The Expendables 2 (2012)

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RATE MOVIE: 3.67 (3 Votes)

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Director: Simon West
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham
How rewarding it must have been to cast such an array of Hollywood “has beens” in one movie. Bruce Willis, Schwarzenegger & notably Stallone looked so old & weary that they seemed inadequate. Ironically, Arnie's first line in the movie was: “how embarrassing”. It sure was!... Unfortunately the embarrassment just kept escalating. His performance was so cringe worthy that at times he appeared to have no idea what he was doing. Perhaps an immediate return to politics is in order. Chuck Norris’ performance wasn’t much better, when after his appearance the audience realised (or was hoping) that the movie was purposely sending itself up. Stallone was true to form moaning & grunting throughout.

The story deals with Stallone & his band of merry men who are trying to retrieve a large quantity of plutonium which has fallen in the hands of the bad guys led by Jean-Claude Van Damme. Far from perfect many faults were prevalent, an obvious one being the computerized blood which splattered when someone was shot. Not since Stallone’s First Blood reboot were such effects so fake & ineffective. Some camera work was shonky & much of the dialogue was corny especially the comical one liners which only seemed to garner mocked laughter from the audience.

On a positive note however, interwoven in all this was an explosive action packed thriller which had the audience at the edge of their seats. Plenty of fight sequences, blood splattering stunt work & martial arts where the body count of 300 plus secured interest from action enthusiasts. The opening sequence was breathtaking & the fast paced action made up for some of the movie’s downfalls. Liam Hemsworth was the stand out performer & the audience easily connected with his character. Unfortunately he only played a short supporting role & this will doubtlessly meet with disapproval from his many adoring female fans... JAKE 2.5