IT’S PERHAPS BEFITTING that in the same weekend we see the summer’s most feminine film in “Eat Pray Love,” we get perhaps its most masculine one as well, “The Expendables.” For those who are not aware, the film lays claim to being the biggest action film ever, largely by brute force – stars include Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, with Mickey Rourke and Dolph Lundgren in tow. But the questions begin. Yes, Willis and The Governator still hold public interest, but they make limited appearances in the trailer, as does the red-hot Rourke. (And how did Arnold find time to shoot this anyway?) That means that Stallone, who hasn’t worn as well, and Statham, who isn’t that big of a star, will carry the picture. As for the storyline providing context for the bullets and orange fireballs? Not much – basically this badass team of dudes “does a job” because “the pay is good,” but then they get roped into helping a bunch of South American locals being bullied by the local dictator, all of which sounds reminiscent of an “A-Team” episode. But who are we kidding: brute force and lots of stars took “Valentine’s Day” to over $50 million in its opener. Similar brute force will give this expendable film a decent $42 million opener. 7/15/10.
THE MARKET: “The Expendables” goes into wide release on Friday, August 13, 2010. How much will it gross in its opening weekend as first reported by Variety? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $45, for example, would be worth $78 if the movie grosses $78 million in that period. Trading closes at 9 a.m the day of the film’s opening.
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