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.

DVD Review: Chocolate (Thai movie)

Sometimes you can watch a movie and know that you are watching a star. The presence and ability just stands out and you cannot help but be awed. While this happens occasionally in dramas and comedies, it is rare in an action film. But when it does you know it.

Bruce Lee was such an actor. Jackie Chan is that caliber of actor. Around the world there are many others that hope to be grouped with these men, to be held in the same degree of immortality. But that rarely happens.

I just finished watching a DVD, Chocolate, and I think I have seen a star that may well be able to be mentioned along with those 2 mega-entertainers. Jeeja Yanin (or Yanin Vismistananda, I’m not sure which is the correct version of her name). If you don’t recognize the name, I think you will in time. And she is a woman.

Chocolate is by no means a chick flick. At least by U.S. standards anyway. It is directed by Prachya Pinkaew who created the Thai sensation Ong-Bak. While Tony Jaa gained an audience here in the states, I think Yanin will surpass that with ease.



The movie is not like a traditional American action film. It’s not because of the dubbing, nor the sub-titles (both are options – in Spanish, Thai, and English). There is a plot, which happens to make sense and is pretty decent.

The movie starts with a Romeo and Juliet romance of a Japanese Yakuza (Masashi) and a Thai mob boss (Number 8) girlfriend (Zin), in Thailand. This obviously leads to a confrontation. But to prevent the worst from happening Zin asks that Masashi go back to Japan and never see her again.

He does as she wishes, even though he later finds out she was pregnant with his child. The child is a daughter, named Zen, that seems to be a high order autistic. We learn as the girl grows she has lightning reflexes, and photographic reflexes as well. Meaning she can watch Ong-Bak (nice plug) on television and/or watch the Muay Thai school across her yard and reproduce the moves flawlessly, though faster.

Eventually Zin builds a routine and picks up a stray boy to raise along with her daughter. As they reach their teens Zin becomes ill with an undisclosed illness – though it appears to be similar to cancer. The cost of the medication is enormous and requires several visits to the hospital, when there is money available. It is during the first of these visits that the kids find an old mob book of debts. The kids not knowing why money is owed to Zin decide to collect the money and use it for her medication.

Now I won’t tell you much more about what ensues, other than in the process of collecting the money we learn the full extent of Zen’s ability. And it is stunning.

She is as fast as Lee, as flexible as Chan, and uses the same style of fighting as Jaa. She is a whirlwind of power and precision. Yet always maintaining the innocence of a child not quite understanding all the implications of her actions. She wants her mom to be better and nothing will stop her in that quest.

The plot is semi-dark and bittersweet, and thus the apt name of Chocolate. The direction keeps you involved, interested, and perhaps only slightly bored for about 4 or 5 minutes. I wish several martial arts movies made here in the U.S. had the same intensity.

Now if you are a fan of the wire-fu that Jet Li employs you will be disappointed. Yanin is all about real moves. And as is seen in the film’s end and making of extras on the DVD, she gets hurt. Though many of the extras are far worse off.

Yanin is a tough woman, especially for her age (now 24 I believe). She works hurt, and is quite adept in her martial arts ability. The other key fighters in the film are equally as good. Which really allows you to be immersed in what happens. And you really care about the plot too.

Stephen Segal wishes his films made as much sense. Van Damme dreams of being as good. And any rapper who thinks he is really tough would be laughable standing in a scene with Yanin.

Honestly, you could go out and spend $30 to see a film out right now – and be completely disappointed just before you forget the entire film you saw. Or you could buy this DVD and really enjoy some quality martial arts action.

If you are a fan of the genre you will thank me. If you aren’t a fan, this will likely make you one.

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.

2008 films of note - 1.31.2008.1

So Rambo has come out along with Cloverfield. 2 of the more anticipated movies of 2008 are now out and everyone is looking forward to see what will be coming up next. The choices seem slim to me, and I’d expect the box office numbers to be lower than in 2007.

As I have mentioned in the past, Star Trek fans can look forward to the latest installment of the series that delves into the earliest days of James T. Kirk, Spock, Bones McCoy and the rest of the original crew. The cast is mostly unknown or little known, which can be good or bad. But the teaser trailer that is out, is just a waste of time.



Notice the snub to William Shatner, the original Kirk, in that his friend and original Spock, Leonard Nimoy, speaks the ever so famous intro lines. Hopefully this will be a good movie, and has none of the writers from Star Trek: Enterprise.

I’ve discussed Iron Man, Batman: The Dark Knight, Speed Racer (a while ago – I don’t like the trailers I’ve seen so far), and WANTED previously.

In the world of sequels expect to revisit HellBoy 2 to do well.



It’s a bit over the top, but at least it’s honest about that. The first was entertaining, and the Dark Elf looking villain in this film could be of interest.

