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Stallone's take on THE EXPENDABLES Screening last night
Hey folks, Harry here - and ya know what - it is a strange strange thing to wake up hearing Sylvester Stallone's voice - but as my waking eyes looked at the caller ID, I knew what it was about. Last night, as you know, in Chatsworth, there was a test screening for THE EXPENDABLES, since Sly was calling me, I could only assume we got some reviews in that he wished to discuss. I assumed correctly. However, I was at a disadvantage - as I had not yet seen the reviews.
Sly was in a good mood. A tad annoyed at the one negative review, because the film tested very high with the audience, not the disaster that the one reviewer was making it out to be. That said, Sly had no qualms talking about the short comings of the film in its current state. You see, this was the first time that Sly was seeing the film outside of a monitor. When putting the cut together, he decided to test a whole series of elements that he was on the fence for. He discovered that there were several moments that he could lose, because they didn't play with an audience the way they were intended. Basically, this screening was, what at the heart of the Test Screening process... what it is all about. He talked about how he had this one song laid into the movie that just completely did not work. Dolph telling the infamous joke that I detailed upon my set visit - that's going the way of the DoDo. That said, Sly felt the overall tone of "The Recruiter" review was written with no regard for the changes that even a blind man coming out the screening would make. As Sly said, "Judging the film at this point is like pointing at that little girl with braces and making fun of her. You do know, those braces are coming off and you'll regret making fun of her."
Now, I don't think Sly intended to call THE EXPENDABLES a little girl in braces, but I do think he hit on something, when he mentioned taking those braces off. Even in "The Recruiter's" review - "A perfect film...for 1985."
Did "The Recruiter" mean 1985 as an insult? Because I remember 1985 pretty goddamn well. That was a pretty damn good year for Sly. He made ROCKY IV and RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD PART II. That was the year that Arnold made COMMANDO. Billy Friedkin unloaded the awesome TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. upon us - and Jon Voight and Eric Roberts were fucking astonishing in RUNAWAY TRAIN. Mickey Rourke was kicking ass in YEAR OF THE DRAGON and Jackie Chan was unbelievably awesome in POLICE STORY. Charles Bronson was in his third DEATH WISH movie and REMO WILLIAMS began his adventure. Christopher Walken had amazing hair in A VIEW TO A KILL and some hack named Akira Kurosawa made RAN while Kasdan made SILVERADO.
Well, if THE EXPENDABLES is a "perfect film for 1985" then I can pretty much declare, "THANK FUCKING GOD!"
I'll mention one last story before letting you go, that Stallone related to me. This goes all the way back to the initial test screening for FIRST BLOOD, the original Rambo film. Sly's agent left the film to puke in the alley. The film was three hours and fifteen minutes long at that stage. Sly asked his agent what they could do, and his agent told him to buy back the negative and burn it.
Now imagine that. At one point, Sylvester Stallone's own agent, upon seeing a cut of FIRST BLOOD, felt it was so awful, that it deserved to be burnt. I can't imagine. But Sly said they got back into the editing room and edited it down to 93 minutes and it became a classic.
With the film being released August 13th, 2010 - Sly's got plenty of tinkering time, and as anyone that has watched Stallone work with the process can tell, he's incredibly open to change. I don't know about you, but I'm dying to see what this film is going to be. Right?
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+ Expand All
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Ya know?
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or should I say, knuckle walking...
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I'm truly looking forward to this film. Sly has great intuition and this is his baby.
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When will that be released???
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Feb 10, 2010 5:44:45 PM CST
"Billy Friedkin" LOL! You play golf together or something?
by yackbacker
I wish Sly the best of luck in finalizing this picture. I'm ready to buy my ticket when its released. But Harry, you're making this sound too much like an apology for something that hasn't disappointed anyone yet. Relax.
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doesn't come until August. This person was just reporting on what they saw though, and that was a fair review. That's why people have test screenings, to decide what works and what doesn't.
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Seriously, I love pretty much everything you have been involved with. You seem to really be able to find what is fun with action movies.
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No reason to get up in arms about a test screening. Odds are, the people on this site who've decided to see it will be doing so whether each and every test screening review says it's a piece of shit. And Harry, quit using the phrase "that said". You've worn it down to a fine grain.
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That horrible stinking pile of excrement? Really? You thought that movie was good?
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If that was a test viewing, then he is inital to his opinon. I dont think he ment specificly 1985, more than just mid 80's. Im sure there will be changes made, but they guy's got a right to his opinion, and should be heard as it was a test screen for that very purpose
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IT SAID ALL THE RIGHT THINGS TO MAKE ME GIDDY FOR THIS MOVIE!!!
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To be trashing Remo Williams pal....
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Sly, you are on a roll...and it sounds like that roll will continue with what will be one of the biggest hits of the summer. Don't listen to the haters!
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So, he has allowed a negative opinion to be made available on his site. For anyone saying Harry is a shill, keep that in mind.
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Transformers=Shite.
Remo Williams=Classic?
Have any of you actually WATCHED Remo Williams lately? Joel Grey was an abomination. -
Feb 10, 2010 5:53:16 PM CST
I agree that if this film evokes 1985 it is going to rock
by soylentmean
I also agree that Harry should let the folks that visit AICN what the hell is going on with the way tardy DVD column. I know I've said that before.
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If every director read every internet test screening review for their films, we'd be MUCH worse off.
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I know , i realise that, i was talking more about Sly's reaction to it
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Sly, tell your buddy ARNOLD that the fans want him to make some hard hitting R rated action films like how you make them. TRUE LIES 2 and COMMANDO II would work well in the vien of RAMBO and THE EXPENDABLES. Please let Arnie know. THE EXPENDABLES will be a huge hit Sly, count on it!
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After all, if you don't want someone's opinion then what's the point in having a test screening? With that being said, I'm giving Sly the benefit of the doubt here, and will assume that The Recruiter missed the mark. Nonetheless, The Recruiter is still entitled to his opinion just as much as those who gave positive feedback.
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It IS a strange strange thing to wake up hearing Sylvester Stallone's voice. It is an even STRANGER thing to wake up and remove his cock from your mouth. What's that like, Harry?
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it's called Rambo. It pretty much ripped my jaw off with its awesomeness!
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...a contributing reviewer at AICN has ever had....even commentary from Stallone himself. That's worthy of praise. Also, there was nothing vindictive about the Recruiter's review...it was just his honest take. The second reviewer, however, didn't go into detail about the film, and then starts going into a negative diatribe about Avatar. I think he's more representative of an AICN talkbacker...whether that's a good or bad thing...depends on you.
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I can't wait for this movie. 1980's were the action decade. Rocky Balboa was a beautiful wrap up,Rambo was an amazing close out (HINT SLY HINT, PLEASE DONT DO RAMBO V REMEMBER ROCKY V?!) film, and Expendables is the one film this year i get giddy thinking about. Oh that and fucking Iron Man 2
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Yeah, in that case I think you're right. The Recruiter explained his opinions in a pretty rational manner, so his opinion is legit.
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someone at last nights event claims that sly made a comment about being in line for the directors job and possible supporting role on die hard 5. Apparent;ly willis confirmed this with one of those hollywood shows (access hollywood or ET?)Is this true?
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He's not Al Pacino or DeNiro. He's an action star.
And, at this stage of his career, he's perfectly situated to play the grisled old veteran.
Now, how's this for a thought. Sly makes a starring or cameo role in Avatar II as the commander sent to Pandora to take revenge on the Na'vi. -
were both excellent films, can't wait for The Expendables. Stallone knows where to position his cameras, something JJ Abrams and co have yet to learn.
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And people still might not like it, I wonder what sly will say. And I'm not a hater, I'm going into this with an open mind. Does sly's response mean he's still making refinements to the expendables?
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I doubt Expendibles will disappoint any warm blooded male. He's making this one for us, guys.
The francise starts here... -
.... because his review has garnered so much attention, not just from talkbackers, not just from the headgeek ginger blob himself, but from Sly Stallone of all people! Gentlemen, I believe we have just created a monster. His name is The Recruiter. And he will soon be filling our talkbacks with overinflated "expert" opinions.
Or he may turn out to be a normal guy and not give a rat's arse. We shall wait and see. But my money's still on the former. -
He seems like a humble, measured person....but he's earned the right to be obnoxious in this talkback...I would say. I wouldn't mind if he came in here with his balls hanging out of his pants telling all of y'all what's up.
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The dialogue in your movie sucks. Changing the music isn't gonna help. Just cut your dialogue altogether and just go for explosions, the Michael Bay way.
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The movie is like a girl with small tits. Eventually, she's gonna get implants and become a stripper and then you'll have to pay her to suck your cock, but if you'd only been a little nicer before she would have sucked your cock for free.
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Sly will be directing and co-starring in, not just Die Hard 5, but Die Hard 6 and 7. The deal was signed last night. I was present for the late night meeting between Willis and Sly. There will be a story arc spanning over those three movies which will culminate in Sly being a surprise villain. I'm already finished with the first script draft for DH5. Sly approves on most of the script but we're still waiting on Willis' feedback.
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sly is the man!
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I see it more as a squeeze...as in, you're free to write your negative review...but the head of the website and the star of the film are going to say that you're wrong, and that the negative things you've mentioned will likely be changed. So even Sly seems to agree with the review, claiming that he's going to fix some of the things The Recruiter didn't like. No, not a bitch slap. More like a politician spin.
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when he complained about how the women were handled in the film. it's an action film you fairy...stfu.
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Waking up to Sly's voice, he's mumbling about school girls.
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Hi everyone. I have not read the talkback here, so responding directly to Stallone. I realize this was an advance screening and indicated that many months still lie ahead to work through whatever issues are deemed necessary, and I have the HIGHEST hopes that Mr. Stallone, whom I find to be a genuine, strong talent, delivers a final product that makes me yelp with joy in the theater like I did for the most recent Rambo. Having said that, I'm allowed an opinion that some will agree with and some won't...no problem there, it's just the internet, but it should be known that after the movie was over, the people in charge of the test screening, and the ever important test numbers, only hand picked attendees who agreed they loved it before allowing them to join an after film chat session. Sure, everyone filled out cards, but the actual verbal critiques were only given by a small group who had already admitted love for the film. I would think that a bit of criticism from a person who didn't love it, but saw possibility, might prove a bit helpful...whether it's me or another person. I still stand by my review, I did hear a number of people leaving the theater who agreed as they were shuffled out the door...but I honestly and sincerely hope Mr. Stallone chips away at the granite to create a terrific piece of entertainment. OK..I'm sure the name calling from some of the AICN people now begins, right?
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Feb 10, 2010 6:16:15 PM CST
And no bitchslap,instead it seems Sly wishes to hire him as his
by wickedjester
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If they release another trailer that completely changes my mind, then so be it. But at this stage I think it looks amazing. And I can't wait to see it.
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Feb 10, 2010 6:18:11 PM CST
The trailer for this movie looked horrendous. He waisted the cas
by ganymede3001
A Demolition Man sequel would Rock. Get Wesley, and Sandra Back and forget about this tripe.
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Feb 10, 2010 6:18:32 PM CST
I can't believe Harry's calling this guy out on one review
by rabidfnark
no matter how negative it is. For the record, I agree with you Harry, but c'mon...you're better than this, don't drop to his level.
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I didn't mind your review, it's an honest look without much fanboy blinders on, but I do agree with Waka_Flocka_Flame. You lost my vote with your female demographic point. I can't name one 80s action movie, or really any action movie sans-007 that has tried to capture a different type of woman that wouldn't already be seeing it because they saw the trailer 300x during WWE Raw.It's at that point you may have jumped the shark and gotten a little nit picky and started complaining-for-the-sake-of-complaining.Other than that, congrats - Sly wants to kick your ass!
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die hard. I will be there on opening day. this is fucking awesome news!!!
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Who can reasonably argue The Recruiter is being a dick? You may not agree with his opinion, but at least he's seen the test cut.
