In anticipation of the upcoming release of "Expend4bles" in China, just under two weeks away, fans of the franchise and aficionados of classic action cinema find themselves divided and perplexed. Two factors likely contribute to this division:
Lingering Disappointment: The disappointment from the previous installment still casts a shadow for many, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Following the success of the first two "Expendables" films, expectations soared for the third entry. Regrettably, "The Expendables 3" fell as a colossal letdown for legions of fans. A multitude of factors contributed to this letdown: the introduction of a new team of young Expendables, a pivot toward a PG-13 rating, below average CGI effects, and the underutilization of iconic figures like Schwarzenegger, Gibson, Ford, and Li. The disappointment was profound, and it manifested in the film's disappointing box office performance.
Hope for Redemption: After an extended hiatus, many fans eagerly awaited redemption with "The Expendables 4," hoping for a return to Sylvester Stallone's original vision: to assemble action icons from the '80s and early '90s, who had disappeared from the silver screen, in a gritty, old-school action extravaganza. Although "The Expendables 2" took steps closer to this vision by introducing Van Damme and Norris and affording larger roles to Willis and Schwarzenegger, fans knew that the full vision had not been realized. A few more icons were still missing, and the action had not yet reached its zenith. They yearned for more.
As "The Expendables 3" fell short of expectations, there was great anticipation that Stallone would finally fully realize his vision. Fans fervently hoped that this time, the dream would come true. They envisioned a reunion of action legends like Chan, Russell, and Seagal, with Schwarzenegger taking on a more prominent role leading his own mercenary squad against Stallone's crew. They also hoped for the inclusion of other classic '80s action stars like Dudikoff, Lamas, Weathers, Jai White, Hogan, Speakman, Dacascos, Rothrock, and others to create the ultimate action movie experience.
Unfortunately, the franchise's producers had a different scenario in mind. They sidelined Stallone and propelled Statham into the spotlight. They departed from the original vision of '80s action hero grandeur and introduced cost-effective actors like Megan Fox and 50 Cent, alongside Asian household names such as Jaa and Uwais, possibly recognizing that the North American market might not respond favorably to this new direction. Stallone assumed a supporting role, with leadership handed to Statham. If the film succeeds globally, the plan is to continue the franchise with Statham at the helm, surrounded by B-listers.
While this shift might seem risky, alienating die-hard fans of the original franchise, the producers have their own financial ambitions. Going this new route allowed them to significantly reduce production costs, avoiding hefty payments to A-listers for mere cameos. Sticking to economical locations and cheap CGI methods further ensured a cost-effective production. It's likely that Stallone didn't command his usual large salary, considering he filmed for only two weeks, possibly earning a fraction of the initial $20 million allocated for him. The infusion of an Asian flavor appears strategic, as the bulk of the movie's box office revenue is expected to come from Asia for this fourth installment, rather than North America. Europe may deliver an average performance, thanks to Statham's star power and lingering nostalgia for Stallone.
Whether you're disheartened by the direction "Expend4bles" has taken or remain a dedicated follower of the franchise, it's important to recognize that the "Expendables" series has embarked on a different path and may never return to its original concept.
Now, the question remains: in light of this new reality, will you give the new installment a chance? While "Expend4bles" may not fulfill the dream of an '80s action hero reunion under Stallone's guidance, it still has the potential to deliver a solid action film experience, enriched by the presence of action stars like Statham, Lundgren, Jaa, Uwais, and Stallone himself. Who knows, in the coming weeks, after the opening in China, we might even be pleasantly surprised.
Although the prospect of an "Expendables 4" reminiscent of the '80s has faded, and many fans of the original concept may choose to skip this installment in theaters, let us still extend a chance to this film and aspire to experience a solid action movie that stands apart from the traditional "Expendables" franchise. It's as though we are merely going to see an action film with Statham as its lead, and bidding farewell to Stallone.
Lingering Disappointment: The disappointment from the previous installment still casts a shadow for many, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Following the success of the first two "Expendables" films, expectations soared for the third entry. Regrettably, "The Expendables 3" fell as a colossal letdown for legions of fans. A multitude of factors contributed to this letdown: the introduction of a new team of young Expendables, a pivot toward a PG-13 rating, below average CGI effects, and the underutilization of iconic figures like Schwarzenegger, Gibson, Ford, and Li. The disappointment was profound, and it manifested in the film's disappointing box office performance.
Hope for Redemption: After an extended hiatus, many fans eagerly awaited redemption with "The Expendables 4," hoping for a return to Sylvester Stallone's original vision: to assemble action icons from the '80s and early '90s, who had disappeared from the silver screen, in a gritty, old-school action extravaganza. Although "The Expendables 2" took steps closer to this vision by introducing Van Damme and Norris and affording larger roles to Willis and Schwarzenegger, fans knew that the full vision had not been realized. A few more icons were still missing, and the action had not yet reached its zenith. They yearned for more.
