20s Movie Review - Expendables 4

Director: Scott Waugh
Genre: Action
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Megan Fox, 50 Cent, Anday Garcia

Description: Armed with every weapon they can get their hands on, the Expendables are the world’s last line of defense and the team gets called when all other options are off the table.

Review: The “Expendables” were never really good, but at least they managed to give the impression that they would be good. Posters filled with big names like Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson, Wesley Snipes, Harrison Ford, Jason Stathman and many others made it clear that plenty of Hollywood stars were happy to show up for them, so that had to be some sign of quality. Part four, however, has to make do with… Megan Fox and 50 Cent?

Okay, Fox is an easy headline, because the problems of “Expendables 4” are bigger than one mismatched actress. But her presence is somewhat exemplary of how the source has dried up nicely. The previous volumes packed in plenty of action heroes of yesteryear, but now we have apparently arrived at actors we know mostly from modern blockbusters. That’s remarkable for a film series meant to capitalize on nostalgia for a time when action movies were a lot rougher and simpler than the ones Fox is known for.

Regulars like Jet Li, Terry Crews and Arnold Schwarzenegger are nowhere to be found, while the newcomers from the previous installment also proved completely expandable. Initiator Sylvester Stallone also seems to be a bit don with it, and Jason Statham is upgraded to lead actor in this fourth installment.

This movie is really bad. No memorable one-liners, the new characters are forgettable and uninteresting, and this film is just no fun. The other three were so much fun, they didn’t take themselves serious. “Expendables 4” looks like it does. If all these previous action stars that weren’t in this fourth film said no to it, I understand why and they should be happy about it. I’m just going to pretend this film never happened and I will stick with the other three films.

Rating: 1/ 5

10s Movie Review - Rambo: Last Blood

Director: Adrian Grunberg
Genre: Action/ Crime
Runtime: 89 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Paz Vega, Yvette Monreal, Adriana Barazza
Description: John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) must confronts his past and unearth his ruthless combat skills to exact revenge in a final mission.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 16: A FILM FROM A DIRECTOR YOU’VE NEVER SEEN A FILM FROM BEFORE
 
Review: Already the fifth installment of the “Rambo” franchise, and given the title, probably the last. Although, they were hinting at this in the previous film as well.

Rambo was portrayed as a Vietnam veteran shaped by war to the point where he could never really come home in “First Blood”. Hence, in the sequels, this one-man army was then unleashed on Amerca’s enemies.

“Rambo: Last Blood” no longer has anything to do with war traumas or thoughless military interventions, it feels a bit more like the movie “Taken”, but then with Rambo. We find John Rambo where the fourh film has left him: on a ranch in Arizona where he once grew up. He spends his old days in the company of a Mexican lady and her granddaughter Gabrielle, for whom Rambo has taken care as a father. This peaceful existence comes to an end when Gabrielle wants to meet her father in Mexico, against the advice of Rambo. When something happens to Gabrielle, Rambo blames himself and wants revenge.

It's a no-nonsense revenge movie, with lots of blood and action. The final act is kind of satisfactory and entertaining, but the rest of the movie is just bland and unoriginal. Not a very necessary sequel, lets hope that this is really the last in the franchise.

Rating: 3 / 5

Movie Reviews - Creed II

Director: Steven Caple Jr.
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Florian Munteanu, Brigitte Nielsen, Milo Ventimiglia

Description: Under the tutelage of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), heavyweight contender Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) faces off against Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu), son of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren).

