In Defense of The Older Action-Movie Star

You've seen it, the general negative opinion of older actors returning to their action roots, it's everywhere you look, from snooty critics to movie site comments, to the damning box office. But what is exactly wrong with actors in their 60's doing physical demanding roles?

One might say it's their appearance, that they are no longer the glorious image of strength and peek psychical fitness they once were. In this instance it seems if an actor ages they must do drama or more suitable 'old man' roles, but action stars are not forever young and truth be told most started their careers in their 30's. Most didn't have the foresight to how successful they might become. So should they therefore give up what they're good at because they don't look as youthful as they did? Frankly, it seems to be a shallow judgement any which way you slice it.

"They should age gracefully and pull away from psychical demanding roles". Why should they if they can pull off a strong role like Sylvester Stallone has shown with his later succession of films, from Rambo 4 and on, looking older but nowhere near frail or incapable of such heroic feats, then why be a negative ball and chain of such things unless you don't want to see more of their action films.

Let's take Arnold Schwarzenegger for example, as he appears to be the most strong bearer or criticism due to his age. Why is now that Schwarzenegger is receiving the brunt when comments regarding The Sixth Day in 2000 featured nothing of the sort, age wasn't a factor in the slightest degree, what happened in 13 years that grew out the public's disapproval? Could it be his time as governor, or his well publicized affair in 2012, two things that really shouldn't affect ones view of his action movies, or is the sad truth that the public simply can't separate the man off-screen from the actor on-screen? I personally think it's directly related.

This leads into the old age equation by way of mocking and ridicule, one instance of criticism (his affair) leads to another criticism (he's no longer the flawless man we grew up with) which leads to another. Age is simply one of the most obvious targets. Whether they are valid in relation to the actor's public output or not, all the faults of the celebrity are in the spotlight and are up for scrutiny.

I grew up with action heroes such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone and it's not a mere nostalgia trip to see their new movies, it's about more quality action movies from quality action stars who have the personality as well as the muscles. Two things (despite new comers like Dwayne Johnson) that have rarely been duplicated so well. I don't see two frail actors struggling to breathe, cooped up in a wheelchair with some debilitating illness, what ever trends come or go, whether politically correct or on the fence, whether violence is in or out, I see two actors past their prime but still in top form.

Yep, still got it.