A WORD OR TWO ABOUT 'THE EXPENDABLES 3'

The aviator! Harrison's back in action for THE EXPENDABLES 3. Images: LIONSGATE FILMS.

I'd previously skipped the second chapter of Sylvester Stallone's mass action heroes icon gathering that is THE EXPENDABLES saga, but I was very glad to have caught up with this new third one, released today in the UK. This time out, Stallone's talent for getting the likes of buddies and former box office screen competitors like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jet Li, Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Dolph Lundgren, and, most importantly, and quite surprisingly, Harrison Ford proved too irresistible a combo for me not to see. Ignoring what there is of an actual plot- there isn't really one, it's literally payback against an insane former "Expendable" in Mel Gibson (having an OTT ball here!) - I have to report being overall pretty impressed with the slick and fast-paced THE EXPENDABLES 3. For such a large cast, everyone seemed to have their moment in the sun character and action stakes-wise (and not afraid to make the occasional mockery of themselves in the process), whilst the fun these icons obviously had making it actually translates well to the screen (better than a lot of these other big name buddy-type movies), culminating in a genuinely exciting and spectacularly all-action finale within an abandoned, shady Eastern European hotel complex. Indeed, the film, directed with verve by Patrick Hughes, looks like it's had a deservedly way bigger cash injection since the originals unexpected box office release in 2010, and that's equally good news.

The Expendables 3 Trailer (Exclusive Trailer) - IMDb

As for a certain Mister Ford's appearance, well I was only expecting a cameo- perhaps a few minutes at the beginning and at the end as the suited CIA initiator, but surprisingly he was in the film quite a bit- his finale scenes in his guise as a shades-wearing, subtly daring, race against time helicopter pilot (clearly reflecting his real life aviation-loving air skills) proving a combination of an older, more grizzled Jack Ryan with the gung-ho-ness of Han Solo. It's nice to see Ford in action again, looking very comfortable in the pilot seat, as we get ready for his EPISODE VII contribution.

The gang's all here!

So, if you're wavering about seeing the film where it deserves to be seen - in the movie theatre, don't. Just buckle up and enjoy the big dumb fun action and nostalgia-fest that is THE EXPENDABLES 3.