4. First Risky Film
Schwarzenegger's comeback choices have thus far been relatively safe. The Last Stand was an typical action romp, Expendables was a proven franchise and Escape Plan was meant as little more than a team-up between two of the biggest stars of the 80s. Sabotage is an entirely risky venture for the man. Beyond toning down his look, the story is smaller than other action fare. Schwarzenegger is not saving a town or the world or protecting someone innocent. He's leading a team against the drug cartel to save his own ass, his wife's life and to dig out a thief among his group. The small story and clearly dark tone will really test Schwarzenegger's drawing power as far as audiences go. In his prime, Schwarzenegger's films always showed him as a superhero winking at the camera giving little weight to the proceedings (though his films were still fun). Sabotage is a different kind of action movie. The man won't be winking and the weight of the story looks to be heavier than any other film venture he's tried out before. A true comeback at anything means you gotta roll the dice. It looks like that's exactly what Schwarzenegger is doing.