The Expendables 5: Back for War — English Review
Directed by: Sylvester Stallone (with Scott Waugh returning)
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Terry Crews, Ronda Rousey, Iko Uwais, Harrison Ford, Charlize Theron, with Keanu Reeves and Mads Mikkelsen
Plot & Concept
Set three years after Expend4bles, the team—led once again by Barney Ross (Stallone)—faces a deadly conspiracy from the Shadow Legion, which threatens global peace with a potent terrorist strike. Their mission leads them through varied locales (Tokyo streets, Middle Eastern deserts, Swiss Alps), delivering globe-spanning action and explosive set pieces
Pros
- Return to legacy roots: Stallone takes the director’s helm, delivering nostalgic grit and tighter pacing compared to the limp fourth film reddit.com+3news.citestesitu.com+3reddit.com+3.
- Ensemble synergy: A multigenerational cast provides variety—from seasoned stars to athletic newcomers—bringing fresh dynamics and star power .
- Emotional resonance: Themes of legacy, mortality, and sacrifice give the film a surprisingly grounded center amid its bombastic intensity news.citestesitu.com.
- High-caliber action: From martial-arts clashes to explosive stunts, the action is unapologetically bold and visceral, matching the franchise’s DNA reddit.com+14icamta.com+14news.citestesitu.com+14.
Cons
- Predictable storyline: The narrative follows familiar patterns—global threat, final showdown—without subverting expectations .
- Uneven visual polish: Some CGI-driven moments lack the tangible feel of practical effects, giving certain action beats a less immersive quality apnews.com+5news.citestesitu.com+5rottentomatoes.com+5.
- Underdeveloped supporting cast: While high-profile additions like Theron and Reeves add flair, several characters aren’t fully fleshed out, leaving them side-lined
Early Buzz & Box Office Outlook
- With Expend4bles’ dismal performance (just $51M on a $100M budget, critical panning) screenrant.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15imdb.com+15, expectations are cautious.
- Still, Stallone’s deeper involvement plus the two-part setup have generated renewed fan interest. Industry estimates suggest a breakthrough around a B+ CinemaScore and improved critical reception—but the franchise needs >$400M worldwide to break even news.citestesitu.com.
Final Verdict
The Expendables 5: Back for War is a marked improvement over its predecessor—a nostalgic, full‑throttle return to the franchise’s roots. Stallone’s direction sharpens the pacing, the cast delivers powerhouse energy, and the emotional stakes lend unexpected weight. It’s not groundbreaking, and it leans into genre familiarity—but for fans craving explosive camaraderie and unapologetic action, it delivers the thrills in spades.
Who Should Watch?
- Hardcore action fans who miss the over-the-top brawls and one-liners.
- Franchise loyalists hunting nostalgic team dynamics and familiar faces.
- New viewers seeking spectacle, but be prepared for cliched plotting and CGI dips.
