775 replies to this topic

[Captain Tightpants]

Yeah, Knowles seems to have lost it. His reviews tend to be pretty embarrassing nowadays.

I actually struggled to read his EXPENDABLES review. It was so disjointed to the point where it was Python-esque: I'm betting he just put all his throughts onto the page as they bubbled up inside him and he just splurged them out without really thinking about it or going for coherence. He also seems to be really selective at times - he reviews THE EXPENABLES and PREDATORS, but not INCEPTION? I get that it might not have bene his sort of thing, but he owns AICN and every other reviewer (Massawyrm, Capone, Mr. Beaks and even a few of the less-frequent ones) did it, so it's kind of expected that he does the big releases - and sometimes he doesn't seem too impartial, like with GODZILLA.

He's a scary-looking bloke, too.

[DR76]

I hope to see THE EXPENDABLES . . . when it is released on cable television.

[The Shark]

Yeah, Knowles seems to have lost it. His reviews tend to be pretty embarrassing nowadays.

I actually struggled to read his EXPENDABLES review. It was so disjointed to the point where it was Python-esque...

Monty or Makeshift?

[Captain Tightpants]

When was the last time you knew Makeshift to post a disjointed anything? I mean Knowles' review was like those stream-of-consciousness segments Monty Python's Flying Circus used to do, with missiles coming out of churches and whatever. Knowles seems to have put his throughts on the page without anything to bind them together, so the whole thing is a bit of a mess.

[Loomis]

Well, here's AICN's Quint on THE EXPENDABLES:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/46076

I’m sad to say I didn’t love it like Harry did. In fact, I was pretty let down by the movie. ... This isn’t a throwback to ‘80s action films, it feels like a much higher budgeted and talent filled Direct to DVD movie, with some horribly out of place CG effects. Now CG could be used to great extent in this movie and I wouldn’t have minded it… I just wish it was done better. There are CG laser sights and bullet hits on glass that look just as silly as Wolverine’s claws in that horrible X-Men Origins movie. ... I do hope this movie’s a success so we can see the inevitable sequel because I honestly believe Stallone has all the right ingredients, he just undercooked this meal if you catch my drift.

[Harmsway]

Well, here's AICN's Quint on THE EXPENDABLES:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/46076

I’m sad to say I didn’t love it like Harry did. In fact, I was pretty let down by the movie. ... This isn’t a throwback to ‘80s action films, it feels like a much higher budgeted and talent filled Direct to DVD movie, with some horribly out of place CG effects. Now CG could be used to great extent in this movie and I wouldn’t have minded it… I just wish it was done better. There are CG laser sights and bullet hits on glass that look just as silly as Wolverine’s claws in that horrible X-Men Origins movie. ... I do hope this movie’s a success so we can see the inevitable sequel because I honestly believe Stallone has all the right ingredients, he just undercooked this meal if you catch my drift.

Hmmm.

[Loomis]

Well, it's starting to look as though THE EXPENDABLES isn't brilliant, but at the same time it does seem as though it's reasonably entertaining and worthwhile. Eight days to go and hopefully I'll find out.

[terminus]

Don't know if this appeals to me - even if Statham is in it. There are movies higher on my 'to watch' list.

[Loomis]

Such as?

[The Shark]

Such as?

CATS & DOGS: REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE and STEP UP 3D.

No doubt...

[dodge]

Lets wait at least until opening Friday before we put on our stomping boots to fill up the schadenfreude wine bottles

Very well.

You sound almost sullenly disappointed by the possibility that this little baby might do the box office boogie and actually be a good time.

[DamnCoffee]

What does everyone make of this?

Sylvester Stallone has said that he has a "radical" idea for an Expendables sequel.

The actor told the Los Angeles Times that he is hoping big box office returns will allow him to make a follow-up to his blockbuster, which features action stars Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

He said: "If this does perform, I think it will open a little more liquidity in funding the sequel. I have an idea ready to go.

"People think doing a sequel is easy, but it's not because you need the element of surprise. I'm going to try to do something that's quite radical."

The Expendables opens in the US this weekend and bows in the UK on August 19.

[dodge]

Well, Harry Knowles' review is in. Predictably enough, he praises it to the skies as a flick that "harnesses the outrageousness of a COBRA, the mayhem of JOHN RAMBO, the manitude of the first 30 minutes of PREDATOR all with a bit of soul, friendship and fist-pumping that I adore from this type of film".

Now, he does warn that THE EXPENDABLES isn't as good as DIE HARD, and makes a couple of baffling STAR WARS comparisons (really, this is one of his silliest reviews ever), but, basically, this is an absolute rave.

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/46060

Harry tells it like it is. Except he should have stated that it's better than DIE HARD, ROCKY AND RAMBO combined.

[Harmsway]

You sound almost sullenly disappointed by the possibility that this little baby might do the box office boogie and actually be a good time.