Review: I don’t think Sylvester Stallone would have thought that his creation Rocky Balboa would still be in a running franchise, fourty years after the first film. He tried to end the franchise twice. In 1990 with “Rocky V” and later in 2006 with “Rocky Balboa”. And that would have been the end, if it weren’t for director Ryan Coogler. He decided to make a spin-off, based on Rocky’s boxing friend Apollo Creed. With son Adonis Creed as the central character. “Creed” was a very successful, strong and beautiful film. It blew new life into the franchise in 2015.
With many sequels, it’s hardly ever better. “Creed II” is no exception, but it’s also a really good film. Here we look back at the 1985 film “Rocky IV”, where Apollo Creed died in the ring, after a match with Russian Ivan Drago. In “Creed II”, Drago returns. With his son Viktor who is also a boxer. And he wants to fight Adonis Creed.
In “Rocky IV”, Drago was portrayed as a stereotypical Russian. He was pretty one-dimensional and it was a fight between the good and patriotic American and the curt, stoic and evil Russian. In “Creed II” they get rid of most of them. This is a more character driven film and there is more story and emotion behind both parties. This is a big plus. It gives the film a more realistic feel and it’s not so black and white.
When it comes to the story, “Creed II” isn’t surprising. Maybe how the final match eventually end, that was pretty cool. But overall it’s predictable. But somehow it didn’t really bother me.
The cast is really strong and director Steve Caple Jr., who stepped in for Ryan Coogler, did a fantastic job. “Creed II” proofs, that the franchise is not dead and that Rocky is still Stallone’s best character to date.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 60: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Director: James Gunn
Genre: Action/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 136 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell, Tommy Flanagan, Sean Gunn

Description: Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' continues the team's adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage.

Review: In 2014 everyone was surprised by “Guardians of the Galaxy”. It was such a success, that for me it’s the best Marvel film to date. I was extremely excited for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”, it was at the top of my most anticipated films of 2017 list. And I wasn’t disappointed.
I love how “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is stubborn. Fun cameos, but no forced cross-overs with other Marvel films. Eventually the Guardians will meet up with the Avengers, but for now it’s still its own franchise. And I’m glad.
The characters are more important here. Who are they, where do they come from, what drives them? Family is the key here. Peter Quill meets his father for the first time. Drax and Rocket who lost their family or never had one. Gamora and her struggling relationship with sister Nebula. And Groot, who is always protected by his fellow Guardians, after his big sacrifice in the first movie. They don’t belong anywhere else, but together as a team.
The film has tempo, just like the first. Enough action, humor, drama and sensation. Baby Groot was adorable, Rocket again on fire with sharp comments and Zoe Saldana, Chris Pratt and Dave Bautista did a great job as well. I especially loved Michael Rooker, as Yondu, in this film.
If I have to choose which of the two I think is better, I just can’t. It’s an amazing spectacle, that I immediately want to rewatch.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 159: Creed

Director: Ryan Coogler
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 133 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Andre Ward, Tony Bellew, Ritchie Coster, Jaco ‘Stitch’ Duran, Graham McTavish, Malik Bazille, Ricardo McGill, Gabe Rosado, Wood Harris, Buddy Osborn, Rupal Pujara

Description: The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.

Review: Sylvester Stallone turned 70 in 2016. The actor has a great career, but mostly two characters define it: John Rambo and Rocky Balboa. And that last character he reprises in the sequel/ spin-off “Creed”.
Michael B. Jordan plays Adonis Johnson, the son of Apollo Creed. Boxing rival and friend of Rocky. Adonis never knew his father, because he died before he was born. As a teenager, Adonis goes in and out of foster homes and prison. Apollo’s wife looks him up and decides to take him in. Although Adonis has a good job and just made a promotion, he is not happy there. He quits his job to become a boxer, like his father. He travels to Philadelphia to visit Rocky Balboa and asks him to train him.
“Creed” is directed and also partly written by Ryan Coogler, who worked with Jordan on “Fruitvale Station”. Coogler has to work hard to convince the viewers, because many scenes might remind you of other Rocky films or might feel cliché. But there are more layers and there is more to this film than meets the eye.
The challenging fights are what make this movie excel. The ring fights are shot perfectly and have some dramatic twists. Michael B. Jordan is really good in his role. And Stallone shines, in the role he was always meant to play.
“Creed” is a fantastic film, that grabs you and captivates.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Oscar Prediction 2016

I'm going to give it a shot again. The nominees for the 88th annual Academy Awards were announced and I've been predicting the winners for a couple of years now. So this year is no different. Some really great nominees this year, but as usual I don't agree with every all the winners. So, here are my prediction on who will win and who I think should win the awards.

