After a long wait (about XXV years or so), I finally had the opportunity to watch the movie of my childhood dream: The Expendables 2. Let me assure you right from the start that the extended wait was worthwhile. This movie triumphs on numerous levels where its predecessor fell short!
I should mention that I'm reviewing EX2 as an ardent fan of big-screen action movies from the 80s and 90s. While I will strive to remain as objective as possible, my viewpoint is likely more biased than that of a conventional film critic.
I. Action:
Action is the heart of the film. While there are moments without action, these interludes are well-planned to prevent boredom between the action sequences. The pacing isn't a rapid succession of events; instead, it balances moments of calm with action. The violence is substantial but not excessive—it's more in line with "True Lies" than "Rambo," which aligns well with the movie's context.
The action scenes are deftly shot and edited, standing tall among blockbuster movies. I must concede that West outdid Stallone's work in the first instalment. The camera work is steady, and CGI distractions have been greatly reduced, marking a significant improvement from the initial episode.
Nonetheless, there was room for improvement. EX2 doesn't reach the pinnacle of action ecstasy, yet it offers a consistently strong performance. Personally, I wouldn't have minded a few more action sequences or hand-to-hand combat scenes. It felt as though there was potential for more, but it was cut somewhat short.
Li's hand-to-hand combat scene was top notch.
Statham's knife fight was impressive.
Statham versus Adkins was solid but too brief; you yearned for more, particularly more of Adkins dominating the fight.
Sly versus JCVD didn't quite attain the epicness Stallone had promised, but it was undeniably solid. I found it a tad short; it felt even briefer than Sly's confrontation with Austin in EX1. The highlights of the fight were Van Damme's 360-degree kicks. On the whole, this clash of the titans was slightly disappointing given the lengthy anticipation.
Arnold's presence is dependable, contributing to a respectable body count.
Norris brings an exaggerated flair.
Lundgren shines in action.
Action Rating: 4/5
II. Story:
In the lead-up to the premiere, I spoke with people who had seen the movie and read numerous reviews. Many indicated that the story wasn't impressive or was too straightforward. Let me provide some context: the story was tailored perfectly for an Expendables movie. We're here to see an 80s-style "Magnificent Seven." This isn't meant to be "The Usual Suspects," "Seven," or "Inception." It shouldn't, or else it would ruin the movie. Thus, please cut the story some slack.
I found it highly suitable for its intended purpose. It encapsulated bravery, vengeance, camaraderie, humor, emotions—all the elements characteristic of classic action films from the past.
I must confess that I was pleasantly surprised by the humor. It induces laughter without transforming the movie into a comedy. The humor complements the gravity of the revenge-driven plot, resulting in a seamless integration. While you're not watching a comedy, you find yourself laughing.
Yes, certain characters make seemingly magical entrances without explanation, and some plot elements lack coherence. I've encountered reviews criticizing this aspect. However, in this movie, these issues are inconsequential; they're well handled, and you rarley question them amidst the intense action.
Story Rating: 3/5
III. Cast:
Stallone's performance is notably better than in the first film. He appears more at ease and entirely in his element, commanding the movie.
Statham's role is largely consistent with his portrayal in EX1—possibly with less screen time, yet he remains second in command. Statham is quintessentially Statham.
Li is outstanding but regrettably given limited screen time; one wishes for more.
Lundgren delivers perhaps the best performance, infusing humor and delivering strong lines.
Norris is true to his reputation, offering some of the movie's best lines. Each of his scenes is uproarious; his entrance is nothing short of epic, eliciting crazy audience reactions.
Van Damme's portrayal as a villain is solid. Unfortunately, his screen time doesn't enable him to showcase his full potential as he did in "JCVD," but his performance is highly commendable. His 360-degree kicks made the audience go crazy.
Willis delivers as expected, with more screen time than the first instalment and the right balance.
Arnold is at his prime, as though he never departed the big screen. His reception by the audience was second only to Norris', and he enjoys ample screen time.
Hemsworth's performance was a pleasant surprise. The young actor performs remarkably well and seamlessly integrates with the team, surpassing low expectations.
While Yu Nan is a talented actress, I felt a tinge of disappointment. Her performance is solid, but she doesn't gel with the ensemble. I anticipated a more captivating presence. Her role receives an inordinate amount of screen time for its significance, and I found myself occasionally wishing someone like Gina Carano had filled the role.
Crews and Couture are given more comical lines, particularly Crews, who's very funny this time.
Cast Rating: 4/5
In Conclusion:
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the film, had a wonderful time, and plan to watch it again. While not perfect, it was good enough for me. My primary wish was for the movie to be longer, as time seemed to race by.
For me, it hits the mark, and I don't need a third instalment. They can stop here; EX3 would be a bonus.
The movie provided what I was looking for. The reunion of my childhood idols, a hearty dose of action, well-directed and edited scenes, and equitable screen time for the action legends. The spectacle of Sly, Arnold, and Willis firing their guns side by side was truly priceless. Devout fans won't be let down; as for others, well, they're free to indulge in Batman!
