The Expenda Bum

The dream team of action movies is on the way, and I couldn’t be more excited. Today I watched the trailer for “The Expendables” and it looks awesome. Sylvester Stallone was able to accumulate some of the best action stars from the last 25 years in this blow ‘em up tour de force. Stallone also wrote and directed the movie, and that is going to make every guy say let’s go, and most girls say, hell no.

Either way this is one cheesy popcorn movie that makes me giddy with anticipation. Sure there are a lot of other action movies coming out this summer, but this one looks like it is unlike anything else. It is “The Dirty Dozen” of the new millennium. It’s over the top with ridiculous catch phrases, and way way to much violence…….perfect.

I really don’t think that Stallone has gotten the credit he deserves in Hollywood, or even by his fans. He has written and/or directed most of his biggest hits including the Rocky and Rambo movies, and even at the ripe old age of 64 shows no sign of slowing down. A fifth Rambo movie is in the works and set to be released next year.

“The Expendables” looks to be what a summer movie should be, and like I said the cast he put together are unlike any other. Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Ludgren, Steve Austin, Mickey Rourke, Randy Couture, Eric Roberts, Terry Crews, and of coarse Stallone himself in all of his snarling glory. It even features a couple cameos by the only other two guys that have made more money at the action movie box office then Stallone. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Willis add their faces to a couple of scenes, and I’m sure the studio made sure they ended up in the trailer. Stallone did try to get Jean-Claude Van Damme involved, but he turned it down claiming that there was no substance in the character.

Also, Wesley Snipes was offered a role but couldn't accept because, of his tax problems he wasn't allowed to leave the United States without the court's approval. The role was taken by Forest Whitiker and rewritten for him, but he was forced to leave the film due to a scheduling conflict. Then it was announced that rapper 50 Cent was replacing Whitaker, many fans were disappointed and, after a few days, Stallone decided to cast former NFL player Terry Crews in the part. Crews has been around along time, and trust me you know who he is. He is one of those actors that you see on the screen, and say “hey I know that guy”.

Steven Segal was offered a role as well, but turned it down do to personal issues with one of the producers, and Kurt Russell turned down a cameo because he didn’t want to be involved in "ensemble acting at the moment".

I have to hand it to Stallone, he did his best to put together a who’s who of wham bam movie stars, and through all the personalities and egos did a pretty good job. My only hope is that my anticipation doesn’t outweigh my enjoyment when it finally comes out in August. But hey, I’m not looking for an Academy Award winning film. Just two hours of fun in the theater, and from the trailer that looks like exactly what we are going to get.