The Expendables 2

TAKE 1: One Man’s Opinion

…because film is largely subjective

 

by Frederick William Springer III



The Expendables 2

Release Date:  17 August 2012                                                             Runtime:  103 Minutes              

Review Date:  14 October 2012                                                             Rating:  4 (of 6)

     If you're into action movies, and some of the biggest names in the genre, then you might enjoy yourself at The Expendables 2.

     I must say, I liked the sequel more than the original.  Why that is could be a combination of many factors.  Of all the stars in the original, Bruce Willis (Church) would have been the lure to get me into the theater but there he's limited to a one scene cameo alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger's Trench's also one scene, even briefer cameo.  Here, Willis's role is slightly expanded--since he is CIA and not a member of the Expendables team, he only has limited screen time.

     Introduced in this film, Chuck Norris makes a guest appearance as the lone wolf mercenary Booker.  Like Willis and Schwarzenegger, his time is short (but poignant), which is a shame because I wouldn't mind a movie with just these 3.  There were also jokes poking fun at Schwarzenegger, Willis and Stallone's past films as well as Norris's "Facts" popularity that were fun in a way that didn't pull you out of the movie you were watching (though, the Terminator ones did become overdone and corny).

     Overall, I think I liked the story more.  Whether that has to do with new writers, a new director bringing it to the screen or some other factor, I don't know.  The only problem I found with the movie was the scene where, not to give too much away, the Expendables lower their weapons in a hostage situation.  It didn't feel right, particularly due to the opening scene in the original film.  Some might bemoan that with Jet Li's Yang not on this mission that, in his absence, the CIA cohort that Church forces on the team is also Asian, like some quota is being filled.  But, despite this, I found Nan Yu a welcomed addition as Maggie.

     Now, for the 3^rd installment of the series, all they need to do is add Steven Seagal to the roster…Kurt Russell, Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford would be kind of cool too.