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It is time.
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Feb 10, 2010 6:27:18 PM CST
I don't think RAMBO was a movie for women, and that's fine
by yackbacker
I don't know, something about John Rambo manning a .50 caliber turret, slicing Burmese skulls in half with hot lead... shoot, call me crazy but I don't think most women are down with that, unless that's what SEX AND THE CITY was about?
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The name-calling began the moment the Talkback was posted. You are in the uniquely unfortunate position of having a dissenting opinion on a Stalone film - and Stalone is, like, one of us. He's like a Greek god, except instead of descending from the clouds to fuck a bunch of bitches and leave a litter of half-god bastards all over the place, he's descended from 80's Action Heyday to walk among the geeks who've never stopped loving him. Which gives him a great and terrible power. I even liked Oscar. And not fake-liked. I actually liked it.But I do think it's awesome you were honest to how you felt, and I don't think you need to apologize. You saw a work in progress that needs more progress, and if you weren't able to get in to voice your opinion at the screening, this is actually the best place for it, given that Stalone Walks Among Us.But if you're ever in a screening for a Bruce Willis movie and you come here and shit on it by God I will wish frogs upon your intestines because I have never gotten over my big gay Willis crush because the man just literally gets more handsome with time.
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I think it's fair to say...Expendables talkbacks are the gayest talkbacks on this website.
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Harry & Co. are being even-handed by sharing Recruiter's review.
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Please please please give us master shots, and a clear view of the action. Don't cheat us here, if at all possible. Unless, of course, Jet made Dolph look so bad that they have to cheat to keep it even. Oh, well...
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the homo vote. You know all those geek girls who are like way into cool shit like games and violence and being people and it's like a miracle? Gays did that. Just saying.
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It's not true, Jett makes up everything to sound awesome.
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if you start date checking some great films directed that year. You can do that with practically any year. I think that recruiter meant that it was a pretty simple meat and potatoes movie like, say Commando and Death Wish 3. And Harry do you really think those titles hold up after all these years? I'd take Raw Deal or Red Heat over Commando any day.
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I think all parties are cool with what they've done, just giving him my opinion on the lay of the land here.
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I was at the screening also and while I disagree with your review, I wanted to clear up something. They usually pick most of their q&a people BEFORE the film starts (based on specific demographics). Afterward, they will pick some more people who have STRONG opinions. My wife and I went to a different screening and I scored the film high, while she scored it low, and we were both asked to stay.
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Feb 10, 2010 6:38:58 PM CST
Well it's fairly obvious that Recruiter's fav film of '85 was Mu
by stuntcock mike
So fuck that cunt.
Who really gives a shit if it's for Women? -
I was actually chosen for the panel before the film started, while in line, but when we expressed that we did not love it, they sent us away...
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If Sly's blowin' shit up...I'm in. Maybe this means I'm not as discerning as some critics. Maybe it means I'm easy. Oh well, I'll live. As for the Recuiter's review? I don't agree (how suprising), but I don't think he needs to be ridiculed by the head honcho for what amounts to his opinion.
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I forgot about this header chopping shit here.
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where is AICN on all of this, a sly directed DH5 would be amazing, but the fandom needs to know how true the rumours are
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Hey guys and gals how ya all doin,
And hello SLY i know ure reading these fourums cool, now if ya really wanna impress, it sounds like tightening is needed but i think a big coup would be to maybe film some extended sequences for the final scenes maybe (knowing this will make a mint iam sure) get 1 or 2 more cameos to kinda shepard in a sequel make em suprise cameos and comon you know you wanna get ya old pal Kurt Russell in this i mean its fuckin Snake Pliskin FFS even the Snipes (film it in USA he wont run off then hehe) and I think i speak for the majority but is there any chance of writting something for a certain JCVD to kinda wink of an appearence ina sequel or maybe even a certain John Travolta (maybe he can a line "Yea Aint It Cool?")just dont get Nic Cage, he mightwant his own hair credits on the poster haha
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ridiculous movie, just look at the cast its insane. I'm really cheap but I'd buy tickets just to see the Sly/Arnold/Bruce scene.
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I want to hear this before I die! Then I want Lincoln Hawks II where you kick Sam Worthingtons ass!!!!! I aint heard no bell SLY!
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Not really. But nostalgia is enough to get me to buy a ticket.
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Don't worry, this site can be pretty bias when it comes to certain filmmakers... Hey Harry, can you just give input on a film without bragging about how you know this person and that person, seriously, your such a fucking name dropper its pathetic.
As far as the movie goes, if you screen it, and people say what they think, how is that in any way a bad thing... if Sly is so impressed by his own work, then stfu and don't worry about what one person said... end of story. -
Yeah I know everyone is entitled to their opinion. Well this happens to be mine: I want 80's brutality, crap jokes and snapped necks, I want dudes outrunning fireballs, screaming as they run - i want the whole nine motherfucking yards. That said, why the fuck isn't Chuck Norris in this thing?
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They took his truck.......They stole his Hawk........They let down his Tyres......NOW........THEY PAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
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..maybe fit in that you got serious acid reflex from eating 3 dozen wings during Super Bowl..what are you? about 5 weeks behind?
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im in the very small percentage of AICN reader who really didnt care much either way about this film.after reading all this, i feel like i have to see it.
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R-rated. Lob some fucking heads John.
Maybe Julie Benz in a wet shirt?
No fucking floating jet bullshit.
Maybe Julie Benz in a wet shirt? -
... but I think hes being a bit oversensitive about that review. I mean he said it himself, it was a test screening of an unfinished cut. That dude reviewed the cut of the film as it was, not as it's going to be once it hits the theaters. His opinion wasn't even that negative. And besides, once the film is out I'm sure it's going to get negative reviews from professional critics. Every film does. So if Sly is so defensive about a non professional review, what can we expect once the film hits the local multiplex?
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I want them DVD Comms
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Feb 10, 2010 6:57:41 PM CST
The Recruiter's points about the female demographic
by turd_has_risen_from_the_grave
are irrelevant. The Expendables is no place for politically correct garbage. And I hope that rumor about Stallone taking on Die Hard 5 has some truth to it, and isn't just Jettl93's usual Walter Mitty style delusions. Sly is a very good action director. He knos what the fans want. Let's hope this movie remains an R. The only thing I'll hold against Stallone is not filming James Cameron's original script for Rambo 2 which was vastly superior and would have probably made for the best pure action movie ever made. But I think Stallone had a big ego on those days and wanted full control. He seems to be much humbler and wiser now, and more open to input.
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What was changed from Cameron's original Rambo 2 script?
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Rocky IV and FIRST BLOOD are just genuis. I get high all the time and watch them on loop.
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Please give 'The Recruiter' his due. The guy gave a decent review for a film which was unfinished. I didn't think it was particularly negative and overall i think he was just concerned of the lack of a decent flowing plot and possibly too many springboards a la commando. (remember those!) Sly give the guy a break...you made us suffer enough shit...stop or my mom will shoot, Driven, Dtox,Daylight, Avenging Angelo, Shade, Oscar, Rhinestone,Paradise Alley,Get Carter, The Specialist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have the right to free speech especially if we are going to watch Expendables and put our hard earned money into your DEEP pocket.
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Had a chase scene, he got called John 148 times and Bill Paxton played himself.......Wait a minute
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R.E.S.P.E.C.T
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For one thing it didn't contain all the right wing (or at least interpreted as right wing) speechifying which made the film a figure of fun in some quarters. I mean, Sly added that politcal stuff, he knew it would resonate with the audiences of the time, but it does become a bit overwrought - all that 'do we get to win this time' and Rambo's final speech stuff. The character in Cameron's draft was much closer to the original. The script began with Rambo in a mental hospital (shades of T2 there), and there was much more of the character's psychological trauma.The other big change was Rambo had a partner in that version (touted as being played by John Travolta, though I don't know if that's true). He was the contrast to Rambo in that he used a lot of hi-tech weaponry as opposed to Rambo's primitive, instinctual skills. In fact, it was very much a team movie - the vietnamese women had a much more developed part and was not just a token love interest. And the POW's were all developed and given characters (I don't think any had a single line in the final film).Overal, it was the same basic story, but it had a more serious tone comparable to Rambo 4, none of the cheese, and as you would expect from Cameron the action was even bigger and better, including a scene where Rambo swam under a lake of fire (later used in True Lies).
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And, if so, how R will it be?
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Because all i have seen thus far has been a cross between Demolition Man (note to Sly: don't fucking make movies beginning with D) and The Specialist. I wanted something more Commando squad vs Rambo squad.
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like I would an OK DTV picture, 'cause it's looking like kind of a joke that this was once touted as competition for Inglourious Basterds. It might blindside me yet, though.
By the way, something about that, "A perfect film...for 1985 quote reminds me of this exchange in The Wrestler (not a good movie, for my money. It was clearly made with the Oscars in mind, which is always enough to sour an otherwise good movie):
Randy 'The Ram' Robinson: Goddamn they don't make em' like they used to.
Cassidy: Fuckin' 80's man, best shit ever !
Randy 'The Ram' Robinson: Bet'chr ass man, Guns N' Roses! Rules.
Cassidy: Crue!
Randy 'The Ram' Robinson: Yeah!
Cassidy: Def Lep!
Randy 'The Ram' Robinson: Then that Cobain pussy had to come around & ruin it all.
Cassidy: Like theres something wrong with just wanting to have a good time?
Randy 'The Ram' Robinson: I'll tell you somethin', I hate the fuckin' 90's.
Cassidy: Fuckin' 90's sucked.
Randy 'The Ram' Robinson: Fuckin' 90's sucked. -
Sly spent some money on this baby and it will show on screen.
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I see nothing wrong with being defensive about your own work.
Sly has every God-given right to voice his own opinion on any review, be it the first, second or 99th.
Its great to know he's with the fans and checks this site.
I can't think of anyone around right now that gives enough of a shit to do that.
I've been pumped for this film ever since the on-set photos broke out all those many months ago.
This will be a huge hit. No doubt about it. -
and not simply respond in the talkback forum of the review article. It would have been nice for Sly to interact with his fans rather than bitch to Harry. Suppose Sly's new found fame makes us seem quite small from so high up....
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Its one of the first movies that come to mind in the category of films that should have had a sequel but didn't. Not classic, but fun. '93 was a good year for Stallone (and a bad one for Arnold), his best since '85. Unfortunately it was the very last time he'd be A list, at least until his recent resurgence.
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Even went to Planet Hollywood in Dubai last month! Nice food, great movie momorabilia...especially loved the John Wayne coat. Sly do us a favour and give us...RETURN OF THE COBRA
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Cobra takes on a drugs baron. Awsom.
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...sound pretty interesting...like Rambo being in a mental hospital. But I'm not sure about the whole buddy double-team thing. It would have required a pretty strong on-screen presence for someone to be worthy to be Rambo's partner...unless he was more like a nerdy tech guy who's really jokey. It might have worked...but fleshing out the characters would have been interesting. But for the record, right wing or not, I always liked Sly's speech at the end of the film....or maybe I'm thinking of the first film...
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So try as you might, unfortunately you cannot speak reasonably with most of them.
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..how many of the talk-backers have seen the film?
I counted one, plus the reviewers. So everything is just hyperbole, there is nothing to talk about, it's all been said.
I wasn't aware that the official trailer was even out yet, because it ain't.
Wait til it comes out, wait til' the movie comes out, THEN there's something to say. -
...yeah, that's stink awful. You're right there.
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I gotcha. Well maybe they just wanted extreme likes/dislikes? It seems they have a specific idea of who they want for the panel and I doubt it's just to get a false positive review. I loved the film, but it had obvious faults. Maybe they already know what is not working, and just want to know why people who loved it, loved it?
It wouldn't make sense to dismiss potential criticism unless they already hit their quota of people who gave it less-than a 5, OR they just don't need that type of feedback right now.
