The Expendables 2 Review

It's safe to say that 'The Expendables 2' is the film 'The Expendables' should have been. The original film, directed by none other than Sylvester Stallone, teased us by featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis. However we never really got what we wanted. We wanted to see these badasses go to battle, shoulder to shoulder. Now with the sequel we get that, and more.

'The Expendables 2' is a bad movie, however it's my favourite kind of bad movie. The one that knows exactly how bad it is and doesn't give a rat's ass. Instead, it just goes all out on violence and stupidity. Unlike the first film the humor in this one works. Sure, most of it's funny moments consist of movie references that are as subtle as an armour piercing bullet to the head. But it's all in good fun and I, for one, can't get enough of Schwarzenegger's hilarious delivery of the line ''I'll be back!''.

Taking over directing duties is Simon West, an experienced director whose 'Con Air' still ranks as one of the most enjoyable action flicks of the '90s. The film feels a lot less tired than its predecessor and gives us a good blend of over the top violence and comedy. Of course, it's the talent in front of the camera that people are interested in. And as if the first film wasn't star-studded enough Stallone found some other well-known faces.

Aside from Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Willis, Jet Li, Jason Statham and Dolph Lundgren the sequel adds Jean-Claude van Damme and Chuck Norris to the mix. Norris, whose image has been inflated by a dated internet hype, feels shoe-horned in and his introduction marks yet another cinematic insult to Ennio Morricone's iconic theme for 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly'.

No, of all the stars in this movie there are two who really steal the show. First is Jean-Claude van Damme, whose aptly-named character Vilain is wonderful. His playful but violent behaviour makes him a great adversary for the rather bland Stallone character. The other actor is Dolph Lundgren who, with his Lurch-like appearance, manages to pull off some of the film's best gags.

Basically, 'The Expendables 2' has everything you might want in an action movie. There's carnage, explosions, lame oneliners, a good villain and a familiar cast. Some of the CGI might not be up to snuff but aside from that you get a ludicrous amount of loud noises and fancy fistfights. It's definitely good enough to warrant another sequel. Rumour has it that Wesley Snipes, Harrison Ford and Clint Eastwood are being considered to join the cast. If any of those fellows end up in part three my butt is in the seat for sure!