Best Motion Picture of the Year

Should Win: "Mad Max: Fury Road"

Would Win: "Spotlight"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

Should Win: Leonardo DiCaprio for "The Revenant"

Would Win: Leonardo DiCaprio for "The Revenant"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

Should Win: Brie Larson for "Room"

Would Win: Brie Larson for "Room"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

Should Win: Sylvester Stallone for “Creed”

Would Win: Mark Rylance for “Bridge of Spies”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

Should Win: Rachel McAdams for “Spotlight”

Would Win: Kate Winslet for “Steve Jobs”

Best Achievement in Directing

Should Win: Alejandro González Iñárritu for “The Revenant”

Would Win: Alejandro González Iñárritu for “The Revenant”

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 107: Escape Plan

Director: Mikael Håfström

Genre: Action/ Drama

Runtime: 116 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Caviezel, Amy Ryan, Sam Neill, Vincent D’Onofrio, Vinnie Jones, Curtis Jackson

Description: When a structural-security authority (Sylvester Stallone) finds himself set up and incarcerated in the world's most secret and secure prison, he has to use his skills to escape with help from the inside.

Review: After “The Expendables” there is another movie starring two of the biggest action stars: Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. It follows the story of Ray Breslin, who tests prisons on security. He gets locked up voluntarily and then tries to break out to show the prison’s weaknesses. When Ray gets the offer to test a new prison, he doesn’t doubt one second, but the minute they take him in he does start to doubt it. The warden says he doesn’t know him, Ray’s evacuation code doesn’t work and it seems impossible to escape without knowing the blue print of the prison or help from the outside.

“Escape Plan” starts like a typical prison break movie. Like the stereotypical prisoners: the man who can get things, the white Aryan, the sadistic guard. More important than the actions is the interaction between them and the ingenious way to escape. The movie has many imperfections and the solutions are sometimes so far-fetched, it doesn’t help its credibility. Besides, the most secure prison in the world looks very futuristic. It could have been a cinematographic good looking piece, with the feeling you’re always watched and more depth and perspective. The first 20 minutes weren’t all that great. Once Arnold Schwarzenegger enters the stage, it becomes fun. It’s just fun to see Schwarzenegger and Stallone together, because I grew up with those guys. The planning of the break out and the interaction between the two is entertaining as hell. The scenes in the prison were cool, as soon as they cut away from the prison I was bored.

You get what you expect from Stallone and Schwarzenegger, and I think that’s we love about them. Every movie fan is just thrilled about the idea of those two together, and so was I. I would pay money to see a movie with the dumbest plot ever if Stallone and Schwarzenegger star in it. Jim Caviezel, as the warden, was a pretty good bad guy by the way. That surprised me. Other characters and actors didn’t impress me very much.

I didn’t expect anything good and this movie isn’t very surprising. But it’s enjoyable to watch and it entertained me.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 49: The Expendables 3

Director: Patrick Hughes

Genre: Action/ Adventure

Runtime: 126 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Harrison Ford, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mel Gibson, Wesley Snipes, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Kelsey Grammer, Antonio Banderas, Glen Powell, Victor Ortiz, Ronda Rousey, Kellan Lutz, Jet Li 

Description: Barney (Sylvester Stallone) augments his team with new blood for a personal battle: to take down Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), the Expendables co-founder and notorious arms trader who is hell bent on wiping out Barney and every single one of his associates.

Review: It’s again time for an adventure with some of our favorite action stars: “The Expendables 3”. As the driving engine behind the film series, Sylvester Stallone managed to find some new actors. Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford are added to the cast. Alongside the ‘oldies’, we also get some new young stars. Kellan Lutz is probably the only one that will ring a bell. Bruce Willis isn’t part of it anymore.

The movie starts with a lot of action. Barney and his team have to save an ex-Expendable, named Doctor Death. During their next mission, Barney finds out that Stonebanks, an Expendable gone bad, is still alive. All he wants is to go up against him one more time, especially after severely injuring Caesar. Barney doesn’t want his other friends to get hurt, so he decides to set up a new team. But it’s not that easy to exchange experience.

