REVIEW: EXPEND4BLES

3.5/5

Old Guard, New Blood. 

104 Mins. Starring: Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Megan Fox, Dolph Lundgren, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Randy Couture & Andy García. Director: Scott Waugh. In: Theatres. 

No Schwarzenegger. No Rourke. No Li. No Crews. No Snipes. No Norris. Somewhat of a Banderas. No Ford. No Willis (although we all know why that is, and we all wish the 'Die Hard' legend and his family the best). And not even a Van Damme, Gibson, or 'Frasier' Crane Kelsey Grammar. Following the epic 'Expendables' trilogy classically conceived by action-hero icon, Sylvester Stallone, the fourth film (dubbed, 'Expend4bles' for all those who can turn a font) feels a little off. Old, but not obsolete, it's still a long way from actually being "expendable", as the title of this franchise that began drawing its pension almost a decade and a half ago suggests. This extended retirement tour of Planet Hollywood with a block busting fist looks like some of your favourite big-screen gunners have passed, one way, or another. But things aren't always as they appear. And although there are no cameos from a film series that has tried to bring everyone from Jackie Chan to Clint Eastwood on board, it can still spring a few surprises. 

'The Expendables' can wait to go to hell like their comic-book series in this world of superheroes that still can't pack a wallop as big as these star and stripe savants. 'Act Of Valor' and 'Need For Speed' director Scott Waugh is having a barney with Sly Stallone, whose Expendables general Ross still knows how to earn his crust. Following his tell all 'Sly' Netflix documentary, the stone rollin' Stallone is far from ready to be put out to pasture like his final 'Rambo' feature, or all the rocky beef with the 'Creed' franchise. Flying his aeroplane like Jefferson, despite a crooked nose, with the best wingman in tow. Jason Statham knows a thing or two about franchise vehicles. He'll ride the 'Fast and Furious' highways and the 'Hobbs and Shaw' spin-off race to death does him part. But right now, with this show steal, and the current 'Beekeeper' sting, one of the best hard men at the top of his game puts his hard hat on and gets back to his honest work of kicking a##. Add another legend in the returning wig and prescription scope of Dolph Lundgren (also on double-duty, right now, with this and the 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' sequel) and MMA hitman Randy Couture and that cauliflower ear backstory, and most of the band are back together. Even if it only is the fab four, playing from the rooftops.

Aside from an untouchable, 'Godfather' legend Andy Garcia, pulling all the strings with a cocktail stick in his mouth that Puffy would be proud of, 'The Expendables 4' is all about pumping new blood into an ageing franchise. Much like the third film was looking to do. Although none of those new recruits show up here. Instead, we have the 'Power' of Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson with his own theme music and Megan Fox with a machine gun like Kelly, arming up for some awesome performances. Not to mention Jacob Scipio doing his best Antonio Banderas impression (think Josh Brolin as Tommy Lee in 'Men In Black III'), and 'Female Fight Squad' and 'Furious 7' starter Levy Tran ('Gemini', 'The First Purge') absolutely inking every moment she's on-screen. Yet it's 'The Raid' of straight scary villain Iko Uwais, and the help of 'Ong-Bak' legend Tony Jaa that really kick-starts this sequel back into straight-shooting gear. This epic in itself ensemble twists and turns like the favourite ring Stallone wants to put back on...no matter where it's been. But where else could we have gone, with both Hulk Hogan and The Rock cooking up interest in the series? Originally Sly wanted Jack Nicholson as the villain, and even Jean-Claude Van Damme showed interest in playing the brother to his Jean Vilain bad guy, Claude Vilain (this is Sideshow Bob brother genius). Even Pierce Brosnan was in talks. Word may not have been bond, but one thing that shakes us is that if there is this much interest stirred up, there's still life in these old dogs yet. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Expendables', 'Escape Plan 2', 'The Beekeeper'.