Barney, Christmas and the rest of the team comes face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks, 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 individuals who are younger, faster and more tech-savvy. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style versus high-tech expertise in the Expendables’ most personal battle yet.
The Expendables 3, trading on our affection for action stars of the past, has officially worn out its already shaky welcome.
– Peter Travers,
Rolling Stone,
15 Aug 2014
rotten:
The series did reignite a few careers and bring forth one decent popcorn movie (The Expendables 2). Rather than artificially extend its life, maybe the time has come to say Rest in Peace.
– Michael Sragow,
Orange County Register,
15 Aug 2014
rotten:
For a variety of reasons, most having to do with a weak screenplay and poor pacing, The Expendables 3 is the least successful entry in the series.
– James Berardinelli,
ReelViews,
15 Aug 2014
rotten:
A wasted opportunity.
– Richard Roeper,
Richard Roeper.com,
15 Aug 2014
fresh:
At this point, the Expendables have formed and reformed so many times they're like the world's most macho wife swap, the action version of Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice.