R W
Posts: 272
Joined: 23/6/2006
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In 2010 when Sylvester Stallone assembled some of the biggest action stars of the last three decades from Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren and Jet Li, many thought The Expendables would be the greatest gift for those who are action nuts, in the same way that Avengers Assemble satisfied the Marvel fans. On the other hand, Stallone's action-ensemble wasn't that great, due to his over-serious direction and sequences that feel forced to get these action stars together.
Two years have passed and the Expendables are back, with some new recruits, and someone else at the helm. Following a successful mission which included blowing up a large section of Nepal, Barney Ross (Stallone) and his muscle-bounded crew are ready for a break. However, when Mr Church (Bruce Willis) forces the gang to do a seemingly simple job, the Expendables come face-to-face with the mercenary Jean Villain (Jean-Claude Van Damme).
With Stallone taking a break from behind the camera, Simon West takes control, even though his back catalogue is very meh, although one can have a soft spot towards his debut film Con Air. With West at the helm, his direction towards action sequences is a vast improvement from its predecessor as from start to finish, guns are blazing, environments get blown up, and the craziest one-liners are being said.
Despite the fact that this movie will be a hit as many will watch for the maximum level of action and the involvement of actors like Chuck Norris and good old Arnie, everything else is problematic. Just as before, the sequel suffers from a narrative that takes itself too seriously as if it has something to say about the poverty of the film’s settings, whilst awkwardly incorporating wit in the middle of it all.
Despite the title, the first film did not show anyone being expendable. Although this does apply here, action fans will be disappointed with the departure and quick exits of the numerous players. Even the newcomers don’t have enough screen time to be part of the big guys, except that the female member Yu Nan provides some bad-ass.
Even with this ensemble cast which could’ve led to something more in the lines of post-modernism, the impressive action gets lost with the clunky narrative. For The Expendables 3, get Gareth “The Raid” Evans to take the lead.
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Printable Version
RE: 2 Star Review - 
What I like best is the self-delusion that allows them to post "THIS WAS MADE FOR THE FANS, NOT THE CRITICS!" if that's the case, why are they even reading a critic's review of the film? If it's not made for them, they shouldn't give a shit what critics think, let alone care enough to post a little rant about it.
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