I think your review was decent, but I disagree on the female demo thing. There were a lot of women there that seemed to enjoy it including my wife. I think it'll do well across the board.
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Feb 10, 2010 7:38:13 PM CST
Wordage, and don't forget Frank Stallone's song
by turd_has_risen_from_the_grave
'Peace In Our Lifetime', over the end credits. Absolutely awful, although I guess Sly felt obligated to give his bro some work.Incidentally, I hope The Expendables has a big cheesy 80's style rock power ballad over the end titles. That's another key element of 80's action right there.
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Come and check out, or have your assistant check out, the B Action Movie Thread at the chud.com forums.
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...should be all the Expendables doing the "Expendables Rap". Yo, yo, yo, This is Sly Stallo...ne, I just want to say, all the baddies were pwned I've got the rhythm, I've got the beats Jet Li is here, and he's kicking with his feets!
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...changed a great deal in the last couple years. Step carefully through these minefields.
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WITH MIRRORS COVERING EVERY SURFACE OF THE ROOM
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Rambo finds Jesus Christ's tomb and has to slit the throats of the armies of the Vatican who rise up against him, decrying Rambo for blasphemy. Finally, safe in Soviet Russia, Rambo unveils the Christ tomb, opens it and finds a velociraptor skeleton.
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...that actually made me laugh.
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"but it should be known that after the movie was over, the people in charge of the test screening, and the ever important test numbers, only hand picked attendees who agreed they loved it before allowing them to join an after film chat session. Sure, everyone filled out cards, but the actual verbal critiques were only given by a small group who had already admitted love for the film."
I was at the screening. I wrote the second review, in fact. I was approached by one of the employees if I along with my friends wanted to participate in a post focus-group.
When it came time to doing that, we were told they had enough people and they generously thanked us for our time.
The focus group was formed before the film even began. I am now convinced that The Recruiter is somehow connected to some rival summer tentpole or something.
Also, for all those bitching about the lack of detail in my review, I apologize for having a life. As I said - I don't ever write reviews.
It just so happens I really appreciated a classic, 80's revival action film that does justice to that genre and era. Stallone REALLY does a great job with the movie, and all you have to do is be patient to find out.
Sly, get back to me. -
I retract my support for Recruiter pending a response from him.
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It was fanboy gushing. A review requires a bit more detail and analysis.
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when the first die hard came out and I saw it on cable tv in a hotel i was staying with my parents. I loved it straight away. I think it be my fave action films of the 1990s. I saw a lot of films from the 1995 onwards. But die hard is great. I have seen all 4 die hard movies. fourth one was terrible, very weak. if they can come up with a great story. personally I dont think die hard 5,6 or 7 will happen. unless keifer gets cast in the role. or they make a die hard esque 24 movie. I am not so sure. 24 is really very bad this year.
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Without drawing upon actual and specific content from the film, what analysis can I provide other than my overall impression?
I personally hate spoilers. Had I more time, I might have written something as long as Recruiter's post, but seeing how he's now lying about the focus-group, why bother? What point is there in sampling the opinions of viewers who all loved the film?
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Let me make this perfectly clear; I was asked PRIOR to the screening to be part of the panel, or whatever it's called. Afterward, I asked where we should meet, the gentleman directing the screening asked me what I thought of the film, I told him not great, and he specifically said that I would not be needed then. If I had answered with thumbs up, I would have been on the panel. He made that clear. I appreciate your not filling in information with incorrect guesswork. I understand you have not written a review, it was ot expected that you had, but I still read it and appreciated that you liked it and had a right to voice that. I have never written a review either, yet tried to take a few minutes to support my statements at least a bit and in the very least just expect the same courtesy from you that you afford me the right to not like the film as much...and really, I don't see me contributing again for fear of Stallone thinking I'm the disease and he's the cure. Honestly though, I think Stallone was professional in his response, Harry was professional in posting a negative-ish review when he obviously has a personal friendship with the subject and I will always read AICN (if they don't ban me after this) and look forward to Stallone movies like I have for 30+ years. Cheers.
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Feb 10, 2010 8:39:15 PM CST
Willis directed Over the Top 2 to follow Sly directed DH5
by wickedjester
Call me JettL2003
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Feb 10, 2010 8:40:19 PM CST
Schwarzenegger directed Stop or My Mom Will Shoot 2 to follow
by wickedjester
STOP EATING OTHER KID'S LUNCHES! -- OR MY MOM WILL SHOOT!
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Just sayin'.
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Hire all the great male and female porn stars of the 70's and 80's. The title is pretty self explanatory. Too bad Juliet Anderson recently passed this year. Surely she was a good candidate for an "Unfuckable" I think we have our Machete faux Grindhouse trailer. RR you listen to me splaining???? Hell Stallone could direct the fake trailer to make it even cooler and funnier.
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You post a negative-and then, only marginally so-review for a movie, the Director calls to whine about it, and then you go out after the reviewer? That's just sad. I guess its clear where this website's views are on this particular film, sight unseen. Of all the low points in the last eight years or so I've been reading this website, this is one of the most pathetic.
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Please don't water this down for a fucking PG13! Your fans want a hard R rated action film like they were in the 80's. I cannot wait for this movie, but if it is rated PG13 you will not be getting my money!
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I will put down my (not-so-hard-earned) cash in a heartbeat. Looking forward to this! Relax, Sly, we've got faith. That's what test screenings are all about, finding out what does and doesn't work with an audience, and sculpting the film from there.
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... at least in my mind. Being a terrific writer is why he was able to come back from a place others haven't. This film will rock and I hope to see another RAMBO as well as DEATH WISH, which he could give a great modern meditation on in these liberal biased times.
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I have to agree with Jimmay Harry... all Sly ass kissing aside, don't post a review like Recruiters and then take a call from Sly and let him bitch via AICN because of what Recruiter reviewed... its fucked up.
My only question is, how can you be objective about films when you constantly kiss their ass? -
just pay attention to what the guys who love the new 007 films think. they are your audience. the guys who like men instead of models for their action heroes. smart men, fine. just make them men. let the pretty boys go make emo-vampire movies for chicks.
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What we saw was VERY R, and 4-5 of the best moments would have to be cut to make it PG-13.
I think we're safe! -
I don't know why Recruiter even wrote that review. I guess he just grabbed the chance to be a contrarian about a succesful sneak. He wasn't part of the panel because he's not the target audience and had nothing to offer last night or here. The thing is, if reviews of the last INDIANA JONES had stated it seemed like something from the 80's, people would have cheered that. Instead, we got modern filmmaking with too much CGI, rear screen and wire work. I want to see an old school action flick with modern dashes, so Stallone will hit the target. Recruiter just couldn't resist swinging at a pinata that wasn't for his own party.
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Feb 10, 2010 9:19:00 PM CST
Wrong. Christopher Walken had amazing hair in A VIEW TO A KILL
by proman1984
I am embarassed by you, Harry.
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this is called aint it cool news. it is a place to promote cool movies. this is not AFI. and you can't be objective about film anyway. it's art. it's all subjective. and harry isn't handing out trophies and he isn't sitting in an ivory tower giving permission for elites to grace the theater with their snobby presence. this is aint it cool news. where we want to talk about films we love and films we hope to love. harry has great hope that he will love the latest film from a film creator who has made decades of films we all love. if there was ever a higher purpose for aint it cool news it is promoting a film like expendables from a film artist like stallone. keep up the good work, harry. this is the kind of cool that we all love coming here for.
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Reading all this I had another theory: One of the Talkbackers above said he and his wife were both picked for a focus group even though he liked the movie and his wife didn't. Maybe they try to have the discussion group evenly split between people who like the film and people who don't? When The Recruiter said he didn't like it, maybe they already had a big enough group of those people and were looking for more people who did like it? Just a guess.
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Understand that a lot of money is put in to this test-screenings. The film-makers attend themseles. A firm is hired to some in and perform thorough statistics, ranging from demographics, to age and everything else. And you really think that only people who loved the film are going to be interviewed, though no good marketing will come out of it, and waste the entire night? Oh, and of course you only revise the claim after I called you out on it. No one is saying you aren't entitled to your opinion. Just don't make things up.
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The Recruiter is a reject. He was just looking for attention and I noticed how he didn't mention that he was in a minority as far as his reaction.
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Feb 10, 2010 9:41:28 PM CST
All this reminds me of the blow-up-the-moon sketch from Mr. Show
by jimmay
A bunch of morons at NASA decide to blow up the moon. They use a chimp, trained in sign language, to pilot the vessel meant to cause the damage, and the animal asks "why?" The scientists are enraged, the ape has ruined their party. Here we have a reviewer who had issues with a movie being vilified roundly, no one wants him to ruin their party. The review wasn't even that negative! Grow some spines, boys. This won't be the last negative review the film gets, so buck up.
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The film isn't finished and Recruiter was trying to recruit bad buzz. He's a dick, but also strangely... dickless.
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I never revised my claim regarding when I was asked to be on the panel...if you read the first post with the initial reviews, you would have seen I already addressed the fact I was asked to be on the panel BEFORE the screening started in the talkbacks. You just didn't see or read it. So..you think I revised my story by going back in time? And Dangerman, if you think I was in the minority regarding my views, well fine, whatever gives you comfort, I must have misheard the people as they were in the parking lot. At least if a fair critique is given now, Stallone can decide if he wants to make changes to appeal to more than just one theater full of Stallone fans (me being one of them). Stallone might turn this into a really great film, hope he does...but the reality is, he has also released some horrible stuff and I am being fair in that. I am a huge fan of his recent movies, so will just think good thoughts and trust he does what he seems to usually do..make a final product that is fun, well directed and exciting. It just wasn't there yet.
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This site is starting to get so anti anyone daring to post a review, that soon people will just stop bothering. Recruiter's review was fair enough, wasn't that negative and he admits he hasn't reviewed anything before. Just because you don't like what he says (hilarious when 99% of the people here haven't even SEEN the film), it doesn't mean he's "looking for attention", "full of shit" or many of the other derogatory things directed at him. I just appreciate him posting an early viewing of the film. I suspect if many of the haters out there had seen it, they may have had similar feedback. Here's hoping Sly can polish the diamond in time for the release date.
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By mentioning Whedon, Recruiter shows what a pussy he is, like Whedon, a redhaired fop that can't make anything as popular as Stallone. Dollhouse anyone? Recruiter took issue that this film had zero female appeal, so Recruiter is probably either a woman or gay, perhaps both. Recruiter squats to pee and is enjoying all the attention. He or she is the girl in braces.
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You are a spineless, loud mouth, celebrity suck up shill. Recruiter gave an honest review and you're trashing him, maligning his character, and making up lies. Shut up, you character lacking loser.
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Feb 10, 2010 10:17:35 PM CST
Yeah, the Whedon reference is proof Recuriter is a dipshit
by tall_boy66
"Whedon would have decimated the team by this point" is a nonsensical phrase that does nothing aside from pointing out how post-modern and nifty Joss Whedon is to Stallone. Nothing against Whedon, but if you bring him up as randomly and as uninvited as that comment is, it proves that Recuriter was trying to sound too hip for his own good to write it off. "Hey, I bring up Joss Whedon in an offhand manner and thereby it shows how irrelevant Stallone's film is". Right. Guy was probably wearing a very well worn "Joss Whedon is my Master Now" t-shirt and actually thinking it was a cool statement. Fucking wank. On to the next one.
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I'm done with these forums.
+6 (at least) positive testimonials between reviews and talkbacks, and still Recruiter is going on about something. -
Sly kicks ass.
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....how they are "the Expendables" if no one dies. I thought this was going to be Sly's version of the Dirty Dozen but sounds like it will be more like The A team.
