The Expendables 3

Franchises. Has Hollywood really become that huge money-making machine we see way too often via through so many franchises that are created? Seems like if a film does well (I mean financially), then it's time to do it again, not for art sake as much as for profit sake. And since people also seem to be into the 'series' mindset, I don't see the popularity in franchises waning any time soon. I'm sure this is why "The Expendables 3" will surely make even more money.

Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), Doc (Wesley Snipes) and the rest of the team come face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks subsequently became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill... or so he thought. Stonebanks, who eluded death once before, now is making it his mission to end The Expendables-- but Barney has other plans. Barney decides that he has to fight old blood with new blood, and brings in a new era of Expendables team members recruiting, through his buddy, Bonaparte (Kelsey Grammer), Smilee (Kellan Lutz), Luna (Ronda Rousey), Thorn (Greg Powell) and Mars (Victor Ortiz). It is through these individuals who are younger, faster, and more tech-saavy that Barney feels can help him to get the job done. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style vs. high-tech expertise in The Expendables' most personal battle yet.

Others to round out the cast are Antonio Banderas as Galgo, Jet Li as Yin Yang, Dolph Lundgren as Gunnar Jensen, Randy Couture as Toll Road, Terry Crews as Caesar, Harrison Ford as Drummer, Arnold Scwarzenegger as Trench, Robert Davi as Goran Vata and Ivan Kostadinov as Krug.

Even though he has only one other feature film to his credit, "Red Hill" '10, Patrick Hughes is a director to contend with. His ability to mix passion, humor with the usual degree of masculine comraderie is truly played out well here. He could be the next John McTiernan (Die Hard films) or John G. Avildsen (some of the Rocky films). It was written by Stallone, Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt based on a story by Stallone which is based on characters created by David Callaham. Considering there were as many as three writers involved, it was surprisingly written well--albeit not great, but not bad. It was just a bit too predictable, however, there were a few places where one would be waiting for the next obvious move, and it would go a slightly different way. The best thing was seeing all these actions stars--both past and present mixing it up in one film which made this formulaic film work. The stunt work coupled with the editing was also well implemented. Oh, and not to worry all you guys out there, there has already been an "Expendables 4" announced. What a shock! Not!!

Certainly if you like action films, this franchise is the king of them and you will be in action heaven, but even if you're not, it still has talent in the stunt work and editing that will take you on the ride of your life. Hasta la vista, baby!

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                 Rated: PG-13                               124mins.