Movie Review: The Expendables 2

By Nolan Patrick Smith-Pastrami Nation

Two years ago, The Expendables brought together a who’s who of the action film genre. With a blend of classic action heroes and more modern day ones, the film was a sight to behold. Stallone, Statham, Lee, Willis, Schwarzenegger, and more: it was an action packed blast. Now, here we are with the sequel to action hero reunion, with more names, more explosions, and more kicks than ever before. Does that equal to another great film, or is it one too many trips to the action well?

Directed by Simon West (Con Air, The Mechanic), the film brings back almost all the stars from the previous film, with adding a few new additions. Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, and even Jet Li are all back for the sequel, and with them are the rookie sniper Billy (Liam Hemsworth) and pop culture icon Chuck Norris. Filling the role of the villain for the film is another action star: Jean-Claude Van Damme as the terrorist Vilain, and he fills the role well.

The action rolls from beginning to end in grand Expendable fashion. We get the huge explosions, some more character development, and a very cool showdown between Rocky and the Lionheart. Even the addition of Billy is welcome, as he proves his usefulness and worth right from the start. With the sequel, comedy does take a step up, but in a welcomed way that it doesn’t detract from the film. But what about the story?

Let’s be honest, the story is your basic, predictable action film plot. But that’s ok, because the end product is a loud, enjoyable film that met every one of my expectations. A lot of people will say this is a “guys” movie, and I agree to a point. But I feel that anyone, man or woman, who enjoys an over the top action film will love this sequel. Now, will part three have Wesley Snipes, Harrison Ford and Jackie Chan? Let’s hope so.

We give The Expendables 2 a FOUR out of FIVE. Go check it out!!!