Action films made in the 80s are a genre unto themselves and are an easily identifiable breed.
These are the films where the hero regularly doesn't wear anything resembling a top (or just wears a vest) carries a really huge gun, whips out lots of one liners, and seems to walk through bullets without getting a scratch.
They also tend to have lots of car chases and big explosions and seem to be made from pure testosterone.
On top of this they are of course a product of the 80s meaning big hair, oiled muscles, synth rock and tight jeans worn above the hips.
There is no plot in these films, just action and macho posturing.
Unfortunately though these films seem to be a genre that died with the decade and there are very few successful films that fit this mould.
Films these days tend to have elaborate plots, two hour+ running times and lots of special effects.
While these have their place though, they don't give us the pure adrenaline rush of an 80s-style action film.
Sometimes it's nice not to have to have to use your brain too much, or commit a whole day to watching a film, and sometimes it's good to have a film that will motivate you to workout.
At the same time having an old-fashioned ideal of masculinity, and a hero that always prevails and never surrenders is also pleasingly simple and reassuring.
There is certainly a place for this fast-food of the film world, and here's hoping that Expendables triggers a resurgence and we see many more 80s action films over the next few years.