The Expendables 2

Release Date: Aug 17, 2012 

Runtime: 1 hr. 43 min. 

Director: Simon West 

Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Dolph Lundgren, Liam Hemsworth, Jet Li, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Yu Nan, Scott Adkins.

There was a time when action heroes were all brawn and force. When superpowers were trivial, and ammunition was the method of choice. These were the glory days of the 80's and 90's, marking the star beginnings of some actors, and the contingent end for others. Then came "The Expendables," a collection of the biggest, toughest combatants around, united for one purpose only: death and destruction. Combining the likes of Stallone, Willis, and Schwarzenegger, it was no easy task, however momentary at that. But how does one top such greatness with something even greater? Add Chuck Norris, of course. Stallone and the boys are back for part two of their mercenary games. When one of their own gets taken unexpectedly, it's up to the gang to exact revenge against a lethal new adversary, played by none other than Jean-Claude Van Damme. In a rarity fit for Hollywood, legends unite for another rowdy round of guns and fists that you can only dream of. Van Damme and Norris join in, with the return of Willis and Schwarzenegger, for an all-out resurgence of nostalgia that's gratifying to say the least. Action upon action, "The Expendables 2" is precisely what it sells. Cheesy dialogue, check. Self-referential jokes, check. Colossal explosions and Stallone vs. Van Damme, check and check. It's nothing more, nothing less than mindless activity that keeps the engine running. Accordingly, the story is simple and arid, not meant for any deeper meaning. And half the fun is in deciphering the wordless mumbles by Stallone, who at least gets credit for doing his own stunts. It's the kind of film that know it's bad, that it's actually sort of good. But don't take my word for it, trust in Chuck Norris.

Rating: 3 stars