Just like how The Rolling Stones still keep coming back and fill concert halls, “The Expendables 3” will attract audience. The storyline is never the strong point, although there is a more emotional side to it this time.

Introducing Wesley Snipes and Antonio Banderas to the franchise is a smart move. Their loud characters often manage to make you laugh. The search for the new generation, led by Kelsey Grammer, is more fun than the new group itself. All of them are easily replaceable. Mel Gibson is very convincing as the villain.

The action is again of a high level. If you liked the previous movies in this series, “The Expedables 3” gives you again what you expect. The formula hasn’t stopped working yet and another sequel isn’t unthinkable.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 134: The Expendables 2

Director: Simon West

Genre: Action/ Adventure

Runtime: 102 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Liam Hemsworth, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, terry Crews, Jean-Claude van Damme, Chuck Norris, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture

Description: Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat.

Review: The first movie, “The Expendables” from 2010, was a disappointment for many people. At least for a movie with almost every big action star in Hollywood, fans were expecting a great action no-brainer. I found it highly enjoyable and I was happy to see a sequel.

The stars from the first film are all present. Barney Ross and his companions are send to Eastern Europe to intercept a safe with classified information in it. This simple operation fails and it falls into the wrong hands.

There isn’t anything more to say about the story. From the start of the film, action is all over the place. It’s badass and non-stop entertainment. It’s great to see the old tough guys show their muscles. The movie is filled with humor, shoot outs and explosions. “The Expendables 2” stays fun and especially the combination of action and wit is great. And some cheesy one-liners, (please don’t take them too seriously) are present as well. It’s clear that all the actors enjoyed making this movie.

The story is bad and some scenes are a bit odd. And dialogues with more than five sentences are hard to find. Why is this movie so much fun? It’s an adrenaline rush, pure action from beginning ‘till end. It’s exactly what you would expect from a movie like “The Expendables 2”, so no disappointments.

I don’t feel guilty liking this second movie. It’s very entertaining and a guarantee for a great movie night.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Quotables: "Rocky"

I like “Rocky” mostly because of the great character of Rocky Balboa, an underdog and a very likeable man. The story is believable and realistic, you really sympathize with Rocky. And it also shows how great Sylvester Stallone is as an actor and director. Here are some memorable quotes from “Rocky”.

 

 

 

Rocky: Yea, to you it's Thanksgiving; to me it's Thursday.

Mickey: Your nose is broken.

Rocky: How does it look?

Mickey: Ah, it's an improvement.

 

Rocky: Took you long enough to get here. Took you ten years to get to my house. Huh, what's the matter? You don't like my house? Does my house stink? That's right-it stinks! I didn't have no favors from you! Don't slum around me. Talkin' about your prime. What about my prime, Mick? At least you had a prime! I didn't have no prime. I didn't have nithin'! Leg's are goin', everything is goin'. Nobody's getting' no nothin'. Guy comes up, offers me a fight. Big deal. Wanna fight the fight? Yeah, I'll fight the big fight. I wouldn't wanna fight. Know what's gonna happen to me? I'm gonna get that! I'm gonna get that! And you wanna be ringside to see it? Do ya? You wanna help me out? Huh? Do you wana see me get my face kicked in? Leg's ain't workin', nothing's workin', but they go, "Go on, fight the champ." Yeah, I'll fight him. Get my face kicked in. And you come around here. You wanna move in here with me? Come on in! It's a nice house! Real nice. Come on in and move. It stinks! This whole place stinks. You wanna help me out? Well, help me out! Come on, help me out. I'm standin' here!

Adrian: Why do you wanna fight?

Rocky: Because I can't sing or dance.

Apollo Creed: Apollo Creed vs. the Italian Stallion. Sounds like a damn monster movie.

Rocky: I just want to say hi to my girlfriend, OK? Yo, Adrian! It's me, Rocky.

 

Rocky: Don't smoke that. It makes your breath like garbage.