Quite the opposite, Dodgester. While I'm by no means an enormous action film fan, and while I've not been crazy about anything I've seen related to THE EXPENDABLES, a good, fun, ol' fashioned action flick would be a nice way to end the summer, which so far has been quite light as far as good, fun entertainment is concerned. Truth be told, I find the wave of disappointed reviews, well, disappointing. Not that I expected THE EXPENDABLES to be an outright critical smash, but it does seem as though many among the Stallone-supporting fanboy brigade aren't satisfied with the film.

[dodge]

You sound almost sullenly disappointed by the possibility that this little baby might do the box office boogie and actually be a good time.

Quite the opposite, Dodgester. While I'm by no means an enormous action film fan, and while I've not been crazy about anything I've seen related to THE EXPENDABLES, a good, fun, ol' fashioned action flick would be a nice way to end the summer, which so far has been quite light as far as good, fun entertainment is concerned. Truth be told, I find the wave of disappointed reviews, well, disappointing. Not that I expected THE EXPENDABLES to be an outright critical smash, but it does seem as though many among the Stallone-supporting fanboy brigade aren't satisfied with the film.

I'm pleased by your reply and your openness to viewing this action masterpiece with an open mind. It isn't often that I get to love a film this deeply before I've even seen it. And I won't stop until it earns the $300 mil I've predicted.

[Messervy]

Truth be told, I find the wave of disappointed reviews, well, disappointing. Not that I expected THE EXPENDABLES to be an outright critical smash, but it does seem as though many among the Stallone-supporting fanboy brigade aren't satisfied with the film.

Well, The Expendables is a sheer action movie, and action movies don't often get good reviews. And then we must take into consideration the fact that it's a Stallone movie, and Stallone movies seldom (never?) get good reviews. Even Rocky Balboa didn't get good reviews (at least at first). So mixing the 2 means that it is almost inevitable that the majority of reviews won't be positive.

But it was always said that this movie was going to be about Bangs! and Whams! I don't recall any interview or promotion drive stating that it would be an in-depth analysis of the dark sides of our society or whatever. It is a "my fist your face" movie, nothing more. And, as such, I think it is brilliantly done for what it is.

I count myself one of the Stallone-supporting fanboy brigade, as you rightly say, and I had a tremendous moment watching The Expendables. Not the greatest movie ever, of course, but clearly a great time. Sheer joyful entertainment (as a matter of fact, it was the first time in my life I actually applauded some scenes! The whole cinema was like crazy and yelled out loud). And from what I hear from those other members of the Brigade who've already seen it, the pleasure is there for everyone of them. As yet, I haven't met any Sly fanboy who's not satisfied with the film.

[Loomis]

Someone on AICN called "Fatboy Roberts" has weighed in with his two cents on THE EXPENDABLES.

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/46106

I love action movies. Not in the safe way that a lot of people love them; distanced, ironic, stashing their pleasure behind the descriptor “guilty,” and laughing at the movie as often as they laugh with it. When I say I love “The Rock,” I love it un-ironically. When I put 2008’s “Rambo” on that year’s 10-best list, I meantthat . The kineticism, the viscera, the speed, the weight – these are things action cinema can offer in ways no other genre of film can, and it’s why many are willing to forgive genre classics like “Commando” for shortcomings like perfunctory plot, hammy acting and razor thin characterization. Those things are all secondary, even tertiary, to the thrill of watching people get utterly ruined in ridiculiciously brutal ways. I love a good action movie, man.

The Expendables is a big piece of . It couldn’t be a bigger piece of if its name was Womack. And it’s not like it had a particularly high bar to reach. I’m referencing “The Rock,” but I’m not using that as the measuring stick. I’m not even using Stallone’s last film, although that’s a very fair comparison point. For me, personally, all this movie had to do was improve on “The Losers,” Sylvain White’s braindead mercs-on-a-mission film from the beginning of the summer. With that criteria? Forget generous, I was being goddamned charitable to “The Expendables,” considering I thought “The Losers” sounded like a script written by a 15 year old’s , and looked like it was directed by Tony Scott with a massive headwound. And yet “The Expendables” still falls short.

You know what’s really disappointing? It’s not the plotting, or the acting, or the characterization. As an action fan, I can forgive those things their absence, if the action is done properly. Well, those things are sure as absent from this movie, and the action is bad. Not “okay,” not “serviceable.” It’s bad. I mentioned “Commando” earlier; this movie is like if “Commando” got sloppy drunk and started oversharing with strangers at the bar, and all you want to do is slowly slink away before something unfortunate happens. By “unfortunate,” I mean the story.

[Harmsway]

Eesh. If Fatboy Roberts is right, then THE EXPENDABLES is worse than something like, say, INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. I have a hard time imagining that being the case.

[Loomis]

Eesh. If Fatboy Roberts is right, then THE EXPENDABLES is worse than something like, say, INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. I have a hard time imagining that being the case.

Given that THE EXPENDABLES opens tomorrow in the United States, I'm surprised that so few reviews have hit the web. Where are all the professional critics on this one?

Harms, will you be seeing THE EXPENDABLES over the weekend, or are you waiting on further word before committing yourself to a theatrical viewing?

