Samuel Edwards chooses his best action scenes from The Expendables and there are certainly a lot of them to choose from!
It would be 2010 that would be the start of 3-part trilogy.
Whilst some have disliked the idea and execution right from the get go, others have been able to get on board with the concept and embrace its utter ridiculousness.
Whether what side you are on, this franchise has boasted some remarkable moments from most of the cast members, to the point where you just can’t believe how any them survived.
If you are considering checking this franchise out then perhaps these 5 moments may convince you or give you a better idea of what to expect.
It’s true these films have never been rewarded for character development and writing, but the iconography alone is still entertaining enough.
Most importantly, the action set pieces have been well put together in each film, with director Simon West (Con Air, Tomb Raider, The Mechanic) and Patrick Hughes (The Hitman’s Bodyguard) both having their say on how the film should look and feel.
To this day, I still don’t know whether some of the kills are supposed to have a sense of self-aware humor to them or if they are meant to be just plain violent.
Here we go!
Starting off with number 5.
5. Ride and Die. Catching a flight!
This scene is pulled straight out of the first film. This had all the makings to be an interesting action scene on paper.
Stallone and his crew definitely thought of several ways of how they can destroy enemies on a large scale, this method seems to be very effective.
For any die-hard fans of planes out there, the plane they use is a Grumman HU-16A Albatross.
This scene will be especially problematic to execute in real life, but Statham and Stallone pull it off.
They would later use it in the sequel.
4. The Airport Scene
This scene comes from the second film, where newcomers Chuck Norris and Van Damme were added.
However, we see Bruce Willis make a comeback as well as more screen time with Arnie.
It’s corny in places but it has the visual literacy of action icons at its peak.
We get to hear several dialogue exchanges from their previous work. Some of the lines work and some don’t.
The highlight is Bruce Willis driving a small car with Arnie as the passenger.
3. Mel Vs Stallone
Giving the critical and financial reception of this film, some would be surprised it’s this high on the list, but this fight is pretty cool.
They both had stunt doubles for some of this sequence, but a lot of it looks real for the most part.
These are two actors who are in their sixties and are still giving convincing action.
Mad Max vs Rambo.
Harrison Ford will also get some screen time in the final act.
Hovering above in a helicopter but not the Millenium Falcon.
2. Stallone Vs Van Damme
In terms of sheer brutality, this scene packs it.
The physical nature of this fight scene is on par with some of the fight scenes from The Raid (2011).
You can feel every crunch and punch. Both of these actors have very different physical attributes which makes this scene worth watching.
It’s two styles clashing together, the outcome is intense. Both clearly know how to prepare physically, making the scene just that more realistic.
In contrast to the Gibson vs Stallone fight, this instalment was given a hard R rating, whereas the third was PG-13.
1. The Final Act
For my number one spot, I wanted to put emphasis on the first film.
For me, the the most stand out iconic moment of all the best action scenes in The Expendables.
Given it’s been a little over 10 years since its release. the final act of the first film is everything you want from this type of genre.
You see explosions, knifes, bombs and more use of the AA12. To me, the tone of this final act feels the most realistic compared to the sequels, which sounds a bit ridiculous but It has a sense of grit.
The whole sequence is around 25-30 mins long and it never felt too long or too short.
It’s a group of around 6 men taking on a whole army.
The camera work and stunt work are all top notch and there is great use of physical combat.
In particular, look out for Jason Statham and Jet Li’s characters as both have their moments of fine armory.
Overall
These films work as an expression of mindless entertainment. The casting is different for each film, which gives the viewer a deeper incentive to be interested.
I think they are good for Friday and Saturday night watches.
If you are looking for films that pull the heart strings, I would recommend steering away from this franchise.
One aspect I would like to point out is the soundtrack by Brian Tyler. Each of these scenes would not have been as effective without his soundtrack.
Brian Tyler would later compose the music to the Fast and Furious films and Iron Man 3. I recommend checking out his work, he’s very talented.
Out of the three, the second one was the most financially successful, achieving a worldwide figure of $311 million.
This film is also the only fresh entry on rotten tomatoes with a 67% rating.
All three films are available on Amazon Prime.
Do you agree with the list?
What are your favourite action scenes from The Expendables?
Article by Samuel Edwards