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Feb 10, 2010 10:27:39 PM CST
I am looking forward to it. Fuck anyone hating on it.
by allpowerfulwizardofoz
I mean the moron that wrote that "bad" review obviously does not get it. I got it from day 1 and don't need to see it to know I am going to love it. Everything that clown described is what I want to see so to me it sure sounds like the perfect movie. Can't wait. Can't fucking wait!!!
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Kay, you effeminate non-man. If we met my fists would do the talking and you’d be moaning like that old man in MIDNIGHT COWBOY getting thumped in a restroom stall and asking for more: “Don’t stop. Give it all to me.” You don’t bring up Joss Whedon in regards to an action movie. Whedon is a doughfaced poser that does impressions of better movies and TV shows, then arrogantly proclaims himself a genius. He cannot walk the walk. Stallone is an icon and a much better writer who pulls from humility, life experience and a desire to please his audience. Both you and Recruiter should mate, or better yet, go to Der Wienerschnitzel and fantasize about where those turkey franks will fit. I order the real beef myself and chomp it down, glad a cow died to please me. SPIKE TV is my favorite channel and I drink lots of lots of Coors. I pump iron in my garage and was born a man while you were still in diapers dreaming about the artificial penis that was eventually created for you out of chicken fat. THE EXPENDABLES is a movie for men made by a man. It’s not SUPPOSED to have chick appeal as that would ruin it. Go and see VALENTINE’S DAY with Recruiter as your date, you Whedonesque pair of flame sucking queers.
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Damn it Recruiter! I wanted to see that bad joke told by Dolph. Now Sly´s gonna take it away... !
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I have not commented in a very, very long time, but it's articles like this that make me feel like I should. I am someone who works in the film industry, but first and foremost am a lover of film. If Sly believes that no one should judge this film in it's current form, then the answer is logical. Don't show this film in it's current form. Take the time to actually polish it to a point where it can be shown in an incomplete state. Then for Harry to go off and base his argument on a throw away line from the review. Did you really just compare "The Expendables" to "Ran"? I understand you wanting to continue your "exclusives" with Stallone, but if Sly wants to put his art out there for the public to see then Sly should be able to take his licks like a man.
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i havent laughed so hard in a talkback in awhile! good stuff. sly is the man. this movie will rock. let's hope it gets a sequel and steven seagal is the main villain. i think vern would agree with me there! oh yeah, and chuck is seagal's righthand man. sly vs norris AND seagal?!?!?!? anyone who wouldnt want to see that is gay, and i truly mean that in the most non-offensive way ever! :)
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hear, hear. the review wasn't even all that negative. some of it worked for him, some of it didn't. if you can't handle a luke warm review by a fan for aintitcool, wait til the mainstream press hears your lame jokes.for AICN to have this neat relationship with Stallone is great, but if it means they start shitting on any negative reviews or feedback because of it, that's not really in the spirit of the site, in my opinion.
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and Sly's cock still in Harry's mouth. You heard it here first!
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Feb 11, 2010 12:17:23 AM CST
Whedon would the antithesis of what Stallone is
by turd_has_risen_from_the_grave
trying to do here. I would not want a post-modern self-reflective action movie from The Expendables and I hope that isn't what we're geting. The movie should play absolutely straight. If there's humor to be had, then it should be of the non-ironic variety or the audience can choose what to find amusing themselves. We laugh at some aspects of 80's action flicks NOW, but that's only because of the absurd fashions/ accumulated mass of cliches/ one dimensional characterization/ cheesy lines. None of these things were intended to be funny at the time. And quite frankly, entertaining though it is, the Whedon/Abrams/Tarantino-esque wink, wink, nudge, nudge type of genre deconstruction is sometimes annoying. Straight ahead please, Sly, with no apologies.
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sigh, how about some editing functions, Harold...oh, why bother...
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A few of you really need to get your celebrity worship in check. Hell, the guy's review wasn't even that negative. I've never really been one to call out Harry for things he posts on his own website, but him ripping into a guy's opinion on a movie he's never even seen just because he's chummy with the director is pretty absurd. Some people just need to calm the fuck down and stop blowing a semi negative review of a test screening ridiculously out of proportion.
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but pissed of like a little girl by one negative, well written, honest review???
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"Also, for all those bitching about the lack of detail in my review, I apologize for having a life." Wow, you're the dumbest reviewer I've seen at this site in a long, long time. So you're too busy with your life to write a detailed review....yet you have been posting in this talkback for several hours? You have shit for brains.
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Congratulations on destroying western civilization. Apparently, too many 'roids make your outie an innie. Then the crying starts.
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The Expendables & Kick Ass!!!!
Nothing more to say!
I´m in love for Sylvester Stallone -
Does the movie have a score by Bill Conti, and include a song by Quarterflash? Does have it men on fire who look like stuntmen? And will someone leap up in the air from behind a bush after an explosion?
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You've been an inspiration all my life man! Don't listen to the haters! Your true fans cannot wait for the expandables! Oh, and please make that die hard 5 rumor come true. You could save that series!
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Feb 11, 2010 4:04:23 AM CST
Who Is The Recruiter and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things
by keith maniac
Why are one random guys half-arsed opinions getting so much board space ? Everything else i've read seems really positive, i hate to invoke a tired axiom, but "its just one persons opinion". FUCK HIM ! Bet Sly delivers a classic, nuff said.
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Feb 11, 2010 4:14:07 AM CST
That FIRST BLOOD tidbit was on the commentary on the recent DVD
by monkey_king
and not something "new" for us folks "in the know"
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Joel Grey was the fuckin NUTS as Chiun.
FUCK Harry Potter, FUCK those arse pirate movies, FUCK hairy palmed, teenage, metro-sexual, locked in the bathroom, Vampire WANK ! I want knives, guns, rocket launchers, bombs, massive explosions. I want people getting kicked right in the face, VERY hard, i want fractured skulls, split nostrils and punches in the bollocks that sound like a genetically modified pig hitting a brick wall at 80mph.
I want evil Dictators who are cunts because (and heres a twist) because they are CUNTS, not because one of his teachers touched his arse 20 years ago !
He has an army of cunts working for him and one or two really big cunts as his bodygaurds. The heroes are purely heroes because they dont like cunts and i also want jokes that came from Christmas Crackers, during or after the main cunt is, impaled, blown up, stabbed, shot, burnt, decapitated, eviscerated, shredded, crushed, liquified, eaten by (fill in cunt eating animal), hung, drawn and quartered.
Gentlemen, my cards are on the table! -
Bring it on. After "(John)Rambo" I'm stoked on this, and Rambo V.
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what's wrong with a bit of negative crit? It's a fucking test screening. Quit your pissing and moaning and calling up geeks in the night and get your fucking butt into the editing room and go to work. Go!
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I really can't believe that Harry's publicly bashing one reviewer for his honest, balanced and well written opinion, just because Sly wasn't too happy to read something negative about his new movie on AICN. One of the main reasons why AICN got so big in the first place was that it gave people that attended a test screening the opportunity to voice their opinion and to get a preview-glimpse of the movies to come. And now one of them get's bashed for stating his opinion, just because he wasn't blown away by "The Expendables"?!?! Way to go, Harry. That surely will invite other people with negative opinions to AICN-hyped-movies to come forward, and insures that we'll all get a honest, balanced view on upcoming movies...
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Fuck this site in it's face. Harry just trashed a dude for giving his opinion on a movie just because he thinks he buddies with stallone? WTF man? Recruiter shared his opinion on the flick, he didn't even bash it, and somehow managed to ruffle Stallones feathers and in turn harrys? If nothing else, that's pretty funny and ridiculous at the same time. Grow a pair Harry and get rockys dick outta your ass.
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... as Ran? Words fail me to describe how fucking insulting that is. and it doesn't take a genious to understand what the other "reviewer" wanted to say with the mention of 1985. He just ment that the movie had all the failings of a typical 1985 action movie. and he's right, 80s action movies were, with very few exceptions, fuckign horrible pieces of terrible cinema. To try to justify those shitty movies by bangwagoning them together with the very few good exceptions, like TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA or RUNNAWAY TRAIN, is not not only deceiving but a cheat. and to name Ran together with such exacrable crap as RAMBO 2 and COMMANDO is beyond offensive! Get a grip, will you?If THE EXPANDABLES is good (and i have a feeling it is), it will be good on it's own terms, even with the 80s action references. no need to pull cheap tricks to justify liking THE EXPENDABLES. If the movie is good, then there's no need to appologise for it.
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can't wait. more in line with first blood would be even better.hey, if it never happens, Rambo 4 was great. so fucking great. if only indy had taken notes on how to do a 4th film
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Feb 11, 2010 6:30:56 AM CST
The Difference between film craft and the final product...
by long tooth
Regardless of how valuable one holds pedestrian reviews of "working drafts" of a film, good or bad, the fact that the showing was of an unfinished film shouldn't be lost. It's like walking into a room a judging a block of marble before a sculptor has removed the excess stone to reveal the desired form. Average films can either be made great or destroyed in the final editing process.
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...that I don't think the Expendables should have a strong female lead, either. That sort of thing is really corny, and not typical of the throwback action films. That being said, the rest of the Recruiter's points were articulate and reasonable.
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I don't think Sly was angry at all or sensitive. There are many Monday morning QB's in the world and when something negative gets said he has a need to explain why. I know I do. If you don't like something just make sure you have all your facts and dislike away or comment away. Sly is an artist, and we will see his art through our eyes. I don't think that it was a terrible review that had Sly call, just maybe a clear explanation that it's still a work in progress. Anyways, Sly-stay the course! The StalloneZone has your back...Always.
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was getting his ass kicked? But it was all a ruse and he turned the tables on Clubber?
That's all I got to say about the matter. -
I actually agree with you about how action films were better back when it featured people who were actually tough. Action heroes either had to have some demonstrable martial arts skills, or a physique which showed that they could likely kick some ass. Nowadays...movie tricks make wimps seems like heroes. I hate Kill Bill for that reason (among others)...and I have no interest in Kick Ass for that reason (among others), too. It's reached the point of ridiculousness where now a potty-mouthed 12 year old white girl is considered bad ass. The irony is that many of the fan boys looking forward to The Expendables are also looking forward to Kick Ass.
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I like my action pumped through massive dick veins.
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You dont have to drink the whole barrel to find out if the wine is good or bad.a glass of the wine is sufficient.
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Sly: "Yo. You're married."
Summer: "Yeah. Crazy, huh?"
Sly: *Screws explosive arrow tip onto shaft* -
Very dangerous King Cobra.
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So He's got my $10.00 come opening day.(Not only for TRUSTING his taste-but the film looks bad ass)I pray AICN has him on again, to speak his mind about hollywood and his experiences.THAT INTERVIEW/ Q+A has to be the SINGLE GREATEST INTERVIEW (with an actor/celebrity/etc.) I have ever read.I mean, elequant and and honest.I still laugh bout How he elbowed Richard Gere in the face. LONG LIVE STALLONE and the EXPENDABLES!
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From Wikipedia: "Whedon wrote or co-wrote several films, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Toy Story, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Alien Resurrection and Titan A.E.. He was nominated (along with six other writers) for an Academy Award for Toy Story's screenplay.
He also wrote uncredited drafts or rewrites of Speed, Waterworld, Twister and X-Men, although in interviews, Whedon disowned the latter three films. He claimed that he had a good script for Alien: Resurrection, which he felt was spoiled by its director Jean-Pierre Jeunet."
And "Serenity". Wow that was a good one too. Buffy...and some not-great comic books. I'm sure it was Jeunets fault. Let me ask (and as a Waterworld fan, this is hard for me) but has Whedon ever done anything truly great? Like change somebody's life great? Are people's standards really that low? I'm saying this as a response to some of the Whedon lovers above...I just don't get it. Even dropping the guys name is like an insult to the thousands of people that have made truly great cinema. It would be no more irrelevant than me saying Mark Steven Johnson should have written the script. Or that I'm not seeing it because Thomas Jane isn't in it. Whedon fans, please kill yourselves. -
You are, by some measure, the biggest idiot in this talkback, if not on AICN in general. Here's a hint; boasting about how much of a man you are and lifting weights on an anonymous internet forum makes you look like a tool.
