- The 80s action film will never die.
Prior
to the first Expendables movie I was sure that I was in for a feast
for my eyes, a collective hodgepodge of destruction and star power.
What I got from the first one was a messy star-studded action film
that came out with no memorable lines and only a few short action
sequences that were above the normal. What could the sequel bring
that the first didn't deliver on? I was going into this movie with
tepid anticipation, to say the least. If you have read my other
sequel based movie reviews, you'll notice that for me, bad movies
spawn worse movies, but I always give a movie a chance or two (though
sometimes years in between). In Expendables 2 I was promised more
Bruce Willis, more Arnold Schwarzenegger and the addition of
Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris. Maybe with this boost in
star power and the change of writers they'll nail this action
extravaganza.
From the beginning, the audience is treated to an action sequence, quickly showing that the team is still at their run, gun and destroy everything in their way lifestyle. As far as run of the mill action goes, the intro wasn't a strong part of the movie, Jet Li's little close-quarter-combat sequence was probably the best. What was missing throughout the introduction was really hammed up cheesy lines, you know, the ones that stay with fans years after. Watch Commando, Die Hard, Predator or Rocky IV for great examples of what I'm talking about. Shortly after the re-introduction to Trench (played by Arnold) and before Church (played by Bruce Willis)'s re-introduction we do have a great line from newcomer to the action genre Liam Hemsworth (not to be confused with older brother Chris Hemsworth). He says he'll finish out the month before he gives up. A twist on the classic “I only got one month till retirement”. I die for that kind of cheese in my action. From this point onward in the movie the writing really shines in a lot of places. Chuck Norris, Arnold and Bruce all really shine within the movie and really bring the 80s back to the theatre.
I
found in the first Expendables my problem was going in thinking it
was a team movie, say like a super hero team movie, where everyone
gets a back story, everyone plays an important part and together
through teamwork they save the day. However, it was more of a
Jason Statham and Sylvester Stallone saving the day while others were shown every so
often, with the inclusion of the Jet Li/Dolph Lundgren fight for hilarity. Yet,
on the other hand, in the sequel it seemed like none of the
actors/characters had an overwhelming role. Stallone certainly takes
up more screen time, but it is clear he is the leader and wait for
it the hilarious line you'll see nowhere else. He is the brains of the
operation. It's a team-based movie where while no one is highlighted
specifically, together everyone
shines together for a focused explosive movie.
 |
| Yes! |
To
summarize the movie is full of cheesy dialogue that might not be for
some, but was certainly what I was looking for. The plot is
terrible, but still more suitable than the first. It also has the
greater return to action for Arnold, as he is a credited star and
totally kills people in this one. As well it doesn't have a really
weird heartfelt awkward scene with Micky Rourke. This is dumb 80s
action for the next generation.
Looking
through my long list of reviews private and public, this is certainly
one of the stronger sequels to
a film series and gives great hope to this series having longevity in
the film world.
I
gave this movie a 8/10
PS:
I continue to think that Randy Couture and Terry Crews could be
better utilized.
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