I should mention that I'm reviewing EX2 as an ardent fan of big-screen action movies from the 80s and 90s. While I will strive to remain as objective as possible, my viewpoint is likely more biased than that of a conventional film critic.
I. Action:
Action is the heart of the film. While there are moments without action, these interludes are well-planned to prevent boredom between the action sequences. The pacing isn't a rapid succession of events; instead, it balances moments of calm with action. The violence is substantial but not excessive—it's more in line with "True Lies" than "Rambo," which aligns well with the movie's context.
The action scenes are deftly shot and edited, standing tall among blockbuster movies. I must concede that West outdid Stallone's work in the first instalment. The camera work is steady, and CGI distractions have been greatly reduced, marking a significant improvement from the initial episode.
Nonetheless, there was room for improvement. EX2 doesn't reach the pinnacle of action ecstasy, yet it offers a consistently strong performance. Personally, I wouldn't have minded a few more action sequences or hand-to-hand combat scenes. It felt as though there was potential for more, but it was cut somewhat short.
Li's hand-to-hand combat scene was top notch.
Statham's knife fight was impressive.
Statham versus Adkins was solid but too brief; you yearned for more, particularly more of Adkins dominating the fight.
Sly versus JCVD didn't quite attain the epicness Stallone had promised, but it was undeniably solid. I found it a tad short; it felt even briefer than Sly's confrontation with Austin in EX1. The highlights of the fight were Van Damme's 360-degree kicks. On the whole, this clash of the titans was slightly disappointing given the lengthy anticipation.
Arnold's presence is dependable, contributing to a respectable body count.
Norris brings an exaggerated flair.
Lundgren shines in action.
Action Rating: 4/5
II. Story:
In the lead-up to the premiere, I spoke with people who had seen the movie and read numerous reviews. Many indicated that the story wasn't impressive or was too straightforward. Let me provide some context: the story was tailored perfectly for an Expendables movie. We're here to see an 80s-style "Magnificent Seven." This isn't meant to be "The Usual Suspects," "Seven," or "Inception." It shouldn't, or else it would ruin the movie. Thus, please cut the story some slack.
I found it highly suitable for its intended purpose. It encapsulated bravery, vengeance, camaraderie, humor, emotions—all the elements characteristic of classic action films from the past.
I must confess that I was pleasantly surprised by the humor. It induces laughter without transforming the movie into a comedy. The humor complements the gravity of the revenge-driven plot, resulting in a seamless integration. While you're not watching a comedy, you find yourself laughing.
Yes, certain characters make seemingly magical entrances without explanation, and some plot elements lack coherence. I've encountered reviews criticizing this aspect. However, in this movie, these issues are inconsequential; they're well handled, and you rarley question them amidst the intense action.
Story Rating: 3/5
III. Cast:
Stallone's performance is notably better than in the first film. He appears more at ease and entirely in his element, commanding the movie.
Statham's role is largely consistent with his portrayal in EX1—possibly with less screen time, yet he remains second in command. Statham is quintessentially Statham.
Li is outstanding but regrettably given limited screen time; one wishes for more.
Lundgren delivers perhaps the best performance, infusing humor and delivering strong lines.
Norris is true to his reputation, offering some of the movie's best lines. Each of his scenes is uproarious; his entrance is nothing short of epic, eliciting crazy audience reactions.
Van Damme's portrayal as a villain is solid. Unfortunately, his screen time doesn't enable him to showcase his full potential as he did in "JCVD," but his performance is highly commendable. His 360-degree kicks made the audience go crazy.
Willis delivers as expected, with more screen time than the first instalment and the right balance.
Arnold is at his prime, as though he never departed the big screen. His reception by the audience was second only to Norris', and he enjoys ample screen time.
Hemsworth's performance was a pleasant surprise. The young actor performs remarkably well and seamlessly integrates with the team, surpassing low expectations.
While Yu Nan is a talented actress, I felt a tinge of disappointment. Her performance is solid, but she doesn't gel with the ensemble. I anticipated a more captivating presence. Her role receives an inordinate amount of screen time for its significance, and I found myself occasionally wishing someone like Gina Carano had filled the role.
Crews and Couture are given more comical lines, particularly Crews, who's very funny this time.
Cast Rating: 4/5
In Conclusion:
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the film, had a wonderful time, and plan to watch it again. While not perfect, it was good enough for me. My primary wish was for the movie to be longer, as time seemed to race by.
For me, it hits the mark, and I don't need a third instalment. They can stop here; EX3 would be a bonus.
The movie provided what I was looking for. The reunion of my childhood idols, a hearty dose of action, well-directed and edited scenes, and equitable screen time for the action legends. The spectacle of Sly, Arnold, and Willis firing their guns side by side was truly priceless. Devout fans won't be let down; as for others, well, they're free to indulge in Batman!
Overall Rating: 4/5
