During the mid eighties to late nineties the action movie reigned supreme. Little separated each movie in terms of plot and premise, with most, if not all acting as a vehicle for the main star, with an obligatory love interest, a "gearing up" scene where the title star would prepare for battle, and of course the high octane, bone crunching, explosive climax set in characteristic location.
By the late nineties, as audiences matured and expected more depth and substance from their movies the action movie genre was relegated to direct-to-dvd releases as we ventured into the new millenium. Then in 2010 one of those action stars of yesteryear, recognized for playing two of the eighties most well known action heroes - Rocky Balboa and John Rambo; Sylvester Stallone wrote, directed and starred in every action movie fans wet dream - an ensemble film.
Starring alongside other action stars both past and present Sly brought us a loud, proud, high octane, explosive and tongue-in-cheek celebration of all that was good and bad from the action movies of lore; he brought us the Expendables. Then again in 2012 we got a second instalment, featuring the muscles from Brussels Jean-Claude Van Damme as the movies villain.
Another two years has passed and the Expendables are set to return this summer with a bigger cast, more action, more explosions and a new villain in the former of co-founder of the Expendables turned arms dealer Conrad Stonebanks, played by Lethal Weapon and Mad Max star Mel Gibson.
Thanks to Collider & ComingSoon for the news!