For more original fare we have what will undoubtably become a hit film Kung Fu Panda. I mean how can it go wrong. It’s animated, has Jack Black’s voice, a comedy, and has martial arts fighting. This will clear $200 million easy.



Of course that looks like it has far more laughs and interest that the latest film by Adam Sandler. He’s been very hit and miss of late, more miss than hit. Don’t Mess with Zohan seems to be on that miss list, even though it’s sure to make $100 million. Perhaps it’s just me but this film just doesn’t hit the mark. At best it’s just a DVD film, but I won’t spend $20 to see it in a movie theater.



The real winner in comedy is probably the anti-super hero film Hancock. Will Smith takes the concept of a superhero and Superman in particular and twists the concept. It’s a superhero with issues and problems, some especially entertainers and celebrities tend to have. It looks good, and may be a sleeper hit (or at least a sleeper for a Will Smith lead film).



In the line of over the top, silly, action filled comedy there is Postal. This film doesn’t look to have a single serious moment. Of course that does not count what is the opening scenes of the film. Guaranteed to piss off Muslims, and highly likely to anger many New Yorkers (and anyone who lost someone in 9/11) just because of the start of the film. I’ve seen several trailers that look good. The opening isn’t one of them. You can see the other clips at many places, but this is the start, which is not funny to me.



Perhaps it will be worth the time, after this opening, but the question will be can anyone get past that. Sure to gain a lot of protests, who knows how it will go.

What I will go see is some of the following.

Jackie Chan and Jet Li in the same film. Do I need to say more? Forbidden Kingdom



Wanted, Iron Man, Vantage Point



I’ll give you more as the year progresses.

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?

Movies yet to come - 4.16.2007.1

Now that the debate over Mr. Don Imus has ended with his loss of employment, and renewed attention is placed on the gansta rap music genre, I will get back to the somewhat more mundane discussion of the other things happening in the world.

Before I start with the items that have caught my attention I want to give an update on the polls I have running at www.vassconsult.com . According to the poll on Presidential candidates, if the election were held today Senator Obama would win. Some might say that the nature of the blog, and/or myself, would affect those voting; but considering the fact that Senators McCain and Clinton are both close behind (tied in second) I don’t feel that is accurate.

For those that wonder, the polls are open to anyone, and I don’t ask or care about race. But there has been a near even distribution between men and women (52 vs 48%) as well as a similar breakdown for those 18-35 vs. 35-65 (48 vs 52%). It’s getting interesting. I will run this poll until the end of the year, so vote and let your friends know about it as well. [If you are interested in learning more about my coverage of the various candidates visit www.vassconsult.com/politics/election2008.html]

There were 2 movies that may be of interest that made announcements last week. The first is a sequel (like what movie is not a sequel these days) of a good film. If you saw 28 Days Later [absolutely not the Ms. Sandra Bullock film of similar name] and enjoyed the hyper-kinetic zombies of the movie, the next part of the story is 28 Weeks Later. Literally they continue the storyline with what are the continuing effects of the England destroying virus. It’s not quite Shaun of the Dead, but I’m sure it will catch the attention of many U.S. fans. My guess right now is that it’s worth seeing in the movies instead of DVD.

Moving onto action movies, what could have more action than a film with Mr. Jackie Chan AND Mr. Jet Li? I know, Mr. Li said he wasn’t going to make any more films after Fearless, but this should have already started production. It should be quite the film considering both are the top names in the martial arts genre, and have been for over a decade or 2. It should be quite the combination, the stunts of Mr. Chan and the wire-work of Mr. Li. There is no doubt that the quality should be top of the line for this film. You won’t have to wait too long for this film, it should be out in 2008. Do I really need to say more?

On the more esoteric front, a blast from the past is on the horizon. I’m not talking about the remake of Dolemite again, I mean real old. Fans of animation may recall the cartoon Speed Racer. (Younger readers may recall the techno remix of the theme song - which is nice) Yes the adventures of the Mach 5 will be coming to life with a strong cast. Mr. John Goodman will be Pops, Mrs Susan Sarandon is set for Mom, and the best part is Ms. Christina Ricci has joined on to be Trixxie. I’m sure those who never saw the classic cartoon have no idea who these people are. The best I can offer to those readers is that the car is the real star. The Mach 5 is fast, stylish, and has as many gadgets as a whole James Bond film. (I still can’t imagine why it needed 2 buzzsaws but that could look great if they keep it). The lead role of Speed is going to Mr. Emile Hirsh, I have no idea who the kid is. The last thing that makes this concept interesting, the Wachowski brothers are directing and writing it. I’d expect quite the homage to old Japanese cartoons, manga and anime in general. We shall see.

This is what I think, what do you think?