Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Movie Review ... The Expendables 2

 

The quote ‘there are more stars on screen than there are in the sky’ applies to ‘The Expendables 2’.  Featuring a smorgasbord of ageing action heroes, genre fans should be delighted with this second outing.  Just as over the top, it has a litany of mayhem sure to satisfy.  A work of art it isn’t but more than delivers on its promise of a rollicking premise upon which its stars made their name.

A group of mercenaries dubbed ‘The Expendables’ are on a new mission.  Asked to retrieve a prized computer disc, the team is headed by Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone).  With help from Yin Yang (Jet Li), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham) and Gunner Jensen (Dolph Lundgren) among others he needs all the fire-power available. When one of their own is captured by the evil Jean Vilain (Jean-Claude Van Damme), all bets are off.  With an armada of ammo at their disposal, they set out to prove how messing with them leads to all-out war.

Unapologetic in presenting silly and ridiculous situations ‘The Expendables 2’ is a lot of fun.  There’s a certain market for this type of film and it succeeds in being a slice of total nonsense.  Its story may be basic, the dialogue mumbled by some less than fantastic actors although as an action spectacle it hits the mark.  During these moments the creative flair in adding something new to the genre is seen with Director Simon West having a field day with the cinematic toys at his disposal.

It’s also difficult not smiling seeing stars such as Stallone, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger kicking some serious baddie butt revelling in their super-heroic roles whilst the villains are suitably hiss-able.  The Expendables are well served by a strong support cast with a virtual who’s who of 80’s action gleeful at having their moment to shine.  Thankfully their enjoyment comes across with a fast paced story racing towards a suitably exciting if frantic finish.

As an addition to the genre ‘The Expendables 2’ is first rate.  It might have little depth but it provides consistent entertainment for fans who may know what to expect but have fun with the ensuing outrageous thrill-ride.   

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Movie Review Rating out of 10:  6

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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