Scott Waugh (Act of Valor, Need for Speed) directs this fourth installment in the Expendables franchise, a series of comedic action flicks about a group of mercenaries. Its gimmick has been to blend aging and up-and-coming action stars.
This time around, they’re tasked with stopping a terrorist organization headed by Suarto Rahmat (Iko Uwais), who’s trying to set off a nuclear weapon that will start a war between the U.S. and Russia. Sylvester Stallone returns as Barney Ross, team leader; Jason Statham as second in command Lee Christmas; Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as new member Easy Day; Megan Fox as Gina, a CIA agent and Lee’s girlfriend; and Andy Garcia as CIA Agent Marsh.
As you might expect, it’s colossally dumb, with a timeline that makes zero sense. It opens in Libya with a takeover of a chemical plant that’s still going on despite a side plot to retrieve Barney’s skull ring from a bar, assemble the team, and fly overseas. I spent most of the film distracted by Fox’s lip filler and repeated references to Randy Couture’s cauliflower ear. Halfway through, my wife tuned out and listened to a podcast. I sat through every cringy, uninspired moment. (103 min.)
—Glen Starkey
This article appears in Sep 28 – Oct 8, 2023.
