Review: The Expendables 3 (2014)

Action Over Substance in a Star-Studded Sequel

The third installment of The Expendables franchise, The Expendables 3, brings back the explosive action and high-octane energy that fans have come to expect. Directed by Patrick Hughes, the film ups the ante with a larger ensemble cast and more elaborate set pieces. However, while it succeeds in delivering spectacle, it struggles to balance its overcrowded cast and narrative.

Plot Overview

Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) and his team of elite mercenaries—Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), Gunner Jensen (Dolph Lundgren), and Toll Road (Randy Couture)—are back in action. This time, they face a personal threat: Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), a former Expendables co-founder turned ruthless arms dealer.

After a failed mission leaves one of their own gravely injured, Barney decides to retire his aging team and recruit a younger, tech-savvy group to take down Stonebanks. The new recruits include Thorn (Glen Powell), Luna (Ronda Rousey), Mars (Victor Ortiz), and Smilee (Kellan Lutz). However, when the new team is captured, the old guard must reunite for one final mission to save them and take down Stonebanks once and for all.

The Good: Action and Star Power

1. Star-Studded Cast:
One of the franchise’s biggest selling points is its cast, and The Expendables 3 does not disappoint. With action legends like Stallone, Statham, and Schwarzenegger alongside newcomers like Mel Gibson, Wesley Snipes, and Antonio Banderas, the film is packed with charisma and larger-than-life personalities.

• Mel Gibson delivers a standout performance as Stonebanks, bringing a level of menace and complexity that elevates the film’s villain.
• Antonio Banderas as Galgo steals scenes with his comedic timing and hyperactive energy, providing much-needed levity amidst the action.

2. Action-Packed Sequences:
From helicopter chases to building-shattering explosions, the film delivers on its promise of relentless action. The climax—a sprawling, multi-level battle in an abandoned building—is a masterclass in controlled chaos, with each character showcasing their unique combat style.

3. Nostalgia Factor:
The movie leans heavily on the nostalgia of its audience, referencing the golden age of action films from the 80s and 90s. The banter between Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and the rest of the old guard is a treat for long-time fans.

The Weaknesses: Overcrowded and Formulaic

1. Too Many Characters, Too Little Time:
While the expanded cast is impressive, it’s also a double-edged sword. With so many characters to juggle, many of them feel underdeveloped. The younger recruits, in particular, lack the depth or charm to make them memorable.

• Ronda Rousey’s Luna stands out among the new team for her physicality, but her character is given little to do beyond showcasing her martial arts skills.
• Veterans like Dolph Lundgren and Randy Couture are sidelined for much of the runtime, which feels like a missed opportunity.

2. Predictable Plot:
The storyline follows a familiar formula: team assembles, mission goes awry, and the old guard steps in to save the day. While this structure has worked in previous entries, it feels stale in The Expendables 3. The stakes never feel particularly high, and the outcome is predictable from the start.

3. Toned-Down Violence:
In an attempt to reach a broader audience, the film opts for a PG-13 rating, which noticeably impacts its gritty tone. The sanitized action lacks the visceral impact of the first two films, making it feel less intense.

Themes and Tone

At its core, The Expendables 3 is about legacy and the passage of time. The juxtaposition of the aging mercenaries with their younger counterparts underscores the inevitability of change. However, this theme is explored only superficially, as the film prioritizes action over introspection.

The tone is a mix of lighthearted banter and high-stakes drama, though the humor sometimes undercuts the tension. Antonio Banderas’ over-the-top performance, while entertaining, occasionally feels out of place in an otherwise serious narrative.

Visuals and Direction

Patrick Hughes delivers a visually polished film with slick cinematography and well-choreographed action sequences. However, the reliance on CGI in certain scenes detracts from the gritty, grounded feel of the earlier films. Practical effects would have added more authenticity to the explosive set pieces.

The pacing is uneven, with a sluggish middle act that focuses too much on recruiting the new team. Once the action ramps up in the third act, the film regains its momentum, but it’s a long wait to get there.

Standout Performances

• Mel Gibson as Conrad Stonebanks is a highlight, delivering a performance that is both menacing and charismatic. His scenes with Stallone crackle with tension, adding depth to their shared history.
• Antonio Banderas injects energy and humor into the film, providing a refreshing contrast to the stoic seriousness of the main cast.
• Sylvester Stallone brings his usual gravitas to Barney Ross, though the script doesn’t give him much new material to work with.

Final Thoughts

The Expendables 3 is a mixed bag. It delivers the explosive action and larger-than-life personalities that fans expect, but it falls short in terms of story and character development. The overcrowded cast and toned-down violence dilute the impact of what could have been a thrilling entry in the franchise.

That said, for fans of 80s and 90s action movies, The Expendables 3 offers enough nostalgia and star power to make it a worthwhile watch. It’s not the best in the series, but it’s an entertaining, if flawed, entry.

Rating: 6/10

While it may not break new ground, The Expendables 3 serves as a reminder of why we love these action icons in the first place.