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time yourself on how long it takes you to list 30 creative people in the current movie industry more relevant than Joss fucking Whedon. Shouldn't take long. Shit go for one hundred and fifty if you have the time.
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if the shite parts get knocked out. So there's really no problem.
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You are fucking hilarious. You made my morning brighter. Savagedave, its called jokes. They're these things that people say that are supposed to make us laugh, while if they are well told, get some point across on another level. Dangerman's forum attacks are both interesting and funny, much more than a simple "Fuck you", and show that Dangerman is smarter than you, savagedave. Now I'm gonna get off of dangerman's balls but savagedave, Jesus fucking Christ.
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instead of bitching about shit you can't change. You wanna do better? Get into the film biz and you'll be eaten alive in a week.
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Standards have really dropped here haven't they?
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I guarantee this movie sucks now as a result of this entire talkback!! It was a test screening! Unreal Harry.
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I think it'll be entertaining, but probably not as good as EXTREME PREJUDICE.
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Not just average movies can be ruined by bad editing. Even greats ones can. There's a textbook example of that with Terry Gilliam's BRAZIL. If you ever get to watch the edit of that movie called "Love Conquers All", you will notice how they mannaged to turn a great movie into a generic dumb piece of shit.
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Hope they release EXPENDABLES: THE_RECRUITER CUT on dvd.
Now with equal-gender appeal, 70% less Eighties-ness, bloodless violence, and spastic-fast '21st century' editing.
Get Sly to do the commentary track, where he just chats for 90 minutes about what a prize cunt The_Recruiter is. -
had some portion where we see STALLONE trolling the talkbacks(they can blur his name),and responding to us aicn'ers. Trust me Stallone, we would fucking buy that dvd if you did.(I would )
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“Savagedave,” what a name. A parody of Superdave? There’s nothing savage about you and nothing savage about the name Dave. BTW, name me an action star that goes by the name Dave? There’s no Dave Norris, Dave Stallone or Dave Van Damme. Dave is the name of a stoner or a friend to chipmunks. You baby faced moron. I’m came to praise Stallone, not to bury him. Why are you here? Looking for a date on Valentine’s Day? Maybe YOU’RE the bride of the Recruiter, you pansy ass maggot. I hope you sit real close to the screen during THE EXPENDABLES so you can study what it’s like to be a man because you’ve never known. You were raised by a lesbian couple and auctioned away to a circus where you were a boy toy to the trapeze artists. They fondled you before going off to do wire work. Don’t ever address me again Dave, you Goddamn pork rind of a human being, or I’ll track you down and let you guess my shoe size using your lips. I hate you and your weakness. Stay out of our Stallonezone.
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I trust him to run around Nakatomi Plaza while Savagedave counts the hours until Valentine's Day where he plans to confess his love for the next door neighbor gardener.
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...and im not knocking Stallone either, only you know what happens when everyone tells you what you do is great, dont you? Star Wars Episodes I-III, thats what. Mr Stallone can now take the, say, 10 or so negative points from The Recruiter and be honest with himself and see which ones he agrees with. If he takes only one of them and improves the film then its a job well done by all. I love everybody, see.
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I know Sly might be your "friend" and it must get your blood pumping to get a wake up call from him. But your lack of objectivity on this whole Expendables bullshit is ridiculous. How are you gonna throw the Recruiter's valid opinion (his own) of what he saw under the bus like this? You haven't even seen this fucking thing yet. If you are going to post positive along with negative reviews (like you should!!!) than have a little class and back them all up (you guys are the ones that chose to post it in the first place for fucksake). Not that there was ever any question but, this is another example of the curtain opening up to expose the Hollywood machine at work that you Harry, and AICN seem to be full contributing cogs. That of course is a given as you have made relationships with film-makers you write and report about. But the key is Harry, to not to tell us about those relationships constantly. By having a bit of restraint, it keeps your readership under the illusion that you are here for them and not a Hollywood puppet. YOUR review of the Expendables now loses any shred of credibility, as this post shows you have Sly's best interests at heart and not your loyal readership. It will be surprising if you DON'T "get a hard on and cum all over" this movie. I as a reader enjoys your exploding, sometimes non-sensical passion and review of cinema, but as you have moved into the alternate realm of having personal relationships with the film-makers, why are you going to whore out that passion that got you here in the first place. You have the ability to affect the film making process for the good. For example, Sly calls you up a little disappointed at reading what is probably the only dissenting opinion he has heard to his face, you say to him "Good morning Sly, great to hear from you. Sorry you are disappointed to hear not everyone loved your flick. As you know opinions are like assholes.... Take what you disagree with and throw it out the window. Take with what you might agree with and GO MAKE A BETTER MOVIE!!! Buck up buddy you have plenty of time. Let's do lunch soon. K-THNX-BAI".
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and it turns out to be a POS,then the same people who trash Recruiter for his legitimate opinion,will trash the film.Harry is the exception since he loves everything his Holywood friends make,even the bad ones.
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The Expendables is number one on my most-anticipated-list for this year and I really love Stallones shit, but that doesn't mean someone can't have a different opinion. If Recruiter didn't like what he saw and he lets us know, well, that's the purpose of this site isn't it Harry. No need to explain to us the nature of test screening and unfinished films. Seems like your a bit star-struck, Harry.
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That would defeat the entire purpose of a test screening. Yet The recruiter outright accuse them of rigging the groups becaue he didnt get to chat. Maybe they already had enough negative input from guys in your demographic or whatever or maybe they took one look at you an knew you were just there to shit on the movie and get attention. It is clear to me that you are really upset that they didnt want your input and i beleive that coloured your 'review'.
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"Harry is the exception since he loves everything his Holywood friends make,even the bad ones."Isn't that the truth? Sad thing is, none of his Hollywood "friends" are really his friend,s they are just using him to help promote their movies.with vague promises of helping his future-to-be career in movies. Which, so far, has yet to materialise. Harry used to think michael Bay and Jerry Bruckheimer were his friends a well, his meal tickets. today it's JJ Abrams and his favorite hack writer Bob Orci. But none of them are his friends. They are just using him, and on the cheap. And it breaks my heart to see Harry fall so easily and naively for that. It's heartbreaking.
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Let's all pile on that one who SPOKE HIS MIND ( though whom I did not agree with )...
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He should be like ALL the protagonists. That's how important his fucking chin is.
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The way i see it, test groups are only good to test comedies, and only light-hearted family friendly comedies. Hollywood history is filled to teeth with movies that performed horribly as test groups and yet became major hits (PULP FICTION), or tested great and then flopped. Test group a movie is a con perpectuated on nervous filmmakers and studio executives to exploit their anxieties before they release the movies. It's a con, and it's one of the reasons movies are not getting any beter, quite the contrary. Small wonder Spielberg refuses to test group his movies. And he's right to do so.
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Fuck the recruiter because he actually wrote an intelligeble review? Fuck the recruiter because he put his opinion in the open for all the read? I don't need to agree woith him to know he did one good piece of reviewing which would shame most so-called professional reviewers. Fuck him nothing. I'm glad he did his review, regardless if i agree or not. He shows himself a far smarter person then the second one, who looks like can turn aminoacids into hydrocardons and CO2 into O2. So he doesn't liek 80s action movies. you know, what, the vast majority of those ARE HORRIBLE PIECES OF SHIT!! just because most of us are nostalgic for some of the RARE good ones that were made them, doesn't mean that by magic the whole 80s action movies made in the 80s are now good movies. They aren't. They are still shit, most of them.I understand the nolstalgia for the 80s, i lived through that as well, it was my teens years, but fuck, to suddently see that decade in movies with rosed tinted glases is just dumb. That decade in movies was fucking horrible. One of the worst decades in movies in Hollywood history, if not the worst. The good movies made then were THE EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTION. Miracles even. Give the 70s any day of the week, even the 90s, for that matter.
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Its true 80s movies hasn't aged well. However its futile to judge an era based on todays standards. The 80s zeitgeist is so completely diffrent from today. Even back then i realized that most of those movies where fairly shit from an artistic point of view, however that didnt stop me and my friends from having a helluva good time wathcing them and talking about them. A lot of 80s movies had a huge cultural impact and where widely regarded as 'good' movies even though for a modern sophisticated audience they may look like dog-shit.
It was the spirit of the times. -
Ummm yes please. Where can I see this?
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My cat just farted.
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both for harry's 'friends' and about Recruiter and the 80s.
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And he said this film was a BLAST to make and that it should make all of us fans of 80s action movies happy. I don't think he was bullshitting. He comes across as a very gracious and genuine person.
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there is a rumor that one of the deleted scenes,was Rambo having a flashback where he was banging a hot vietnamese chick,maybe his lost love interest in vietnam.a clip of this scene is circulating somewhere in the net.well thats what i have read in the imdb forums.
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I don't need to judge an 80s or any other decade movie by today's standards. I don't do that. I'm actualyl quite good in putting myself into the mood of a given decade when the movie was made. This is why i can enjoy movies from my favorite decades, the 70s and the 30s and 40s. i judge 80s action movies ON THEIR OWN TERMS. Remmber, i was alive then, i was a tene then. i suffered through that bullshit back in the day. Even as a teen, in the age of gullability, those movies were fucking awful. The good stuff was RARE. Very fucking rare. and people now use those EXTREMLY RAREa stuff and build a who,e decade of excelence from those few example. bullshit. i was there, and the fucking movies were fuckign horrible. People who mistake the 80s as a gold age of cinem aeither weren't born yet or they were braindead to begin with. Probably they loved TOP GUN and lust dreams about tom Cruise and being his wingman. fuck the shit. Fuck all those 80s movies tha tmade the decade of trash. Again, i stress this: the good 80s movies were all good because they were ATYPICAL. ATYPICAL. The typical 80s movie is a shit movie. The 80s was the decade of shit.
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Thank you.
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fuck the 1980's
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In many ways, i call it a 70s movie that crossed over to the 80s. Though the movie is to fall into the genre of action, there's still elements of it that are clearly 70s. That it still decides to try to putthe tale in a fairly realsitic enviroment. That it does try to focus on the mind of a killer machine that cannot be deprogramed to civil life. That doesn't hammer to the head some of the issues, and decides to leave it open and unaswered. That it allows ambiguity to both the "hero" and the "villain", where both have plauskble and reasonable reasons for their actions. That both are failible and flawed human beings. That both believe they are doing the right and right a wrong. That's 70s cinema. 80s bullshit is fucking Rambo 2 and it's Reagan ass kissing retardness. First Blood is gold. Rambo 2, and Rambo 3 for that matter, are fucking shit!! Retard dumb ass pudrid fucking shit! It took Stallone some growing up and 20 years to bring back some legitimacy to the Rambo franchise. As far as i can tell, fucking ass Rambo 2 and 3 don't fucking exist. It all goes directly from First Blood to John Rambo. Fuck the 80s!
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3-4 hour versions of films we love.
I NOW WANT Rambo:3 hour cut.
Also, I NOW WANT The Thin Red Line: 5 hour cut.I don't care how rough they are,I want it.STUDIOS! snap to it! -
Make sense?I hope not
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Einhorn is Finkel!
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DangerMan, Detective Soap 'has your back'?
Is that from all the times you bent over in the communal shower to pick up the soap for him. Whoops! Bet it was a suprise the first time that sausage came knocking on your back door. A suprise how much you *liked it* that is.
You're tryin real hard to be macho DangerWoman. Methinks the lady doth protest too much... -
Asi, FIRST BLOOD is indeed quality film-making. And the classy cinematography definitely gives it a Seventies feel.
The second RAMBO was definitely sillier and glossier - but I wouldn't be so down on it as you are. Stallone firing off the helicopter mounted gun into the ceiling while shouting in that face-contorted way of his is possibly the single most iconic moment of Eighties action cinema.
