Confessions Of An Action Movie Fan

Happy Labor Day! I don’t have anything to write about relating to Labor Day, so hopefully I could twist this post around to somehow make it relate by sharing why I love action movies along with the actors working hard not to break a bone.

Growing up with two brothers, I got wrapped into developing similar interests as them. Maybe it was to prove something, or maybe it was a bonding tactic on my end, but whatever the case was, I grew up loving action movies. I had taken karate classes with my brothers, we’d act out action scenes from our favorite movies, and we’d play Mortal Kombat way too much on our beloved Sega Genesis. I actually enjoyed it. Like, a lot. I still played with my Barbies and did other “girl” things, but at the end of the day, I enjoyed being entertained by action and violence.

Since I’m accustomed to action movies being a certain way, I’ve noticed that modern day action movies aren’t the same they use to be. General actors are casted while action stars/actors who are professional at taking an extra beating are not. Way back when, you’d see stunts being pulled of by Jackie Chan himself, and Jean Claude Van Damme, and Jason Stathom (maybe there’s just something about those ‘J’ names). These guys have backgrounds in martial arts and can handle moving certain ways to make the stunts legit.

Fast forward to today, stunt doubles seem to be used far more for action filled movies. Maybe it’s the insurance companies responsible for this, but I’m curious to know what happened to the idea of a good old fashion action star. Are are there any current actors that can be classified as ‘action stars’? I would really love to know. I understand these days you have to be well versed to be able to land the roles to make the dough, but I miss the idea of watching the next Jean Claude Van Damme movie. We know what to expect, and it’s exactly what action fans want to see.

This is why I find The Expendables movies to be amazing. Yea, you can call these actors ‘washed-up has-beens’ who are probably looking for an easy quick buck, but I completely support it. I’ve read rocky reviews and heard quite a number of people speaking of the movie in a not so favorable tone. I just find it hard to believe that people don’t find this entertaining and exciting. They’re taking back the action genre which was rightfully theirs to begin with.

To be honest, their careers seem to be slowly fading making it rare to see these Expendables stars featured in modern memorable movies. But seeing them in a movie where they’re all playing together, now that’s memorable! It used to be Stallone vs Schwarzenegger, but now you can see them teaming up which I find a big deal. The Expendables series could just be these stars’ way of going out with a BANG or a way to get the attention of directors and producers again, but either way it’s nice to see them in something so filled with action before they go back to their unfortunate random cameos and roles.

I’ve grown to appreciate action movies, and will forever pick them over the feel good rom-com. I’m currently keeping an eye on who will be cast for the Expendables 4 which is currently in the works and there are so many rumors for who will be joining the cast next. Being a big Jackie fan, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he will finally make an appearance.