[Messervy]

Eesh. If Fatboy Roberts is right, then THE EXPENDABLES is worse than something like, say, INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. I have a hard time imagining that being the case.

If half of what the critics said was right, then we would never go to the movies anymore ...

I have a complete opposite view than this guy. Just stating that you love action movies doesn't mean your opinion is Truth Revealed. I too love action movie, which means my review is as relevant as his, since his only conceptual framework is that he loves action movies. And, well, I really liked this film. So, ...

[terminus]

Such as?

No, I want to see the A-Team. I want to see Sorcerers Apprentice, Scott Pilgrim and I want to see Knight and Day. And that's out of the films out right now. This movie just doesn't appeal to me, that said I was never that fond of the stars original action endeavours or coming out soon, with the exception of Statham's Transporter and Crank series (tho, a lot of that is 'cos Statham looks v. tasty topless).

[Harmsway]

Harms, will you be seeing THE EXPENDABLES over the weekend, or are you waiting on further word before committing yourself to a theatrical viewing?

I'll wait for further word. Probably from you, since I don't know too many people who will be running out to see it. Not that if you love it, it's a guarantee I'll like it (my attitude towards ROCKY BALBOA, while positive, isn't overly enthusiastic, and I found RAMBO distasteful), but I daresay you'll have a good sense as to whether or not it will be something I'll enjoy. Honestly, the reviews sound as though THE EXPENDABLES might make for better "rainy day rental" viewing than for theatrical viewing.

If I do see a film this weekend, it will be SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD, a highly divisive little film from filmmaker Edgar Wright that attempts to take video game nostalgia and turn it into an enjoyable romp. Some think it's nothing special, others think it's the new FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF. But I might not get out to see that, either.

[Loomis]

I'll wait for further word. Probably from you, since I don't know too many people who will be running out to see it. Not that if you love it, it's a guarantee I'll like it (my attitude towards ROCKY BALBOA, while positive, isn't overly enthusiastic, and I found RAMBO distasteful), but I daresay you'll have a good sense as to whether or not it will be something I'll enjoy. Honestly, the reviews sound as though THE EXPENDABLES might make for better "rainy day rental" viewing than for theatrical viewing.

All being well, I'll see THE EXPENDABLES next Thursday, which is the day it opens over here. I'll put my review up here on the same day, of course.

I'm greatly looking forward to it, but then again I must confess that my expectations are not exactly skyscrapingly high. Still, I'm sure it'll wipe the floor with INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL, LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD and QUANTUM OF SOLACE.

Frankly, though, I find it hard to imagine that I'll be urging you to see THE EXPENDABLES on the big screen. For you, I think it'll work best as a rainy day rental. It seems pretty clear that THE EXPENDABLES is a flick for the initiated only, but that even some of the initiated (the Fatboy Robertses of this world) don't like it.

[Safari Suit]

The bad ACIN reviews are genuinely discouraging. Even though I generally find their reviews moronic and repellent, they are representative of the film's core audience. I think Sly's going to regret hitching his wagon to the AICN crowd so much if there is a major Expendables backlash; they will be the first to turn on him if he messes up, and as far as these guys are concerned if you made a disappointing film you might as well be an axe murderer.

[Loomis]

Well, one thing I'll say about the Ain't It Cool Talkbackers is that they sure do like to bitch and moan. They also seem to feel that, with THE EXPENDABLES, Stallone promised them the Second Coming.

To inject a bit of positivity, here's a rave review (from a woman, no less! ):

http://www.urbancine...17063&s=Reviews

[Safari Suit]

Well, one thing I'll say about the Ain't It Cool Talkbackers is that they sure do like to bitch and moan. They also seem to feel that, with THE EXPENDABLES, Stallone promised them the Second Coming.

They started turning on him the second the first(ish) review came in, which said it wasn't great and would have been better if it had been written by bloody Joss Whedon or something. The talkbackers instantly started chiming in with "of course this is going to be rubbish, what can you expect from these hacks?" etc. The ACIN crowd will love him as long as he's making them remember how great life was when they were 8 or whatever, but when he lets them down he'll be person non grata.

[Goodnight]

Well Jason Statham is in it.


http://www.theage.co...6492595960.html


I love this photo.

[dodge]

Well, one thing I'll say about the Ain't It Cool Talkbackers is that they sure do like to bitch and moan. They also seem to feel that, with THE EXPENDABLES, Stallone promised them the Second Coming.

To inject a bit of positivity, here's a rave review (from a woman, no less! ):

http://www.urbancine...17063&s=Reviews

Thanks for the positive review. But, seriously, all of you need to await mine, which will motivate even Harmsway to rush to the big screen to savor the groovy mise en scenes that every one else has missed. I will show the film to be both a cultural and cinematic milestone. Let the meatheads moan and groan, the Dodgester will come to Sly's rescue.

[Loomis]

Mickey Rourke's speech is the thing I'm most looking forward to in this film.

[Tarl_Cabot]

Rambo got mixed reviews and I loved the out of it.