Introduction

After more than a decade of muscle-bound mayhem, The Expendables 5: Back for War returns with the swagger of a franchise that understands exactly what its audience wants: explosive spectacle, unapologetic machismo, and the enduring charm of its aging action titans. As someone who has spent over ten years studying genre cinema and the shifting landscape of action filmmaking, I approached this sequel with a mix of curiosity and nostalgia. What follows is a seasoned critic’s perspective on how the film measures up to its predecessors and the legacy it aims to preserve.

Story & Setting

This installment thrusts the Expendables into the chaotic jungles of Borneo, where a violent uprising triggers an international crisis. The narrative wastes no time setting up a combustible battleground—dense foliage, guerilla warfare, and a seemingly endless supply of enemies eager to collide with the team’s firepower. Though the storyline is thin, it serves its purpose: to keep the explosions loud, the punches hard, and the stakes clear.

Performance Breakdown

Sylvester Stallone as Barney Ross

Stallone’s Barney remains the spiritual backbone of the franchise. Here, he plays the seasoned commander with a quiet ferocity. His performance feels grounded despite the chaos, offering a sense of emotional weight that elevates several scenes beyond pure spectacle.

Jason Statham as Lee Christmas

Once again, Statham delivers the film’s most agile and charismatic action beats. His knife work, close combat sequences, and sardonic charm inject the movie with momentum. He effectively becomes the film’s kinetic pulse, especially during its most frenetic battles.

Dolph Lundgren as Gunnar Jensen

Lundgren leans into Gunnar’s unpredictable energy—part bruiser, part wildcard. His blend of humor, grit, and raw firepower brings texture to a character who might otherwise be overshadowed by the heavy artillery surrounding him.

Megan Fox as Gina

Fox steps confidently into her role as Gina, a mercenary with equal parts brains and brutality. Her presence adds a refreshing dynamic, balancing the veteran bravado with modern action sensibilities. She holds her own among the franchise’s icons, offering sharp physicality and a commanding screen presence.

Action & Cinematography

The film delivers what the Expendables name promises: massive firefights, brutal takedowns, and unapologetically over-the-top set pieces. Practical effects blend with CG enhancements to create a visceral jungle battlefield. The cinematography favors wide, sweeping shots to capture the scale of destruction, punctuated by tight close-ups during hand-to-hand combat. The result is chaotic yet coherent—just polished enough to feel modern while preserving the gritty charm of classic ’80s action films.

What Works

• Explosive ensemble chemistry that still feels engaging.
• Strong action choreography anchored by Statham and Stallone.
• Megan Fox’s surprising versatility in combat-driven scenes.
• A nostalgic tone that pays homage to the franchise’s roots.

What Falls Short

• A simple storyline that prioritizes action over narrative depth.
• Occasional repetition in the film’s combat structures.
• Minimal character development for several ensemble members.

Final Verdict

Rating: 8/10

The Expendables 5: Back for War delivers exactly what long-time fans crave—bombastic action wrapped in the camaraderie of iconic heroes. While it doesn’t strive for reinvention, it excels in embracing the unapologetic excess that defines the franchise. If you’re ready for a barrage of bullets, explosions, and old-school bravado, this entry will not disappoint.