The third RAMBO in Afghanistan I do have to agree with you tho. -
Those were typical 80s movies and they fucking defined my youth. Sure they are crappy movies but at that time they made a huge impact on me and a lot of my friends so that alone probably make the 80s the most influential movie period of my life.
Then again you probably had your first sexual experience jacking off little Timmy in your treehouse while reading Rendezvous with Rama. No wonder you fucking hated the 80s.
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Feb 11, 2010 11:51:30 AM CST
Rocky V workprint was a CAR CRASH...Why you puishing him?
by smokiegeezer32_psn
Judge the finished product, My girlfrien used to give shit head to begin with, now she's the fuck of the century. Get high on weed and do a double of bill of FIRST BLOOD and ROCKY IV. Then ask yourself will my life ever amount to these monumental MAN films. Cobra-Kai you always have an opinion you and DAMN YOU MICHEAL BAY are my fave talkbackers. You're comment please regarding judging an unfinsihed product as opposed to the final?
Stop knocking Harry too, he's the reason you have a site to post opinions on. Post somewhere e;se you're hate-fuelled opinions.
Watch BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ and learn something from youre sorcerer
CGI expectations.
Peace and Love from England. -
Sherrif Teasel is the Hand that contols us, The Wife, You're Boss,
Emotional and Physical bullies - Rambo is all of us. Thats why it works my friends - no $200M CGI MTV CUT SCENE WITH NO MEANING can compare. Stallone and Eastwood both give heart like Shatner (Fuck Rick Berman up his ass with Zed and The Shopkeeper in Russel's old room for leaving no get out clause)
Peace and Love from England. -
He he....it makes me laugh so hard
and is like another dimension from FIRST BLOOD. -
Feb 11, 2010 12:42:50 PM CST
NOT TO TAKE SIDES IN THE DANGERMAN/SAVAGEDAVE FLAME WAR
by bringingsexyback
But I happen to like Pinkberry. And sometimes Rice To Riches offers an exceptional treat when you're not in the mood for frozen.
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Thanks for the referral...I am fascinated by alternate cuts of films for just that reason. My guilty pleasure / desire is to see a director's cut of Blair Witch 2, based on the director's DVD commentary discussion, to see just how superior the original version was, if at all.
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Bloodsport and Kickboxer can kiss my ass. And if you knock down RENDEZ-VOUS WITH RAMA, you will look like an illiterate fool. Chose your targets better.
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Blair Witch 2 director's cut.... i don't know if to laught of cry at that notion.As for the alternative version of BRAZIL, you can find it by buying the Brazil's Criterion DVD. It's one of the best Criterion jobs, and that's saying something. Best yet, both versions of the movie, Gilliam's and the butchered edit, have audio comentaries, the first by Gilliam himself, and the second by a famous movie critic and historian, and the later is particulary enlightining in the type of mindset that was going on in the studio that created such an abomination.
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THE MICKEY GOLDMILL STORY! RAGING BULL MEETS ROCKY - WHAT A MOVIE THAT WOULD BE!
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I can't have such a positive opinion of Rambo 2 as you do. The detestable politics Reaganomics bullshit in that movie makes it pratically nazi. Let me say this,if Rambo 2 had been a soviet moviem and the americans had been portaited as the rusisans are in it, evey one of you americans here would shit blood and pull your teeth out with your fingernails in complete rage for that portait. but because Rambo 2 was done in the 80s, in US,during Reagan's time, it's supposed to be mistaken for fun? i don't think so. Rambo 2 is not only shit, it's fucking nazi. Fuck it. And Rambo 3 is even worst!!
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... and even then when i watched RAMBO 2 all that looked just wrong. Very fucking wrong. When you detest a tyranical suystem and yet you watch a movie that feels complety wrong in how it depicts it, youn know for sure you are watchign a retard piece of shit. Rambo 2 is that. Fuck it. I don't need this type of shit to get entertained. I can always watch FIRST BLOOD instead.
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Did i read this correctly from someone above? Charisma Carpenter is not good looking?? Really??? Man, you can complain and bitch about her acting if you like, i guess her style might not be to everybody's taste, specialyl since she keeps on playing dumb bubble heads, but fuck, complaining on her looks? Good lord, dude!! what's pretty for you, Paris fucking Hilton? Give me a break!!
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Which Cobra Kai is this again? The one who stole the name or the one that used to be funny and sometimes insightful? I resent the homosexual insinuations sir, and I'll have you know that Detective Soap has nothing to do with soap. It's nice to see above average flaming by people that take time with it, other than the usual lowbrow fag jokes that go on around here. I'm for highbrow fag jokes. As for back-taking, I'm all for the Recruiter, and Stallone. I'm actually for Rocky 5, and no Balboa. And for forgetting about any Rambo but First Blood, which is and was excellent. My opinion, probably not shared by anyone here. "The brain damage? Uhh I dunno Paulie, that's gone now. Things is different."
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you cant bash a movie for its political agenda. a good movie is a good movie regardless of its politics. i dont see you bashing all of george clooney's movies made today. or edge of darkness, which was DEFINATELY a politically-fueled film. rambo first blood pt II is extremely good. also, stallone has stated himself that in no way is rambo strictly conservative. jus sayin
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Holy shit with the Gymkata reference. Gymkata forever. Thank God there are pommel horses everywhere when I walk through the hood.
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A shower joke, really? Wow, so original you George Michael lovin' piece of shit. I'm sure your mother taught you how to provide blow jobs and your first job was delivering them to the other kids around the neighborhood. When you father found out, he took the belt to you and that's when you learned to just "take the pain" and make it work for you. Go drink a lite beer you dried up piece of cod.
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Asi, you're forgetting something. There are two sets of baddies in RAMBO:FIRST BLOOD 2. There's Steven Berkoff and his small army of Ruskies, and then there's the American Bureaucrats who ultimately leave Rambo high and dry at the end.
So it's not just an exercise in saber-rattling. One of those bad-guy Americans is actually played by none other than Martin Kove (sensi Kreese from THE KARATE KID). In my fevered imagining's it's amusing to muse that perhaps after Kove's character got a rifle-butt to the gut from Rambo, he went on to found the Cobra Kai dojo and stir up trouble for Daniel-san....
SmokieGeezer, peace and love to you too dude... and well done for working on your girlfriend. We are all just Dr Frankenstein's striving to mold our other-half's into the perfect woman! -
Segal wasn't an 80's action movie star dumb ass. I guess you are nineteen or twenty years old and think you have an awesome perspective of what the eighties were like. First off movie like this aren't made for women.You want to watch something like that go see Valentines Day with Julia Roberts. Lastly ,Stallone wants to make a throw back action/buddy movie for all of us action movie fans. Sounds like he did a good job. I would have loved a Carl Weathers or Hulk Hogan cameo but there's always the sequel .
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Feb 11, 2010 1:42:10 PM CST
Everyone realizes that Rambo was Queer right?
by hey_kobe_tell_me_how_my_ass_tastes
I mean, that is not a secret. And Segal was an eighties action star. Out for Justice 1988
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Saw her in a person back in the fall. Homina homina homina...
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Feb 11, 2010 1:44:53 PM CST
Rambo would rather sleep with an Elk than a woman
by hey_kobe_tell_me_how_my_ass_tastes
He might substitute a goat in time of need - and God only knows what he did to the chickens
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... i applaud Recruiter for his review, and will personally track him down and skull fuck him to death if he changes it to please ANYONE (but himself). it's HIS opinion, leave it at that, lets disagree, agree or banter about it, that's cool. BUT, don't lambast him for his opinion.... and RECRUITER, you better stay on here, and if given the chance to see more films, write reviews. Don't puss out of doing something just because Harry and/or Stallone questioned it or didn't like it. THATS THE WHOLE PURPOSE. i really like the fact that we slam each other here, and call names and agree and disagree, it keeps it fun and lets us discuss movies. HOWEVER, at least keep it "real". and fuck off XD
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DangerWoman, you're about as dangerous as a fucking blancmange. Typing away in your tutu. Away with you little boy.
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Feb 11, 2010 1:52:52 PM CST
Rambo might not be strictly conservative but he is strictly gay!
by hey_kobe_tell_me_how_my_ass_tastes
he likes moose too
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detectivesoap, you know EXACTLY who I am. You seem like a good guy tho, and I only involved you to score a (cheap) shot on DangerWoman... so my apologies.
I know you? What was your previous nick? -
Same since I've been here which is only about a year, long enough to realize who the guys are that stick around. I'm one of the goons that reads absolutely everything this site posts in movie news, sometimes to my great disadvantage...(I read everything except the anime stuff, fuck that, but comics? yup). While I'm evaluating my one-sided relationship with AICN...I was just thinking about Script Girl the other day and not missing her. I remember the Cobra Kai vs. Cobra Kai imposter posts and wonder who survived.
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Hehe. You should stop lurking in the shadows and post more Detective. You write well.
As for my imposter.. could be DangerWoman for all I know or care! -
and that Rambo 2 and 3 were never intended to have right wing, anti-commie messages. That Rambo was an apolitical, solitary figure who was only looking out for his fellow POW's. Sly says that he was even annoyed when Reagan cited Rambo as a role model in his political speeches. Of course, this is post-9/11 Stallone talking, not the 80's one. No one would even bother to take that stuff to task back then. Its quite amusing how First Blood is a more left leaning film than the sequels, though.
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Vader, Charisma is hot I agree.
Suprised to hear no mention of the late Brittany Murphy tho?
Wasn't this her final movie? Did her scenes make the cut? -
Set in 70's Nam, with a digitally de-aged mo-capped Stallone and a younger Trautman. Rambo should have a big porn star 'stache like in the deleted flashback scene from First Blood. Rambo Begins! Do it, Hollywood!
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Feb 11, 2010 2:25:08 PM CST
70's Rambo shacked up with his VC boytoy
by hey_kobe_tell_me_how_my_ass_tastes
Porn 'stache and all
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Brittany Murphy wasn't in the movie, df. Did you know she died, Mr. Cutting Wedge? Then again, you don't follow the careers of actresses, only citing Charisma in a valiant attempt to make yourself seem straight. You live in chat rooms and eat Lunchables without irony, saving the candy for last like the good mama's boy you are.
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Hello. I never said the movie needed a "Strong female LEAD" like some have paraphrased...I stated that the women already in the movie were played entirely as victims. I have no problem whatsoever with an entirely male, kick-ass, take no prisoners, hard R movie. I love those when done well, and by "Well" I do not mean they have to show up on Oscar night...just have solid action, lots of weapons, lots of blood, and the higher the body count, the better. And why not consider a tough female like Cynthia Rothrock..I'm sure she can kick your ass. Plus, if you're going to have banter/jokes...I was only asking it be entertaining or funny. IN THE CURRENT FORM, "The Expendables" mimicks the 80's films well overall, but certain aspects were actually inferior to 20 year old examples of that genre! NUMEROUS people on this talkback, including a few giving me some crap (which, by the way only bothers me because most of them can't spell and that's a pet peeve of mine), have said that many of those 80's action flicks do not hold up today...so why make an "homage" that is so close to the target that it already feels outdated? I only wanted either something new brought to the table or, if you're not going to update anything from 20+ years ago, at least make it the best we've seen in a long time. Some of you state that I just don't "get" the movie? FYI, I loved all the Rambos, all the Rocky's (except the Tommy Gunn one), have seen just about every 70's, 80's, 90's, and 00's action movie made, and rent them religiously to this day..If I'm not the target audience, who is? If you want to convince yourself that the movie, in its current form, is a future classic, then you probably will no matter what I say, but don't think I am not educated on this genre and don't have a strong love for this type of film. Here's my simple review for those who have trouble reading a lot of words: The movie needs to have a better humor hit ratio. The action, although very good in parts, needs to have the camera pulled back a bit in some areas so we can really enjoy the ass kicking. Those are my major points. 2 major points..not that big of a deal everyone. Fix those 2 and with some other MINOR tweeks that I'm sure Stallone is already working on, you have a movie I'll be in line for. I actually want Stallone to do well, I like him..so when you're giving me crap for attacking him, you're giving crap to someone who's actually on your side, but just not automatically enamored with something just because it has a certain celebs name on it. Best of luck, Sly.
