The Expendables 3

So you know exactly what to expect with The Expendables series and there's really no point me pointing out any glaring plot holes or lack of real character development or story because you know that these faults are going to be in there.

What I will say is that this third film is easily the best of the series and gives an indication as to where Stallone might push it next.

Dropping the guns blazing for one scene involving some new young recruits playing a mission stealthily shows that Stallone does have some idea of modern action cinema and is happy to play his part in that ("it's not 1985 anymore you can't go in the front door guns blazing" a particularly poignant line.)

Mel Gibson's baddie is suitably evil and equipped with an entire army which makes the final battle scene pretty epic.

Sure there are plot holes galore, the same horrible stereotyping and machismo and a waste of some of the big names (Harrison Ford in particular is reduced to a nothing-y role replacing Bruce Willis) but if you want big dumb action you know you can switch your brain off and have a good time.

3 stars ***