Marie: Maybe I like garbage.

Rocky: [putting out the cigarette] Nobody likes garbage!

Rocky: I think we make a real sharp couple of coconuts - I'm dumb, you're shy, whaddaya think, huh?

Best of... Sylvester Stallone

I rewatched "Cliffhanger" yesterday and that reminded me of how cool Sylvester Stallone is. And he's done so many great films. Here are my favorites.

"Rocky"
This is the best one on the list. My favorite Stallone movie. I love how this is so realistic, especially the ending. And although Rocky doesn't win the fight, he's a true hero.

"Rocky II"
It's a highly entertaining sequel, but not as good as the first one off course. It's a little bit slow at first, but very exciting in the end.

"Victory"
Reviews are mixed, but I always liked this soccer film. Stallone and also his co-star Michael Caine are very enjoyable to watch in this picture. It's a great film in many ways.

"Rocky III"
Rocky has finally beaten Apollo Creed and then comes along Clubber Lang, the number one contender. And Rocky has still got it. The third installment isn't a drag at all.

"First Blood"
Stallone is known for his role of Rocky Balboa, but Rambo is his second most known character. And there is no one else who could have played this part better. Stallone IS Rambo.

"Rambo: First Blood Part II"
Not as loved as the first and it's also not as good as the first, but still a great action movie with a high level of entertainment.

"Lock Up"
I don't think a lot of people know this movie. I think it's an underrated movie. Best acting is not by Stallone though, it's the sadistic prison warden portrayed by Donald Sutherland.

"Tango & Cash"
Kurt Russell and Sylvester Stallone are the reason why this run-of-the-mill action flick actually works. There's nothing innovative or special about the film, it's nothing we haven't seen before. But the film is entertaining as hell thanks to it's two stars.

"Oscar"
I hear you thinking: "What the hell is this doing on your list"? Well, I can explain that. I think this movie is simply hilarious and should get more credit. It's really funny and Stallone can be funny. Just give me a break will ya?

"Cliffhanger"
I just rewatched it yesterday and it's still super awesome. Maybe a little over-the-top sometimes (very clever for a mountain climbing movie), but it's a very good movie and highly enjoyable. And John Lithgow is a very believable bad guy.

"Demolition Man"
You know that there is always this movie that, no matter how many times you've seen it, you always watch it when it's on TV. Well that's what "Demilition Man" is to me. Everytime I watch it, I don't think I ever skipped it. It has action and humor in it, and so many memorable moments. I love it whenever you swear this alarm goes off and you get a ticket and off course the three shells on the toilet that John Spartan doesn't understand. Don't role your eyes, "Demolition Man" is awesome!

"Assassins"
Also a movie I watched many times. Very exciting movie, I like Stallone and Banderas opposite of each other. This movie is action packed and definitely worth watching for any fan of action movies. I'm surprised to see how low the rating is on IMDB.

"Daylight"
Again a Stallone movie I find hard to skip. And this one also doesn't get a very high rating. I guess the people on IMDB don't think that highly of Mr. Stallone. I know this movie has a lot of clichés, but still it's entertaining. Stallone does his job, he saves the day.

"Copland"
A movie with a great cast. And this movie gets better the more you watch it. At first you think it's just OK, but now I actually think it's a really good movie with great performances.

"Rocky Balboa"
This is my second favorite "Rocky" movie. I didn't think much of it when it came out. Another film about Rocky Balboa, rwho needs it? But it surprised me, in a good way, because I think it's great. And again very realistic.

"Rambo"
I had the same feeling about this one, didn't really expect much and wasn't waiting for another "Rambo" movie. But this also surprised me. Maybe even the best one in the series. Sylvester Stallone isn't too old for this shit yet.

"The Expendables"
Hell yeah!! When you love action, you get everything you want with this film. Stallone, Statham, Willis, Schwarzenegger, Lundgren, Li and Rourke all in one movie. Insane!!! Can't wait to see "The Expandables 2", where they added Norris, Van Damme and Hemsworth.