Expendables 3 Review: Action Sequel Fails Nostalgia Test

WRITER’S NOTE: This review was written in 2014.

Anticipation was high for the third Expendables 3 movie, especially after a teaser trailer cleverly scored to the theme from “Bridge on the River Kwai.” While no one expects high art from this franchise, these films typically deliver a welcome dose of nostalgia, harking back to the action movie glory days of the 1980s. Unfortunately, watching Expendables 3 serves as a stark reminder of how third installments often falter, collapsing under the weight of worn-out formulas and ineffective clichés. Though the veteran actors themselves don’t necessarily look tired, the story quickly becomes tedious, the dialogue is poor, and even the action sequences fail to generate excitement or salvage the film from a pervasive sense of frustration. This entry lacks genuine nostalgia and fails to deliver any adrenaline-pumping thrills.

Official movie poster for Expendables 3 featuring Sylvester Stallone leading the ensemble action cast.

A Muted Start and a Flawed Premise

Expendables 3 kicks off with the team rescuing Doctor Death (Wesley Snipes), a long-lost original member, from transport to a military prison. While the rescue sequence itself is competently executed, the thrill feels noticeably subdued. This muted opening foreshadows the lack of genuine excitement in the rest of the film. Perhaps the bar was set too high by contemporary action masterpieces like “The Raid 2,” which might have spoiled audiences for anything less intense.

Following the rescue, the team heads to Somalia to intercept a bomb shipment destined for a warlord. During the mission, they encounter Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), a co-founder of the Expendables who betrayed the team years ago to profit from illegal arms dealing. When Stonebanks critically injures Hale Caesar (Terry Crews), leaving him fighting for his life, team leader Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) is deeply affected. He makes the drastic decision to disband the current Expendables roster, believing his veteran crew is past its prime and should retire while still alive.

This decision marks the point where the sequel runs into serious trouble. Barney, with the help of retired mercenary Bonaparte (Kelsey Grammer), recruits a younger generation of operatives. However, the predictability is palpable: it’s clear the “old guys” will inevitably return for the climax. Stallone, the primary creative force behind the franchise, often relies on screenplays where the protagonist faces personal tragedy and seeks redemption. This narrative arc, seen repeatedly since the original “Rocky,” feels incredibly dated and stale in Expendables 3.

New Blood Can’t Replace the Originals

Sidelining seasoned action stars like Jason Statham, Wesley Snipes, Randy Couture, and Dolph Lundgren proves to be a significant misstep. Regardless of age, these actors still possess undeniable screen presence and action prowess. The film spends far too much time introducing the new recruits while delaying the inevitable reunion with the veteran team. Barney’s realization that he needs his old crew takes an unnecessarily long time to unfold.

Unfortunately, the new generation of Expendables largely fails to impress. Most of the younger cast members feel disappointingly tame, making the film’s PG-13 rating (a departure from the R-rated predecessors) easily understandable. Kellan Lutz delivers a performance as wooden as his turn in the critically panned “The Legend of Hercules.” Glen Powell and Victor Ortiz make little impact. The notable exception is Ronda Rousey, who plays Luna, an athletic nightclub bouncer recruited by Barney. Rousey holds her own convincingly alongside the male action stars, demonstrating impressive physicality. Her performance leaves audiences wishing for a female-centric version of the franchise rather than focusing on her underdeveloped role here.

Familiar Faces and Fleeting Fun

Antonio Banderas joins the cast as Galgo, a talkative mercenary whose energy borders on manic, reminiscent of his Puss in Boots character on overdrive. While his enthusiasm is a welcome addition, the character feels somewhat one-note. Harrison Ford steps in as Max Drummer, the CIA liaison managing the Expendables. It’s initially fun to see Ford join the ensemble, but his character is essentially a renamed version of the role Bruce Willis played in the first two films, seemingly changed only due to Willis’s reported departure over salary demands.

Expendables 3 does feature some amusing in-jokes, showing the cast’s willingness to poke fun at themselves. Wesley Snipes gets a line referencing his real-life legal troubles, and there’s a nod to Bruce Willis’s absence. However, while the cast seems to be enjoying themselves, this sense of fun rarely translates to the audience. Saddled with a weak story and subpar dialogue, the film often feels like attending a party where you’re merely an observer, not a participant. The movie could have benefited significantly from more screen time for Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose brief appearances provide the most authentic taste of the 1980s action nostalgia the film otherwise lacks.

Gibson Shines as a Gleefully Psychotic Villain

Perhaps the most enjoyable performance in Expendables 3 comes from Mel Gibson as the ruthless antagonist, Conrad Stonebanks. Gibson has embraced villainous roles in recent years, and Stonebanks ranks among his most gleefully psychotic portrayals. Tapping into the wild energy seen in his “Mad Max” and “Lethal Weapon” days, Gibson creates a compelling villain viewers will genuinely love to hate. His performance provides a much-needed spark in an otherwise lackluster film.

Conclusion: Missing the Mark on Action Nostalgia

The Expendables franchise was built on reviving the spirit of 1980s action films. Yet, this third entry fundamentally misunderstands what made those movies enjoyable. Even with thin plots, classic action films often had substance or at least unbridled energy. Expendables 3, however, feels hollow and lifeless. Despite a loud and protracted climax, the film fails to engage, leaving audiences feeling empty rather than exhilarated. The adrenaline rush expected from such a lineup never materializes; instead, the film borders on tedious. After two entertaining predecessors that successfully tapped into cinematic nostalgia, this sequel serves only as a reminder of why so many modern action films fail to connect.

Expendables 3 was directed by Patrick Hughes, who, at the time of this review’s writing, was slated to direct the American remake of “The Raid: Redemption.” Given the disappointing execution of this sequel, one hopes he finds more success with that challenging project. This film remains a significant letdown for fans of the franchise and the action genre it aimed to celebrate.