As "The Expendables 3" fell short of expectations, there was great anticipation that Stallone would finally fully realize his vision. Fans fervently hoped that this time, the dream would come true. They envisioned a reunion of action legends like Chan, Russell, and Seagal, with Schwarzenegger taking on a more prominent role leading his own mercenary squad against Stallone's crew. They also hoped for the inclusion of other classic '80s action stars like Dudikoff, Lamas, Weathers, Jai White, Hogan, Speakman, Dacascos, Rothrock, and others to create the ultimate action movie experience.
Unfortunately, the franchise's producers had a different scenario in mind. They sidelined Stallone and propelled Statham into the spotlight. They departed from the original vision of '80s action hero grandeur and introduced cost-effective actors like Megan Fox and 50 Cent, alongside Asian household names such as Jaa and Uwais, possibly recognizing that the North American market might not respond favorably to this new direction. Stallone assumed a supporting role, with leadership handed to Statham. If the film succeeds globally, the plan is to continue the franchise with Statham at the helm, surrounded by B-listers.
While this shift might seem risky, alienating die-hard fans of the original franchise, the producers have their own financial ambitions. Going this new route allowed them to significantly reduce production costs, avoiding hefty payments to A-listers for mere cameos. Sticking to economical locations and cheap CGI methods further ensured a cost-effective production. It's likely that Stallone didn't command his usual large salary, considering he filmed for only two weeks, possibly earning a fraction of the initial $20 million allocated for him. The infusion of an Asian flavor appears strategic, as the bulk of the movie's box office revenue is expected to come from Asia for this fourth installment, rather than North America. Europe may deliver an average performance, thanks to Statham's star power and lingering nostalgia for Stallone.
Whether you're disheartened by the direction "Expend4bles" has taken or remain a dedicated follower of the franchise, it's important to recognize that the "Expendables" series has embarked on a different path and may never return to its original concept.
Now, the question remains: in light of this new reality, will you give the new installment a chance? While "Expend4bles" may not fulfill the dream of an '80s action hero reunion under Stallone's guidance, it still has the potential to deliver a solid action film experience, enriched by the presence of action stars like Statham, Lundgren, Jaa, Uwais, and Stallone himself. Who knows, in the coming weeks, after the opening in China, we might even be pleasantly surprised.
Although the prospect of an "Expendables 4" reminiscent of the '80s has faded, and many fans of the original concept may choose to skip this installment in theaters, let us still extend a chance to this film and aspire to experience a solid action movie that stands apart from the traditional "Expendables" franchise. It's as though we are merely going to see an action film with Statham as its lead, and bidding farewell to Stallone.
Asia made a huge profit for Expendables 3, especially China, and at the time the plans for 4 involved a lot of the name "Asia" and the idea of making Expendables a global film (by including actors from all over the world). I think that's amazing, because it would be a chance for Jackie Chan and other Asian actors to participate in the franchise. In addition to Asians, other actors from other parts of the world will also be able to. I don't see the opportunity to add old actors (Jai White etc.) as something that will never happen again, as in 4 they added one (Garcia). Even if they focus on a generation around Statham's age, there are no limitations to adding one, two or three big old names.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, I see the addition of actors with smaller names in 4 as a way for them not to risk a lot of money after the franchise was stopped for a long time, but at the same time, delivering an acceptable performance and a better crafted action. So, if 4 works out financially (it certainly will), why not invest more money to improve the franchise? This happened with the EX1. The EX1 arrived with big names and was a huge success. Afterwards, the EX2 received more money, improved the concept of the 1 and was even more successful. So, let's open our minds to a new vision of Expendables and enjoy it, after all, now we will have a much stronger concept of "madness". Madness mixed with extreme violence, Stallone and crew = Great movie. I'm an old fan of the franchise and I don't feel alienated or obliged to accept what the producers proposed. I'm just very happy to know that the franchise is alive and I won't stop liking it because of some changes. Everything will work out and the franchise will continue :)
Good article.
ReplyDeleteIt is very true that this casting of the 4th opus does not sell dreams at all.
There were ways to put "good names" to give a boost to this franchise so loved by fans of the 80s and 90s.
A Michael Jai White, Mark Dacascos or Chow Yun Fat for example.
Moreover, why not have kept a Wesley Snipes who only asked for that after his good "return" in the 3rd part.
Totally incomprehensible.
Even one (or more) scene with Schwarzy would have been a nice token of thanks to the public and the fans.
It's missing a Seagal... a Russell... we could have had so many things that the fans were waiting for and that unfortunately we will NEVER have!
Personally I have been very disappointed since Expendables 3 and it is not with this 4th one (so much awaited) that I would be reconciled :(
Now just hoping for a decent action film but without the main soul of this franchise.
Steven Seagal is blacklisted by Avi Lerner because he caused a mess on the set of Submerged. Kurt Russell, Sylvester Stallone wanted him for the first one but he refused and in an interview released a few years ago, he said that he was not interested in participating in an Expendables (all that to end up in Fast And Furious)
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