Variety
Redundant, bombastic and cheekily self-aware, The Expendables 2 is also savvy enough to supply its own auto-critique.
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The Expendables 2
Sylvester Stallone's action extravaganza redux with a platinum gold, muscle-clad cast (deep breath): Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Norris, Van Damme, Willis, Li, Statham, Hemsworth, Crews and Lundgren.
Mr. Church (Willis) reunites the Expendables to take on a seemingly simple job. The task looks like an easy paycheck for Barney (Stallone) and his crack team of heavies. But when things go wrong and one of their own is viciously killed, it becomes personal and the mercs-for-hire set off on a bullet-ridden, explosion-heavy quest for revenge.
Less2012Rating: MA15+, for strong bloody violence throughout102 minsUSA
Action
- Director:
- Simon West ('The Mechanic', 'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider', 'Con Air')
- Writer:
- Sylvester Stallone
- Cast:
- Sylvester StalloneArnold SchwarzeneggerJet LiDolph LundgrenChuck NorrisBruce WillisJason StathamJean-Claude Van DammeLiam HemsworthRandy CoutureTerry CrewsScott AdkinsYu Nan
The Expendables 2 | Reviews
67%132 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® Score
All reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Total Film
"Sometimes it's fun to run with the pack," counsels self-confessed lone wolf Chuck Norris. For the most part, you'd be well advised to choose the opposite direction.
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Time Out
The highlight is a bruising pas de deux between Statham and direct-to-video star Scott Adkins, a sequence that channels yesteryear's testosteronized cinema instead of exhuming it. You can only hope the inevitable third entry will use that as a model.
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The Guardian
There's some comedy in there, too, intentional – mostly. As a poignant study of the ageing process, it's on a rough par with "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." For The Expendables 3, they might want to consider enlisting Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson and Judi Dench.
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Los Angeles Times
What gives Expendables 2 its charm is the film's unabashed nostalgia for the genre's best B-movie moments.
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Hollywood Reporter
Taut, humorous and attractively packaged, the sequel is both fleet footed and engaging enough to captivate audiences with more than just nonstop action.
Full reviewHollywood Reporter
Taut, humorous and attractively packaged, the sequel is both fleet footed and engaging enough to captivate audiences with more than just nonstop action.
Full review
Box Office Magazine
This over-the-top sequel caters to the lowest common denominator in the best possible way, and it's so fully committed to brainless bombast that it muscles audiences to applaud by sheer force of will.
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