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I really liked the gritty, raw, blood'n guts approach Sly took to RAMBO, but otherwise: where was the fucking story?! That movie had all things going for it, except for a fucking screenplay. The movie played out like a rough cut missing most of the second act. There was no tension, no suspense, just a dramatic flatline. It's great bloody action, but a turd of a story. Could've been so much better. I really hope Sly put a bit more effort into the Expendables screenplay.
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Does he sleep in till like 11 or something? And if Stallone was in LA showing the screening, then Harry would be 2 hours ahead of him... so let's say Stallone wanted to be polite and call Harry at around 10am or so... that would be 12pm Texas time... so... wtf
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Notice how the mealy-mouthed Recruiter has switched sides from bashing Sly to rooting for him. He made statements about how Jane Clod Van Dumme was smart not being in the film, but now he’s espousing how simple tweaks will make this a classic. This is not the review he wrote. He’s an invertebrate loser. Go have milk with Whedon, you callous boot lickin’ pussy fart.
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who said that carpenter is not beautiful? jesus that woman alone is the reason the north pole is melting.
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so get the fuck over it. Move on.
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"Brittany Murphy is Another One of 'The Expendables'" Cinematical
"Brittany Murphy cast in 'Expendables'" Hollywood Reporter
"Brittany Murphy Joins The Expendables."
"We’ve heard so much about the male cast members surrounding the testosterone driven film, The Expendables that we’ve ignored it’s female co-stars. Just last month Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel alum Charisma Carpenter signed on to star in the film and now according to Empire, Brittany Murphy’s on board too." ScreenCrave
DangerWoman, go play with your dildo noob-boy. -
The_Recruiter, I hate to agree with DangerWoman but you have gone from describing this as a vehicle not even worthy for Jean Claude Van Damme (and christ he has made some true shite) to a film that with some MINOR tweeks you will be in line for (I can't even remember the time I loved a flick so much I saw it twice at the theater...)
You can string a sentence together so you're not a complete fool but even your protestations that you 'loved all the RAMBOs' (including the forgettable RAMBO 3 presumably?) fail to wipe the bad 'Whedon' taste from the mouth. -
That is true, everytime (insert name drop here) calls Harry he seems to be sleeping. Must be all the running he does ;)
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I didn't change my tune. The current movie is not good. Was that clear enough for you? The 2 (major) changes I mentioned are the "humor" which is a large focus of the dialogue in the movie considering the teams constant banter, and action. Um, that's about the entire movie. Yes, I also did say the word "minor" in the last post. Congrats on being able to read a little bit, but you both totally passed up the fact I mentioned "major" beforehand. Do you just glance at posts? I hate having to spell everything out, but: Movie is bad, in the current form JCVD, Seagal (who I read was offered a cameo), Kurt Russell, etc are all lucky they declined. BUT, if Stallone miraculously fixes 95% of the dialogue and about 25% of the action, yes, it will be a much better movie. Then again, if they just made a few major changes to Phantom Menace or the last Indiana Jones movie, they too could have been classics. Heck, fix 2 MAJOR things about most any film and you can improve it into a Hall of Fame. If only they changed 1 or 2 things about Howard the Duck, it coulda been a contender. I'm sure you'll feel obligated to respond, but just please actually read all the big, tough words first. And yes, I do like Stallone...my review was NEVER an attack on him. Just didn't care for one of his movies as I saw it. It was a SCREENING meant for feedback! I gave some. Sorry I didn't stroke the movie's cock like you would have. You both like EVERYTHING he's ever done? Big fan of "Stop! or my mom will shoot" are ya? Is "Rhinestone" burnin' up the dvd player right now? "Oscar"? "Judge Dredd"? I agree he's on a roll lately, but even he agrees this movie needs some work or he would not have called in so quickly to first defend it, but then state he's making a lot of changes. I really think AICN has some terrific, smart, really cool people on it. Maybe you guys can someday be in that group..
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I haven't seen Rambo 3 since it was in theaters, but always remember the scene were he cauterizes his stomach wound with gunpowder. Maybe it doesn't hold up, but I loved it then and haven't seen it since, so my last memory of it is the one that's fair.
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Sly is famiglia.
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Ouch.
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It's like painting a big target on your back. Not worth it. Let the pros deal with the backlash.
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Sorry. I will balance it out with Stallone movies I liked or loved: Rocky 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; Rambo 1, 2, 3, 4; Copland, Cobra, Cliffhanger, Lords of Flatbush, Death Race, Nighthawks, Victory, Tango and Cash, Demolition Man, Get Carter, and Antz. Might be more, those are the ones I can remember.
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I've stepped on things I respect more than you two losers. Cobra agreeing with me shows even more of the general weakness between you two. My credits overpower both of your filmic outsiders, you third tier Stargate SG-I suckin' Next Generation Trek-lite semen seekin' yakkety yak turkey jerky trash. Recruiter is a bike ridin' arse that backpedals faster than OJ under oath. You set out to hurt the movie, Recruit... and you failed. Cobra KaKa and your Whedonesque hide are dried up and blown away.
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Hehe.. I quite liked RHINESTONE myself... if i'd been Sly working with Dolly and her double D's at the age she was then.. mmm.
The_Recruiter, I do have one last question mate - did the late Brittany Murphy make the cut, or at least the rough-cut that you saw? -
"Then again, if they just made a few major changes to Phantom Menace or the last Indiana Jones movie, they too could have been classics." Recruiter, you just showed your true color... opaque. Indiana Jones made no sense across the boards. Hey, if Ruskies fire on American soil and kill soldiers on a miliatry base, that means WW3! Is that the minor fix? You don't know what you're talking about and the only way you could get your poorly written review up and running was to make it negative. At least you have a date for VALENTINE'S DAY, as you and Cobra will be swapping spit in the same parking lot where you despoiled the BIGGEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR!!!
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Murphy's role was written out before shooting, as that was mentioned back when it happened and in EVERY OBIT! Don't keep up with the news, do yah? Did you know a man of color is Prez now? Cobra and Recruiter are Pinkberry buddies at the corner table near the window where they can watch the cute boys walk by.
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DangerWoman, "Cobra agreeing with me" there's your bone little doggy. Go fetch. It's the most glory you'll ever get on this site.
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You think I set out to hurt the movie? You even read my review? I was as honest as I could be. If I wanted to actually hurt it, I would have written some vague half assed review slamming everything. I didn't. Many people on here know, whether they agreed with me or not, that I at least took time to write that review and was as fair as I could be. But then again, they could all actually READ. I can tell by your writing style that English is a bit of a challenge for you...either you're young or have a learning disability or it's a second language to you...I'm making no judgment..but please think things through a bit more before writing something. And you're on Cobra's case about Whedon? I don't know if Cobra even mentioned Whedon, but the reality is, you CAN like Stallone and Whedon at the same time. It's not a crime. Stallone has done some great work, but if you can only give that credit by diminishing another person's work you're not too bright. You may not like Whedon, I don't like everything of his either, but if you look up numerous critics lists of the top TV shows OF ALL TIME, Buffy is on most of them. Angel was good, Serenity was a good Sci-Fi flick without a billion dollars behind it. Based on everything you've been writing on these posts, I imagine you are one of those midwest guys who reenact WWF bouts in their backyard with at least 3 teeth missing in the front.
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My comment about Indy 4 was "SARCASM"...please look up the meaning.
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I'm the guy who really likes RED DAWN, and i'm a left winger. So, what's the problem with Rambo 2, when i can like so much such an obvious right winger movie like RED DAWN? The answer is simple: RAMBO 2 FUCKIGN SUCKS ASS!! It's stupid, retard, badly constructed, badly though out, and a fucking excuse to show off the worst ugly fucking shit that the american right can pull out of their ass. Fuck the movie. RAMBO 2 is as bad as it gets outside of a Michael Bay movie.
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Don't mind the bollocks. Your review was very good. I don't nedd to agrew with you to realise yours was a smartly writen and well thoughout review. I guess some just resent a lot that you like Joss Wheaton's stuff. It's like you wake up some wasp nest of geek rivalry. and really, one needs to be retard to mistake your review for a negative one. What i took from your review is that you liked it, but found some flaws you just can't ignore. That's your opinion. I can agree with it or not. But i would dumb to dismiss it's intelligence and well though points, just ebcause they don't match mine or whatever. For all it's worth to you, good job, friend, that's what i say.
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sensibilities. That's right, we could give a fuck. Could give a fuck, yeah.
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I really don't care if people spell everything correctly or use proper grammar on these posts. DangerMan, however, was not fully reading or understanding several posts, but then trying to comment on them and that gets a bit frustrating. Sorry if I came off a bit elitist there..
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Harry basically leads the good life, play some online games till 3 am, get up at 12 pm, take those calls, type up some shit on here, then watch movies and eat the rest of the day!
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Feb 11, 2010 5:45:02 PM CST
It's not that Whedon isn't good it's that he's fucking irrelevan
by tall_boy66
Not that he's an irrelevant creator, but bringing him up in the midst of a review for a Slyvester Stallone movie smacks of putting on a manufactured air of pompousness. Which is pretty much the last fucking thing you want to do when reviewing an intentional 80s throwback action flick. It just distances you from the reader and makes your opinion seem more remote and pointless. Joss Whedon is good, comparing him to Stallone movies is fucking bullshit name-dropping.
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...I smell a rat.I'm going to get to the fucking bottom of this...
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...contest scene.I would be disappointed.Waterboarding detainees...bad.Waterboarding hot chicks...perfectly acceptable between (mostly) consenting adults.
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And I can tell from your writing style, Recruiter, that you’re a pretentious putz and a wanker. You’ve acquiesced multiple times once Sylvester Stallone showed up to put into perspective that you autocratic critique was the inevitable singular contrary opinion culled from an overwhelmingly successful sneak. You’ve called this a lousy film, yet back recanted that you’ll see it again. I’m guessing that fulfills your fragile, insignificant small ego because you’ll claim it was your searing criticism that saved the day. The reason I couldn’t grasp your “sarcasm” is because you have no gift for it. Boy, would you be surprised at my true identity. As far as Cobra, the garden-variety gopher snake, there’s been paper down for him from the first day he posted. You’ve changed your tune, Recruiter. You have no talent as a critic, writer nor homo sapien.
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I believe it WAS relevant to mention Whedon because he has a reputation for killing off main characters, and I was commenting on how surprised I was that Stallone didn't kill off any of the "Expendables". Whedon is who came to mind, but I guess I could have referenced specific foreign cinema where heroes often don't survive, or a Peckinpah film, but that's not what came to mind at 2am.
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Seek help. Seriously. The only way I would be surprised at your "true identity" is if you turned out to be a real man.
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Thanks for mentioning over and over that no characters are killed, asshole. I hope Stallone does a reshoot and changes that just to further own your ass.
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to make a better film. I'm pretty sure his motivation is not just to own my ass.
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Recruiter, you’re a golden ticket winner that Willy Wonka boned up the ass and you’ve never gotten over it. You’re an everlasting cocksucker that maligned this movie, only to suddenly turn ersatz fair and balanced within the body of this thread. You’re savoring the attention because you get none at home where your parents have no clue how much time you spend online instead of doing your homework. Even as we speak, you’re reading all this whilst wearing a robe you coniferous lovin’ gherkin. Why you tree huggin’ idiot. You know nothing of macho shit. You don’t hire Charisma Carpenter to act. Can’t you see why she’s there? Shannon Elizabeth was probably unavailable. Then again, you made it crystal skull clear that the eye candy for you in this flick was Jason Stratham.
