The original “Expendables” was a surprise hit at the box office in 2010, thanks to the bringing together of some of the most popular action stars of all-time (though they’d aged a bit since their heyday). Now the bar has been raised even higher with “The Expendables 2”, thanks to a bigger cast and the promise of even more action.
Sylvester Stallone, who directed the original, co-wrote the screenplay for “2”. And once again he stars as Barney Ross, the leader of a group of mercenaries who will take-on any dangerous mission for the right price. He and his crew (Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lungdren, Terry Crews and Randy Couture) waste no time kicking butt in this sequel, thanks to a wildly entertaining opening rescue scene.
The plot of the film is pretty basic: Church (played by Bruce Willis) has a mission for Barney and his men (as payback for a little matter of $5-million they took from him during a previous deal): Retrieve an item from a safe that’s in a plane that was shot down over China and bring it back to him.
But it isn’t that simple. Jean Claude Van-Damme and his team foil that plan and kill one of the Barney’s men in the process. This sets the rest of the story in motion, as Stallone tells his men when asked what they’re going to do next: “Track ’em. Find ’em. Kill ’em.”
The high-octane scenes in “The Expendables 2” are just what fans want to see. All of these guys, even as senior citizens, are still effective action stars (though their stunt doubles get more work than they do). Willis’ character even gets in the act this time, as does Arnold Schwarzenegger. In fact those two have some very clever moments together during the big finale. And even 72-year old Chuck Norris joins in. Stallone’s decision not to directed this time works out fine, as Simon West does a nice job with the well-choreographed combat scenes, tricky special effects and explosions.
There are plenty of laughs during “The Expendables 2” – some coming from the intentionally corny dialogue, but most from the incredible amount of destruction, wild stunts and killing that takes place. The performances are pretty solid for what this movie is. Crews is especially good with the subtle humor. Liam Hemsworth plays Barney’s new, young recruit. Believe it or not this is a better showcase acting role for him than in “The Hunger Games” or “The Last Song.” On the downside – Li’s barely in the movie, Statham doesn’t have as prominent of a role as in the original, and Van-Damme doesn’t make a great villain.
The biggest problem with “The Expendables 2” is the story, which is just too simple. And it could have used more action. After that great opening sequence, things really don’t start cooking again for nearly 45 minutes. Yes, every movie needs some time for plot development and the introductions of characters. But at one point I wanted to scream “I came for the over-the-top, mindless action. Where is it?” Eventually it does come, and it’s satisfying. And, yes, I realize that ‘story’ is the least important element in this franchise.
“The Expendables 2” is rated R for the intense and extensive action/violence. It’s appropriate for teens and up. I credit the film for delivering on what it promises and out-doing the original. It’s a heck of a lot of fun.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “The Expendables 2” gets a B.
An “Expendables 3” is already in the planning srtages. My wish list for new actors to join the cast includes: Steven Seagal, Samuel L. Jackson and the great Clint Eastwood, who was killing bad guys on-screen back when Sly and Arnold were still kids. Now HE would make a great villain.