I snuck in to see The Expendables, and that might be the best way to see it. Thinking back to my youth when if I wanted to see a rated “R” movie, it was a covert operation, The Expendables should cater to the same boyish desire to see ridiculous action and stuff blow up. Stallone’s new movie almost does just that, but there is way too much explanation and story early on. It has its moments, but I think the recent Rambo is a better way to spend your time if you want that 80s sensibility of alpha action movies.

The entire cast does pretty well, never over extending their acting reach, but they leave any of the acting to Statham and Rourke, both who perform circles around the rest of the cast. The real shame here, is in having both Jason Statham and Jet Li in this movie requires a some great shots to show off their powerful and dynamic moves. The Expendables opts for a poorly emulated hand held style that is way to close to the action. Maybe they were aiming for the wonderfully choreographed look of the Bourne movies or the recent Taken; but it ended up a muddled mess reminiscent of the action in Batman Begins.

Terry Crews is barely in the movie, but his little time on screen with his automatic co-star are the part of the movie that got the most primal enjoyment out of me. Stuff goes boom good. Its kind of a spoiler revealed in the trailer, but seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, and Stallone in the same room talking is brilliant. Arnold walks into the scene, and without saying a word is already chewing scenery. The man has presence most action movie stars today can only dream of.

I suppose its worth checking out for free, but watch it with some friends to help you through the dull bits. This movie has fun big action, but its not quite the powder keg that Rambo was.