Action cinema provides a uniquely engaging way to watch movies.

When it comes to movies, the cultural tides are always shifting.

What’s most disappointing aboutThe Expendablesishow little fun the whole affair is.

Custom image of Robert Pattinson as Neil in Tenet against a background with multiple frames of John David Washington as Protagonist

Image by Jefferson Chacon

Thankfully, the premise would finally be respected inthe far superior sequel,The Expendables 2.

SourceCodeis at its best when it’s setting up the premise.

The mechanics are far from convincing, but the gimmick is nifty nonetheless.

Iceman shaking hands with Maverick in ‘Top Gun’

Image via Paramount Pictures

A binding blood debt forces Wick back into the criminal underworld.

Yet,whatJohn Wick: Chapter 2adds in scope, it loses in charm.

Neither traitorous allies nor the FBI will stand in the way of Benjamin’s destiny.

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National Treasureis favorably remembered as a refreshing diversion from Disney’s usual family fare.

For many, it’s likely an introductory action/adventure movie.

Nostalgia aside,National Treasureisa rather ugly-looking, overlong, and relentlessly dumb movie.

A flying saucer attacks in Independence Day

Image via 20th Century Studios

Who would’ve thought that contract killing could reignite a passionless marriage?

& Mrs. Smithbecomes considerably less interesting, devolving intoa painfully standard, noisy action flickthat’s far from memorable.

The small pockets of the remaining civilization are terrorized by marauding street gangs who kill for entertainment.

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In all the mind-bending technical bravado, however,a key element ofTenetwas neglected: heart.

His latest mission: steal a valuable case from a speedy Japanese bullet train.

What Ladybug isn’t aware of is the cast of colorful characters that are also pursuing the same case.

The Expendables Cast

Image via Lionsgate

It’s bound to be a bumpy ride to Kyoto.

For all the glitz and flairBullet Trainprovides,there’s a startling lack of originality.

Both the aesthetic and script feel borrowed from better efforts of the past.

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NEXT:10 Essential Movies of the 1990s, Ranked

Jake Gyllenhaal as Colter Stevens works to defuse the train bomb in Source Code

Image via Summit Entertainment

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John Wick fighting another man in John Wick Chapter 2.

Image via Lionsgate

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Nicolas Cage as Ben Gates holding a torch in National Treasure

Image via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

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Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in white shirts, pointg their guns at a target offscreen, in Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Image via 20th Century Studios

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Max Rockatansky looking to the distance in ‘Mad Max’ (1979)

Image via Warner Bros.

Mad Max Poster

John David Washington as the Protagonist wearing a gas mask in Tenet

Image via Warner Bros.

Tenet Poster

Brad Pitt as Ladybug Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Tangerine in Bullet Train (2022)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

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Bullet Train