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Feb 11, 2010 6:20:35 PM CST
...I haven't sorted this out yet, but DangerMan, you bother me.
by flickapoo
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"Boy, would you be surprised at my true identity" DangerWoman.
No. I really wouldn't. I think every guy here knows you're just one of those 'troll talkbackers' that picks a new nick each month and then comes back with the same, lame hate-filled shit.
I know the sign on your cage says 'dont feed the troll' but I can't resist chucking something in there... it's just too entertaining to watch you bite... so here you go;
HAVE A 'MAYO DOG' MOTHERFUCKER! FRESH TURD WITH A GARNISH OF SPUNK! SNAFFLE IT UP! MMM YUMMY!!
You're chowing down good now dangerboy. That's right. Y'all come back again but pls brush your teeth first. -
I can no longer reasonably comment back to DangerMan since I am pretty sure he's drunk, mentally challenged or a monkey that some scientist taught to type. I already addressed everything he's still talking about. Best of luck, DM. Maybe someday you'll reveal your "true identity" so we can all have a nice little chuckle.
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even after you sort it all out, he will still bother you...
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You never mentioned in the body of your review that you’d revisit this “work in progress,” which is the fundamental purpose of a recruited sneak, to fine tune something that isn't finished. Calling yourself “The Recruiter” speaks of your self-importance, as you were more accurately “recruited” and your contrary comment card consigned your opinions to “The Discarded.” Why no mention within your supposedly fair review of the audience response which, from the word on the street and other witnesses, was enthusiastic and ecstatic? You hurled a harpoon and only hit yourself. You’re not a tool, you’re now struggling just to achieve pipsqueak.
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The_Recruiter, yep. I think feeding time's finished now.
DWoman.. i'm leaving now. You understand? There's a bowl of water in the corner, and you've still got half your mayo dog to eat if you feel hungry later. Try not to break anything in impotent rage while im gone, okay?
*turns out the light and locks the door* -
To walk away is to be a Palin, so shoo, Cobra, shoo... you have no bite and zero talent for this.
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cobra rules all.
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But it wasn't Out for Justice, that was 1990. Continue thrashing at each other.
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...I'll believe it when I see it.
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Feb 11, 2010 6:43:26 PM CST
...maybe he can aspire to being one of those flute playing...
by flickapoo
...guys in a diaper.
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if you turn out to be Zooey Deschanel.
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The audience was in absolute love with this film throughout the screening. The cheering was so loud you couldn't even hear some of the dialogue.
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I find this highly suspect that "Recruited" failed to mention that audience response in his review, only making a thinly veiled dig that th crowd was comprised of Stallone fans. As far as FlickaPoo, you're about as intimidating as your screen name. Go ahead, blame the fact that you're shaking on Parkinson's.
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...three second 80s action flick breast shot?All 80s action movies must contain one boob shot...short and random enough to be surprising, but just long enough to allow a twelve year old with quick fingers to pause the tape (before the days of frame by frame) and get the job done.
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...you're dismissed.
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guess the scene
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Well both Sly and Mickey have topless scenes if that will do it for you!
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sorry had to do it from the old star trek talkback awhile ago lmao. i was just making sure that wasnt your only reason for not liking it, but thank you for explaining now! it just irks me when people cant like a movie because of a political agenda or religion or whatever lame excuse. good cinema is good cinema, regardless, and red dawn is a freakin' fantastic film! as for dangerman, i think people shouldnt take him to seriously. he's in all honesty just getting a rise out of recruiter, caobra--kai, and now flickapoo. but if ya'll wish to continue, i will by no means stop ya'll, cause it is QUITE amusing! also, one thing i am disappointed from reading recruitment's review, is that you cant tell what's going on in the fights. i LOATHE shaky cam and personal POV. it's bullshit! i want to see the beauty in the choreography!
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Stallone shot all the action the same and I believe there might have been the thought that closer up will be a bit more impactful, grittier. I just think that if you have Jet Li in your movie, you want to pull back a bit and present the elegance and flow of his movements more than a close up shot will allow. I'm thinking along the lines of Fist of Legend or Jackie Chan vs. Benny Urquidez. I like gritty, down and dirty fights, but also want to see what's happening and not detract from some really cool moves. The closer style of shooting will work for something like the Stallone/Steve Austin final fight, which was fun and fairly brutal, but not necessarily for certain martial arts or car chases. The fight choreography was strong enough, with some fun wrestling holds, etc. that when the camera actually was pulled back a bit, it became engaging, but by then the movie was nearing the final act. Out of several action scenes, I only remember a couple being fairly impressive..As an audience member, I don't want to look back on a hardcore action film and remember that, although it had a lot of action, I only remember maybe one or two scenes.
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If Stallone stays close and tight during a fight, I'm sure he has his reasons... don't yah think? Or is it because you have such a better eye, Recruiter, based on your long and storied oeuvre? You, sir... SUCK!
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(and I like some of your insults but I thought you were dead! This is blowing my mind)... bear with me here-Backing Stallone feverishly. Constant use of alliteration- "contrary comment card consigned", "hurled a harpoon and only hit yourself"....DangerMan's secret identity is....is...Burgess Meredith?
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You're so full of shit. The entire audience, except you apparrently, was in awe at every action scene -- and that's not hyperbole.
What made this film-going experience so fun was being surrounded by an entire audience of people either cheering, moaning, grunting or laughing in tow with everything happening on screen. I find those experiences very rare nowadays.
This movie requires no heavy, internal analysis. It's not Tolstoy for God's sake -- it's a group of juggernaught mercenaries beating the shit out of bad guys.
The charm about this site is also its biggest flaw; permitting everyday movie-goers a huge forum to express their thoughts on a film. When those expressions are subversive and truly contrary to the content at hand, it causes all hell to break loose. This is just the first time I can attest to the contrary - because I was actually there.
The fight footage is definitely not similar to the nauseating, over-the-top close shots in the 2nd Bourne movie. -
...eats lightning and craps thunder? Sounds impressive.I heard a rumor years ago that Stallone built a plexiglas platform a foot over his bed. He would lie in bed while two hookers pissed and shit themselves then wrestled.I'm not saying it's TRUE...just sayin' I heard the rumor.Sly? True?
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Since having honest, negative things to say within a well-written review is akin to making fun of a little girl with braces...what's your new policy?
No more reviews from test screenings?
No more NEGATIVE reviews from test screenings?
Nomore negative reviews from test screenings, when the movies are made by your 'pals'?
Or continue to post said negative reviews, but then trash the person who wrote them?
And if you are really stupid enough to think that the Recruiter's line about 1985 meant he was talking about "Ran"...maybe that memorabilia cart did more damage than you think. -
Sounds pretty funny.
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In 1994, Knowles fell while pushing a cart up a ramp at a convention, and was subsequently run over by the cart with its 1200 pound load of memorabilia. The accident injured his back and left him virtually bedridden. With money from his mother's life insurance, he purchased a top-of-the-line computer and a friend arranged for Internet service allegedly so they could play Doom online together. After teaching himself how to navigate the Internet, Knowles began frequenting newsgroups to exchange gossip and rumors with other fans about upcoming films. After being chastised by future film critic Mike D'Angelo for posting binary image files to the newsgroups, Knowles launched the website that would become Ain't It Cool News in February 1996.
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Fuck Recruited, Cobra Lie and Winnie the Poo Thrower... Long Live "Barney" Stallone!!!
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like we got for RAMBO. I want my jaw to drop again.
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Better just check on DangerWoman in his cage. Ah, you've eaten up all your 'Mayo Dog' I see. Shit and spunk smeared all over your face and hands. No. I'm not going to clean you up. You can stay like that all day. Cry all you like......That's *my* last word.
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Troll pwned. Case closed.
Come back with another new nick next month and try again... -
Exactly why is it that H Knowles ESQ is always in his pit when famous people get on the dog and bone to him. Whats that all about ?
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"The entire audience, except you apparrently, was in awe at every action scene -- and that's not hyperbole." Really? That's not hyperbole? So during the film, Variable stopped watching to go check on every single member of the audience to see if they were enthralled and enjoying themselves? And he found that every single person in the audience was "enthralled"...based on....what? He examined the facial expression of each and every audience member and made that conclusion? Or let me guess...every single audience member was cheering and pumping their fists in the air while chanting Stallone's name. This guy is soooooo full of shit. Is there really any question which reviewer is more reliable?
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You are aptly named. Semantics rule! Fuck Variables.
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DavidCarradines, solution = quick reshoot with Carl Weathers in his Stars and Stripes top hat. Have him killed off in the first ten mins.
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But that's what was WRONG with 80's movies. Simple-minded solutions to complex problems. We lost Vietnam? No problem. Stallone will fix it and make us feel better. Panacea for the morons. Taking down Al Quaida? Fucking please.
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BECAUSE HARRY, THIS SITE LOST IT. YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE PRINTED THAT SHIT REVIEW IN THE FIRST PLACE. ALL IT TAKES TO KILL A MOVIE IS ONE REVIEW, AND YOU KNOW IT. YOU KILLED JOHN MCTIERNAN CAREER EVEN THOUGHT HE PERSONALY TRAVELED ON A PLANE WITH YOU HOPING YOU WOULD HAVE LIKE HIS MOVIE
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Feb 12, 2010 6:17:11 AM CST
The response to the first review makes absolutely no sense....
by wordage
If the film is a work in progress and not ready to be judged....then why the hell would they test screen it? You can't have it both ways and test screen it hoping to get good word of mouth out there...and then get mad because someone didn't like it. And as someone pointed out...test screenings are one of the foundations of this website...now all of a sudden people are outraged because of someone's honest opinion about a movie? There have been so many overhyped movies coming from this website that I'd rather hear an honest opinion instead of fanboy gushing of the Neil Cumstain type simply because the director is friends with this site.
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How dare you write an honest review! Especially when Harry's Hollywood buddy is involved. Look I'll probably watch this movie but I'm really annoyed that you went out of this way to publish an article where the star of the movie bags a guy for giving an honest review. In my opinion that is poor form. You should have been on the side of the guy writing the review. Not your hollywood friend. I think that what you've done will probably deter people from sending in honest reviews to you in the future. You might get more hollywood types phoning you up and being all friendly and stuff but you will also get less honest reviews... which will make the site a little less cool in my book. Anyway that's my 2 cents.
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People loved that I got under your thin skin that you'l shed today, so quit declaring yourself a victor of your own belly flop, as that endgame is for others to call. You failed and have zero gifts. Check and mate, small snake.
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Kiss my ass.
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Of course he didn't post it.
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Zooey is known to be a smart and literate young woman. So, you can rest your head, there's no chance your fears could be true.
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DangerMouse more like it (and yeah, it's a pun!).
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Cobra pwned you, all up and down this thread. In case you were still wondering. -
To say that Cobra--Kai owned DangerMan is actually a bit of a damning with faint praise. I mean, how hard can it be?
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Asimov like Ebonic and Cobra aren't even D listers since you're not on the list. If you had to use your real names accompanied by current photos, the silence would be deafening. Continue noshing on Harry's man fat for your nourishment, as my bank account is what actually owns the whole dense lot of you schoolyard fuckups.
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Kobe, a lousy hackneyed shower joke is the equivalent of Godwin's law. If you were a man, you'd know the score. Don't fuck with the eagles until you learn how to fly... and I don't mean flying from the coup. The Recruited is thrown back with all of yah. You're too small. Toodles.
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It's true, you are boring.
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as the joker fondly says, why so serious?!?!?!? you are a very angry person. take up martial arts. it soothes the body mentally, physically, and spiritually. thank you. good night, and good luck!
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If THE EXPENDABLES is reminiscent of 1985, then that is exactly what we want! Fans are dying for an 80s-style action film. No one is doing that right now. Thank you Sly!
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