Review of The Expendables 2 (2012) by Eric L — 01 Oct 2013

Sometimes you leave a particular film with a lot of thoughts or ideas that need to be talked out or talked through. Other times you have a definite opinion right at the end. You love it or you hate it. Other times you might think you feel one way and on further reflection decide on the complete opposite. All of these reactions are great for writing a review. On the other hand the take it or leave it opinion is a little more difficult to express and the attitude of general disinterest implied makes it even harder to do any kind of write-up of a film.

Such was the case with The Expendables 2. I liked the film. It was corny, but it delivered for the most part. I think if you paid for a ticket you should be satisfied with what you got. On the other hand, if you haven't yet bought one, I don't think it's necessary.

One of the things I loved about the first film was the sub plot. The sequel lacks one. Mickey Rourke's character which contributed so much to the first film is absent in the second. Other talent is brought in to fill the void, but they are mere cameos that add little depth to the big picture. Depth is missing, but lots of video game type action sequences fill the top of the movie. It takes it's self much less seriously, I think to its detriment. It's kind of like an overweight kid making fat jokes to mask his insecurities. These action dinosaurs do the same thing, but with plastic surgery. Just kidding. But not really.

I liked it. I did. There was some cool stuff and it pretty much lives up to every possible expectation. What it lacked in plot complexity it made up for in big action and lot's of cheesy dialogue. I liked seeing it on a big screen and I'm not sure how it will translate on a smaller one, so it might be an all or nothing deal when it comes to seeing this particular picture.