My Review of The Expendables 4 Movie

I went Thursday night of 9/21/23 to see The Expendables 4.

This is one of my favorite movie franchises.

I’ve loved each movie since they were released (2010, 2012, and 2014 respectively).

These are really good, retro style action movies that harken back to the 80s and 90s action movies, which I grew up on.

So much so that many of the stars of these movies were in those movies back then too.

Except now, they’re all together in one franchise, which I love.

Again, this is the 4th one.

Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham have always been the main stars of these movies, although in this movie, Stallone definitely takes a back seat so Statham can be the main star.

I will say this is my least favorite of the 4 movies, mainly because Stallone is not in it as much, but that’s not a slight on Statham or anyone.

It’s still very action packed, has some good humor in it (Dolph Lundgren and Randy Couture, who are the other two stars that have been in every movie have some fun and funny moments and of course kick butt moments), but this is definitely a Statham movie, which is fine.

Martial Arts superstar Tony Jaa has some great action moments in this movie. 

The main villain, Iko Uwais, is very good.

There are some new members of the team in this movie, including Megan Fox, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Levy Tran.

Many people have been wondering why Megan Fox is in this, but she was good in it.  

I really like 50 Cent as an actor (he worked with Stallone on his Escape Plan trilogy).

Levy Tran is a newcomer, but she kicks butt too.

Andy Garcia, who I’ve always liked, is in this.

Jacob Scipio plays the son of Antonio Banderas’ character from the 3rd movie (Antonio was approached but scheduling did not work out.).

So even though it does not have all the superstars that are in the other ones, it still works for me.

Having “new blood” as it were was tried in the 3rd movie, but it was with mixed results (I liked them but some of the main stars had to take a back seat for them in the story, which I did not like).

But I’m ok with the newer people.

You can’t get everyone, and besides, a TON of stars have been in these movies.

There is still enough good foundation for this to be an Expendables movie.

Although it did have a big budget, it still looks a little more down and dirty and grittier.

It often feels more like just a stand alone action movie, and not part of an action movie franchise, but I think that’s cool too.

Again, it’s my least favorite of the 4, but I still enjoyed it.  I left the theater satisfied and happy.

So, I did not give much away here (avoiding giving spoilers), but I will say that if you are a fan of this franchise or just of old school action movies in general, then this movie is for you.

If not, then you won’t like it.

Is it the best one? No.

But it is a good one and I still hope for more of them because I still think there is more that can be done.

I love this franchise.  Bring on The Expendables 5.