The Expendables franchise has always been synonymous with mindless action, over-the-top stunts, and an all-star cast of action heroes from the past and present. From its inception, the series has aimed to deliver pure entertainment for fans of the genre. However, the release of Expendables 4 has taken a hit when it comes to critical reception, with its Rotten Tomatoes score reaching a new low for the franchise. But is the percentage alone enough to gauge the film’s quality? Let’s dive deeper into the reasons behind this score and why it may not tell the full story.

Before delving into the details, let’s understand what Rotten Tomatoes is and how it calculates film scores. Rotten Tomatoes is a popular review-aggregation website that collects critics’ reviews, assigns them a positive or negative rating, and calculates a film’s overall score based on the percentage of positive reviews. While this system has its merits, it often fails to capture the nuances and complexities of movie criticism.

Expendables 4 faced a significant challenge right from the beginning due to the expectations set by its predecessors. The first film was released in 2010 and was met with mixed reviews, scoring 41% on Rotten Tomatoes. The subsequent entries in the franchise, Expendables 2 and 3, saw slight improvements in terms of critical reception, with scores of 67% and 34%, respectively. However, the declining trend in scores suggests that the formula was wearing thin.

The fourth installment of the Expendables franchise faced an uphill battle as it attempted to reinvent itself while staying true to its roots. With a new director at the helm, a revamped cast, and promises of a fresh take on the series, fans and critics alike had high hopes for the film. Unfortunately, the final product fell short of those expectations, resulting in a meager 22% Rotten Tomatoes score.

One of the key factors contributing to the low score is the film’s lackluster screenplay. The Expendables franchise has always thrived on its mindless action and larger-than-life characters, but Expendables 4 fails to deliver in terms of its story. Critics have cited a weak plot, poorly written dialogue, and a lack of character development as major drawbacks, making it difficult for viewers to emotionally invest in the film.

Additionally, the film suffers from pacing issues and an over-reliance on CGI effects. Many critics have highlighted the excessive use of visual effects, which detract from the practical stunts and explosive action sequences that made the earlier films so enjoyable. The reliance on computer-generated imagery undermines the gritty and realistic feel that fans had come to expect from the franchise.

Another aspect that has drawn criticism is the film’s treatment of female characters. While the Expendables franchise has never been known for its progressive portrayal of women, Expendables 4 takes a step backward by reducing the female characters to mere eye candy and love interests. This lack of depth and agency for the female cast members has not gone unnoticed by critics, who argue that it perpetuates outdated gender stereotypes.

However, it is important to note that the Rotten Tomatoes score alone does not reflect the opinions of every viewer. The Expendables franchise has always had a loyal fan base that enjoys the films for their mindless action and star-studded cast. For many fans, the score may not deter them from enjoying the movie, as they have come to expect a certain level of entertainment from the series.

Furthermore, Rotten Tomatoes’ scoring system oversimplifies the nuances of film criticism. A film’s quality cannot be reduced to a mere percentage. Some critics may deem a movie with a low score as a guilty pleasure or a fun, mindless flick, while others may view it as a failure on multiple levels. The Rotten Tomatoes score fails to capture these diverse perspectives, leading to a skewed representation of a film’s true merit.

In conclusion, Expendables 4’s Rotten Tomatoes score of 22% is certainly a new low for the franchise. However, it is crucial to look beyond the percentage and consider the reasons behind the low score. The film’s weak screenplay, pacing issues, over-reliance on CGI, and regressive treatment of female characters have all contributed to its critical reception. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that film appreciation is subjective, and the Rotten Tomatoes score does not necessarily reflect the opinions of all viewers. Ultimately, whether you enjoy Expendables 4 or not may depend on your personal preferences and expectations from the franchise.