? One so far is, War, which will be starring Mr. Jet Li and Mr. Jason Statham. Both are proven action movie actors. While the storyline might not be the most original, action movies are not really known about plot. I would imagine that this will be a very fast paced movie that will live up to at least one aspect of expectations, a lot of people will get beat up. I can accept that, and considering the moves both men have shown in the past the film should not disappoint on that level.

If there is a fight scene between the 2 men, I’m guessing that Mr. Statham will win or at least that the leading edge. His star is still rising, and Mr. Li is moving away from fighting in his films, or so it has been reported as they violate is buhddist (as I recall) views.

Well there you have it. Enjoy the Bourne Ultimatum, there isn’t much else that seems to be a big draw. If I’m wrong I will let you know. So far, in terms of remakes at least, I don’t recall missing yet.

This is what I think, what do you think?