The first reactions are arriving for Expendables 4 ahead of its theatrical release

Expendables 4, officially titled Expend4bles, hits theaters on Friday (September 22) and the first reactions are finally in for the action sequel.

The new film brings back Sylvester Stallone’s Barney Ross as he leads his team on another deadly mission to save the world. This time, a terrorist (Iko Uwais from The Raid) is looking for detonators for a nuclear missile, and only the Expendables can stop him.

Expendables fans will be hoping that the new film is a step up from the third film, generally considered the worst of the trilogy.

So does Expend4bles mark a successful return for Barney and co?

“Expend4bles has a turgid first hour, before the powerful final act reminds us that the show works best when it’s having fun – and when Jason Statham is as Cockney as possible,” he wrote The digital spyIan Sandwell’s film editor.

Eric Eisenberg of CinemaBlend said on Twitter/X: “Ever wonder what the climax of a franchise looks like? Prepare to be amazed by the awesomeness of Expend4bles. It has the aesthetic of a 1995 Direct-To-Video movie and simply describing the story/plot progression sounds like a joke. Shame on everyone involved.”

On the contrary, Rama’s Screen added: “EXPEND4BLES was crazy, wacky fun! He had a punch! Back to the old rock ’em sock ’em gritty hard-R explosive action that was great fun.”

Here’s what several reviewers had to say:

Expend4bles could mark Stallone’s last outing as Barney Ross, as he revealed in a stills video that he’s stepping away from the series.

“It’s time to move on. This will be my last day, so I’m happy about that, but it’s always bittersweet,” he said.

“When something you’ve been so attached to, I think it’s been about 12 years and I’m ready to pass the baton to Jason (Statham) and his capable hands.”

We’re sure there’s some way they can tempt Stallone back if the new movie is a hit, though.

Expend4bles opens in theaters on September 22nd.

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