EXPENDABLES 5: BACK FOR WAR (2025)

NgocAnh
May 24, 2025

The Expendables franchise has always been a unique phenomenon in the action movie world — a celebration of the genre’s greatest stars from the 1980s and 1990s, reunited for adrenaline-fueled carnage and brotherhood. After four installments that mixed explosive stunts, over-the-top fight sequences, and a hefty dose of nostalgia, Expendables 5: Back for War arrives in 2025 as the latest chapter in this iconic saga. The film continues the legacy by bringing back the original team while introducing fresh faces, promising to blend old-school action charm with modern blockbuster flair.

A Powerhouse Cast — Old and New

One of the greatest draws of Expendables 5 is its unprecedented ensemble cast. Sylvester Stallone once again takes the helm as Barney Ross, the tough, no-nonsense leader whose experience and grit form the backbone of the team. Stallone’s commitment to his character and the franchise remains unshaken, and his presence provides the movie with the steady center it needs amid the chaos.

Alongside Stallone, familiar faces return with renewed vigor. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s return as Trench Mauser brings the legendary charisma and blunt force that fans expect from one of the genre’s biggest icons. Jason Statham’s Lee Christmas continues to deliver his trademark precision, athleticism, and dry wit. These veterans represent the heart and soul of the franchise — men who have fought countless battles, yet refuse to back down.

However, Expendables 5 also understands the importance of staying relevant. The inclusion of Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson adds a modern, muscular energy to the team, creating a dynamic blend of old-school brawn and new-age charisma. Diesel’s portrayal of the mysterious but fiercely loyal Grimm adds layers of intensity, while Johnson’s Agent Stone brings a tough, larger-than-life personality that commands attention in every scene.

Perhaps the biggest surprises come from the casting of Keanu Reeves, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li — martial arts and action stars who are themselves legends but bring a distinct flavor to the group. Reeves’ cool, brooding style, Chan’s inventive choreography and comedic timing, and Li’s precise, elegant fighting techniques broaden the scope of the film’s action scenes beyond traditional gunfire and explosions.

This blend of personalities is not merely a gimmick; it creates fascinating on-screen chemistry. The interplay between Stallone’s grizzled veteran and Reeves’ enigmatic newcomer, or between Schwarzenegger’s blunt force and Chan’s nimble agility, offers some of the most memorable moments of the film.

Plot and Pacing

While the Expendables franchise has never been celebrated for intricate storytelling, Back for War manages to improve on the formula by delivering a straightforward but engaging plot that serves as a solid framework for its many set pieces.

The story centers on the Expendables regrouping after a brutal mission gone wrong. A rogue international arms dealer, known only as “The Warlord,” has obtained a nuclear weapon with plans to unleash global chaos. Barney Ross and his team must come out of semi-retirement to prevent disaster, facing an enemy who is as ruthless as he is cunning.

The narrative propels the film at a breakneck pace, balancing intense firefights with moments of character interaction and humor. The film wastes little time establishing stakes, throwing the team headfirst into deadly encounters in exotic locations ranging from urban wastelands to snowy mountain fortresses.

Expendables 5 excels at keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, with relentless action that rarely lets up for more than a few minutes. The pacing is tight, the tension palpable, and the choreography carefully constructed to maximize both spectacle and clarity.

Action and Choreography

Action is the centerpiece of Back for War, and it delivers in spades. The film features a dazzling array of fight scenes that cater to diverse tastes — from gritty hand-to-hand combat to large-scale shootouts and explosive set pieces.

Gunfights and Explosions: The trademark explosions that have become synonymous with the Expendables name return in full force. Scenes involving gunfights are fast and brutal, capturing the raw chaos of battlefield encounters without descending into incoherence. The choreography emphasizes practical stunts and real stuntmen, lending a visceral realism to the chaos on screen.
Martial Arts: Thanks to the addition of Jackie Chan and Jet Li, the movie incorporates some of the finest martial arts choreography seen in the series. Chan’s signature style combines acrobatics with creative use of the environment, delivering both breathtaking action and moments of comic relief. Jet Li’s fluid, precise fighting adds a disciplined elegance that contrasts well with the raw brutality of other scenes.
Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel: Their physicality is on full display. Johnson’s sequences showcase his powerhouse style, often breaking through walls or taking down multiple opponents in a display of strength and combat skill. Diesel balances tough-guy grit with an undercurrent of calm intensity, making his fight scenes compelling and grounded.
Jason Statham: Statham continues to be one of the franchise’s standout performers. His scenes are fast-paced, brutal, and highly technical. His agility and precision make the fights feel authentic and exciting, reinforcing his status as one of Hollywood’s best action stars.

