Review of The Expendables 2 (2012) by Jonathan R — 27 Apr 2015

Grade: Barely scrapes in at a 6/10.

The Expendables 2 is an action packed movie starring old action movie heroes usually from the 80's and sports massive weaponry. It is all out action, and I mean all out, in an era where films like to have heart this crushes it with action and violence. I think it is fair enough and it is good to see that at least the people behind it weren't ashamed of what they wanted and did it, not to mention excite action movie fans along the way.

The actors are all as I mentioned action movie legends, including the main expendable Sylvester Stallone, he is joined by a variety of cast such as Bruce Willis, Jason Statham and Arnold Schwarzenegger who make the film well, more fighting like. I do think the actors fade slightly to the end and the endless quotes they come out with are just, well I'll come to that later but it is safe to say they aren't afraid of jokey one liners and cliché lines to boot. A shout to Liam Hemsworth here, he is very confident in his role,and he seems like a star to come for me.

Listen the movie is written poorly, and now I come to them horrible lines that usually sprout from Stallone's mouth and make every scene seem like every film he has ever been in. Some scenes are truly cringe worthy, I mean you will literally be like" What,how,did I miss something?" and the over the top fighting and even driving + flying make this so unreal at times it can be 100 percent cringe worthy.

The fighting as it is, is pretty crazy and never seems bashful in it's way of sweeping enemies aside with any way they can. I think it is choreographed well fight wise and with the stunts as well it can all seem well done and I applaud the movie for at least begin exciting in scenes where most people would perish in one second. Simon West directs this OK and some credit could go to him for the excitement, I actually(with a little thought) enjoyed this movie but only just, and it is hard to really pick scenes but West I think within, does an OK job.

Now of course with all this action and thrills come the recommendations if you haven't watched it but reading this review, then I think it is important to know this if you want a film to watch. This film is only for people who can bare hardcore action and death but also laugh at the cliché lines and shrug it off after the movie. The film has no depth, no real human drama and the emotion gets miss directed in scenes when it could have been sadder, so please, read the label.

Overall I felt it was kind of OK and an acceptable movie, it doesn't get near 7/10 not even 6 1/2 /10 but does escape being just another average action flick. I have very very little doubt they will be making many more of these and probably will go on until they can't literally move or die. What I will say though Is that at least we know what we are getting, top action that fills a quota to literal tipping point and actors who are giving us yet another last hurrah, I'll also add that inside a part of me feels good they are doing this, such classic action stars doing what they do best and what they from what I can see love, just good fun.