Pure, Escapist Fun

Rating: 8/10 (1 September 2012)

A fun, frenetic and over the top story regarding the saving of the world by attempting to obtain back from the villain (Van Damme) some plutonium, this is mindless, weapons at the ready filmmaking at its most potent. More or less the group from the first Expendables is back, along with Nan Yu as Maggie, a more beefed up role for Bruce Willis and Arnold, and a very welcome Chuck Norris who, at 72, looks better than some of the guys years younger than him. Full of in jokes (a few hilarious) and fast paced violence (somewhat of the comic book variety, but the body count is very large), along with a by the numbers plot, this is an 80's action hero fan's dream. No need to get into the plot, just know its check your brains at the door fun. Its best to watch it in the theater, as it feels larger than life at times. Kudos to Stallone, who in films over the last six or so years (Rocky Balboa, Rambo, Expendables 1) has shone he understands what his strengths are. Recommended, and don't worry about the violence.