The film’s climactic battle is a multi-layered spectacle that brings together all the main characters in a massive assault on The Warlord’s fortress. The scene is a masterclass in coordination, blending gunfire, martial arts, and explosives with a clear focus on storytelling within the chaos.

Themes and Tone

While Expendables 5 is first and foremost an action movie, it also revisits themes that have defined the franchise throughout its run.

Brotherhood and Loyalty: At its core, the film is a tribute to camaraderie forged in adversity. The characters’ bond is palpable, underscored by shared histories, sacrifices, and the constant risk of death. This theme is explored through touching moments that emphasize trust and mutual respect among the team members.
Legacy and Redemption: Many characters grapple with their pasts — old mistakes, lost comrades, and personal demons. The film highlights their quest for redemption, portraying the team’s mission as more than a fight against villains but a struggle to preserve their own humanity.
Nostalgia with Modern Flair: Back for War carefully balances nostalgia with contemporary sensibilities. While it pays homage to the raw action of the ‘80s and ‘90s, it also integrates modern filmmaking techniques and character development, keeping the film relevant for today’s audiences.
Humor and Heart: The script maintains the franchise’s tradition of blending tough action with humor. Witty banter, playful rivalries, and self-aware jokes provide levity amid the carnage, making the characters more relatable and the stakes more personal.

Direction and Cinematography

Director Patrick Hughes returns with a confident hand, delivering a film that respects its roots while pushing technical boundaries. His experience with the franchise ensures that the tone remains consistent, and his knack for staging clear, exciting action sequences shines throughout.

The cinematography embraces a gritty, realistic aesthetic. Practical lighting and camera work create immersive environments, from claustrophobic interiors to sprawling battlefields. The use of handheld cameras during fights adds immediacy, while sweeping aerial shots showcase the scale of key set pieces.

Color grading opts for desaturated palettes punctuated by fiery explosions and vibrant costume colors, accentuating the stark contrast between life and death, hope and destruction.

Performances

Sylvester Stallone: As always, Stallone is the emotional anchor of the film. His portrayal of Barney Ross conveys a weary but unyielding leader who balances tough love with genuine care for his team. Stallone’s delivery combines gravitas with understated humor, keeping the audience invested in his character’s journey.
Vin Diesel: Diesel brings a quiet intensity to Grimm, a character shrouded in mystery but loyal to the cause. His physical presence and subtle emotional beats add depth to a role that could have been overshadowed by flashier co-stars.
Dwayne Johnson: Johnson dominates the screen with charisma and charisma-packed bravado. His Agent Stone is equal parts intimidating and charming, giving the team a new dynamic.
Jason Statham: Statham’s performance is a highlight. His mix of dry wit and focused ferocity makes Lee Christmas an indispensable part of the team.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: Schwarzenegger plays to his strengths, delivering one-liners with perfect timing and showcasing his legendary physicality in combat.
Keanu Reeves, Jackie Chan, Jet Li: The trio shine individually and collectively. Reeves’ stoicism contrasts well with Chan’s humor and Li’s elegance, enriching the film’s tone and action.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack complements the film’s energetic pace and nostalgic vibe. Featuring a mix of classic rock tracks from the ‘80s and ‘90s alongside a modern orchestral score, the music propels action scenes and heightens emotional moments. The film’s theme, a new composition inspired by classic action scores, effectively captures the spirit of the franchise.

Final Thoughts

Expendables 5: Back for War succeeds by doing exactly what fans want: delivering unapologetic, no-holds-barred action featuring a dream team of the world’s greatest action stars. It balances breathtaking set pieces with moments of genuine camaraderie and character development, making it more than just a nostalgia trip.

While the plot remains straightforward, it serves as a strong backbone for the film’s strengths: spectacular stunts, charismatic performances, and memorable fight sequences. The blend of veteran actors and new stars creates an exciting dynamic, expanding the franchise’s appeal while honoring its roots.

For anyone craving explosive action, witty banter, and a celebration of the genre’s legends, Expendables 5 is an exhilarating ride. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it delivers the kind of high-octane thrills and heartfelt moments that have made the franchise a beloved staple in action cinema.