Action conventions

The action movie genre is largely told, not through dialogue, but through physical action. Often because of this Action films are big hits at the box office but lack the critical reception due to less character development (or 2D characters.) The genre is often aimed at a male audience, between the ages of 13 and 35 and often has women solely as objects of attraction. However in modern times directors have tried to stray from this and feature women as the hero, examples of this are Lara Croft from Tomb Raider and Elektra.

The modern day action film largely stems from the popularity created around the original James Bond films. These films introduced many of the action genres conventions like quick cuts, car chases, fist fights and elaborate action sequences. The bond films also created the "resourceful hero” who can dispatch villains with a ready one-liner.

Numerous early action films ( 1960’s/70’s) often featured maverick cops such as classics like “Dirty Harry." This feature is still present today although often in remakes or sequels (Die Hard 4) however the genre often features various Sci-fi elements or just some average everyday hero ( day after tomorrow, war of the worlds.)

The conventions that you'll find in almost any action film are:
Time ticking down
Explosions
Gadgets
Love interest (eye candy)
Blood
Guns/ various weaponry
Close ups
Car chases
And generally fast paced throughout.