Expend4bles: From Promise to Disappointment

As the original founder of EXblog, even though I’ve stepped back from its content since my review of “The Expendables 3,” I feel compelled to share my thoughts on “Expend4bles,” the fourth instalment of a franchise that once held immense promise. Reflecting on the trajectory of the series, I find myself disheartened by the path it has taken.

In the past, I had the privilege of attending premieres for both “The Expendables 2” and “The Expendables 3,” movies that epitomized the action cinema of the 80s and 90s by uniting iconic stars of that era - the premise on which the Expendables franchise was built. EXblog flourished during those times, buzzing with readers excited about the reunion of these legends. However, the blog’s viewership has dwindled from its peak, and fewer fans check it out for Expend4bles.

The truth is, “Expend4bles” falls short of its predecessors, appearing more like an attempt to extract the last ounces of profit from a once-promising franchise. The lack of prominent action icons, with only a cameo from Sly, creates a void that’s hard to ignore. Instead of a genuine continuation, the movie feels like a calculated reboot that producers seem to be building on for future movies within the franchise’s universe, leveraging B-list and cheaper actors that have no affiliation with action movies of the 80s or 90s, or action movies in general. The only survivor beside Sly is Lundgren, who will most likely be in the background once again. Gone are the likes of Schwarzenegger, Snipes, Willis, Ford, Gibson, Van Damme, and no signs of the ones who were promised to the fans such as Chan, Seagal, Russell, and many others.

The frustration deepens when considering the missed opportunities this instalment presents. Initially planned for a theatrical release in 2017 under Sly Stallone’s guidance, based on a script written by a certain Poirier, the film aimed to be a fitting conclusion, uniting the action icons from previous instalments with the addition of stars like Chan and Seagal to provide closure to the series. Seagal even tweeted at the time about his promising involvement. Sly and his co-stars were still in their prime in 2015 when the movie was announced, capable of infusing realistic action sequences.

Alas, Avi Lerner’s personal interests, ego, and greed appear to have sabotaged this vision. The franchise’s owners scrapped the original movie’s script and release date, parted ways with Sly, undermining its potential. The outcome is a lacklustre production of a brand-new, softly rebooted movie 6 years too late, based on a different script that puts Statham in a lead role and fails to pay homage to the legacy built by its predecessors.

In my view, “Expend4bles” stands as a cautionary tale of how franchises can falter when financial gains and egos outweigh creative integrity. For my part, I won’t watch it in theatres, and I know there are those who share my sentiments, remembering the series’ golden days and hoping for a triumphant exit.

While EXblog is now managed by my friend El Rey & Co from the SZ fan site, I’m grateful to still have this platform to express my thoughts for the few out there who might value and share my perspective. “Expend4bles” is a letdown, pitifully trying to erase the triumphant beginning of a franchise that started as an unlikely success in a world of superheroes where fans of my generation saw their childhood heroes revived and given a new breath. The franchise’s impact on the new action cinema is not overly talked about either, as its unforeseen success paved the way for global R-rated movies like JW and many other R-rated action movies on streaming platforms.

In the realm of action cinema, few franchises have garnered the excitement and reverence of the “Expendables” series among die-hard fans of the 80s and 90s genre. As I reflect on what was once born to be a beloved saga, it’s not just the recent disaster and failure of “Expend4bles” that occupies my thoughts, but the series of events that culminated in its unfortunate downfall.

The first signs of disappointment emerged with “Expendables 3,” a movie that left fans puzzled by its shift to a PG-13 rating and the introduction of a group of unknown actors who took centre stage. The seed of assuring the future of the franchise through cheaper actors and the hope for a new generation of fans was already being planted in the background by Avi and Co. This decision, fuelled by producer’s greed, watered down the essence that had endeared the series to its audience. The outcome was a film lacking the gritty intensity that had characterized its earlier counterparts.

Yet, Sly Stallone, the guiding light of the series, after coming under heavy criticism, seemed attuned to fan sentiment and was determined to correct the course. “The Expendables 4” was meant to be a return to the franchise’s roots, reinstating the R-rated essence that had been lost, focusing on the action icons of the past again, and scouting better filming locations, moving away from the cheap CGIs that had plagued the first 3 movies. Unfortunately, creative discord arose, leading to Sly’s departure from the franchise and the passing of the torch to Jason Statham, leading other action icons to leave the franchise behind as well.

Ironically, the fourth instalment eventually brought Sly back in a now-reduced role and embraced an R-rating, as indicated by the latest red band trailer. This gesture suggests a belated acknowledgement of the misstep in “Expendables 3.” However, the damage is done—too little, too late. The franchise has forfeited its identity and authenticity.

“Expend4bles” now attempts to reclaim its essence with an R-rating, but it’s evident that the franchise’s roots have been compromised. The inclusion of ill-suited actors, the subtle reboot without admission, and the manipulation of marketing to appear responsive to fans all signal a series adrift from its course.

It’s almost an affront that producers believe they can manipulate their audience into embracing a diluted version of what was once an electrifying cinematic experience of the 80s and 90s action genre. Fans aren’t naive; their power has been demonstrated before. “Expendables 3” serves as a testament, where audience sentiment translated into a box office disaster that almost killed the franchise.

The trajectory of the “Expendables” franchise is a tale of sacrificing creative integrity and fans’ desires for financial motives. What once epitomized action camaraderie of the legends of the 80s and 90s is now a farce, a reminder that franchise essence can easily erode when profits, greed, and egos overshadow authenticity. As I observe the franchise’s descent, I’m left with a mixture of nostalgia and regret—a legacy tainted by a series of misguided choices, and what could have been a legendary franchise. Rest in peace EXPENDABLES.