The Old Farts Still Deliver in "The Expendables 3"

   

    The third installment of what is becoming a formidable franchise arrived a few weeks ago in "The Expendables 3". Though the film has lost some steam since its mediocre opening, it's still a fun, adrenaline-pumping action flick that is as enjoyable as the two that came before it. In this particular adventure, we find Barney (Sylvester Stallone) finally beginning to feel Grandfather Time weighing down on him, as well as his team. Things begin to heat up after Barney realizes that the notorious arms trader he and his team have been trying to capture is in fact Conrad Stonebanks (played by the formidable Mel Gibson), the co-founder of the Expendables long since removed from memory. Barney decides to inject some new blood into the group by embracing wholeheartedly the phrase "out with the old, in with the new"; dumping his old team for fresher, younger players. However, we learn not too far in that though you may be old, it doesn't mean you're worthless.

   The cast of this film is gigantic, which is the biggest selling point. Though as awesome as it is in have such as cast, it unfortunately weakens the film as well, but not that much. The original cast has returned once again including Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The newbies for the most part bring some level of awesomeness to the group, but still find themselves overshadowed by the greats. Ironically the more seasoned newcomers were much more appealing than the younger ones. Harrison Ford plays Drummer, Barney's government contact and one awesome fighter pilot. Wesley Snipes plays Doc, one of the first Expendables ever. He's a bit eccentric and plays really well opposite Statham's Lee Christmas; both trying to out-duel each other as the best knife-wielder. Glen Powell, Victor Ortiz, Kellan Lutz, and Ronda Rousey round out the young-bloods. However, I've saved the best for last. Antonio Banderas joins in on the fun as the motormouth Galgo. Truly the best character of the film, Banderas is extremely funny and definitely kicks some major arse. I died laughing every time he was on screen.

   As mentioned earlier, Mel Gibson plays the big baddie. First off, the idea that he was once an Expendable brings a level of drama we haven't had in these films yet, which is kinda nice. However, with juggling 150 characters all at once, Conrad Stonebanks isn't as fleshed out as he could have been. With a character list like this, it makes for a fairly convoluted story. I mean, how can you really cram all of these characters into a 2 hour movie and truly give each of them their just deserved screen time and development? The answer to this and all other questions concerning this here Expendables Franchise is: just go with it. These movies are fun action films. They don't take themselves seriously at all, and "The Expendables 3" is no different. We get to see a host of action stars shooting guns, blowing up buildings, beating each other up, making fun of each others' past movie moments, (at one point Arnie exclaims, "Get to the choppa!" Classic.); all in the name of fanboy giddiness.

   "The Expendables 3" is a fun movie to watch. Personally, I enjoyed "The Expendables 2" the most, but I had an awesome time with numero 3. If you've invested the time into the other two and liked what they offered, then you won't be disappointed with this one.