The Expendables 2 - Part 2

[Balthus Dire]

As much as I laughed at the "Who's next, Rambo?" line, I thought it was kind of weird, because Stallone is already in the movie...maybe if he'd said "Who's next, Dirty Harry?" it would've made more contextual sense.

It's all those years that Arnold had been with Skeletor that did him in.

I'm not sure if you're referring to Maria as too skinny or if you're confusing Arnold with Dolph who played He-Man in the MOTU movie.

 

[jonnywhc]

Just skimmed through the last 15 pages and it looks like almost everyone loved this. Man...I just didn't like it that much at all I enjoyed E1 far more. Before it came out I was rooting so hard for it..more Arnold..set it Bulgaria (love the country)..even more action..but it just failed for me.

I know many would say ''but the 80s films were all badly written''...but to me they weren't..not like this..not like the lines between Jason and Sly. So so bad. I did like ''man and knife'' alot, now that was 80s bad-good.

Why didn't they just kill off Jet and make it a really personal mission? If we got rid of Hemsworth we could have had a tragic death for Jet, and given more time to Terry and Randy.

Im not really a JCVD fan, but I liked him in this, great badguy..but he was hardly in it, then was beaten so easily. I don't really care too much for Norris either..but **** that line was lame, too.

The best thing about this for me was when the big three walked in blowing people away..surreal and gave me chills. Also loved Arnold's ''well this is embarrassing..'' lol..delivered like they wore the same dress to prom t: The exploding head was cool.

And wtf was up with Church? E1...ima cut you up, Barney. E2...I coulda thrown you in a hole..do one mission for me, *****. Half an hour later...HEY PAL, came to help ...really?

Still, I can't wait for E3, if only for Cage to be off the charts crazy and for Snipes to make a comeback. Clint would make my mind blow.

 

[E.NormusJohnson]

Saw this again seeing if I'd like it. Nope hate it even more than I did the first time I saw it. My biggest complaint is Jean Claude quite literally does nothing in this movie. He talks a lot but his henchmen do all his dirty work and finally he gets his moment to shine against Sly but no he gets the crap beat out of him in one of the worst fights I've ever seen. Randy Couture and Terry Crews were completely pointless. A lot of it felt like Smallville's monster of the week but instead it was which washed up, horrible acting 80's action star will show up next and of course there's always the dramatic music to go with it. Speaking of what a horrible soundtrack, I get it their old and listen to classic music you don't need a new song blaring everytime we cut to a new scene. The only things I liked about this movie were Billy the kid(the only non 1 dimensional character in the movie), Jason Statham, that action scene in the middle where Statham is a priest, and Ahhhnold and Bruce in the last action scene, they were fun together. Besides those this movie was terrible. 4/10

Then why did you see it again when you clearly hated it the first go-around?

 

[Balthus Dire]

I sincerely hope they get Cage for the bad guy in E3.

 

[E.NormusJohnson]

I know many would say ''but the 80s films were all badly written''...but to me they weren't..not like this..not like the lines between Jason and Sly. So so bad.

I think Sly re-writing the script a couple of months before the shoot had a little something to do with it... they really need to have a finalized script everyone agrees on well before the 3rd film is shot this time around... I still loved the movie with that being said.

 

[kaypain]

I give it a 7/10

It was just too predictable for my liking. And the jokes seemed too forced, especially the terminator/die hard exchange with Arnold and Bruce. JVC actually comes off believable as a villain. The action was great as expected, but yeah just not what I expected

 

[Spider-Who?]

Saw it yesterday. As far as action movies go, this definitely felt like the action flicks of the 80s, so it was definitely successful in its intent. However I think the problem lies in that that is all it is. For today's audiences, I think they need to step up for round 3. To me, the Expendables shouldn't be a love note to these actors' pasts, but a revival of this type of film. Unfortunately, I think they need to stop being so reliant on nostalgia and really show what a huge action movie can be. Go big or go home. I enjoyed both films, but there's just a lot of potential I think they shelved for the nostalgia factor.

 

[DarthPollo]

Saw it yesterday. As far as action movies go, this definitely felt like the action flicks of the 80s, so it was definitely successful in its intent. However I think the problem lies in that that is all it is. For today's audiences, I think they need to step up for round 3. To me, the Expendables shouldn't be a love note to these actors' pasts, but a revival of this type of film. Unfortunately, I think they need to stop being so reliant on nostalgia and really show what a huge action movie can be. Go big or go home. I enjoyed both films, but there's just a lot of potential I think they shelved for the nostalgia factor.

I agree with you

 

[chamber-music]

I sincerely hope they get Cage for the bad guy in E3.

With Vinnie Jones as his henchman

 

[TruerToTheCore]

I beg to differ.

[YT]JLO1YIWQuXE[/YT]

This is his best hand-to-hand fight scene and even that isn't really that fun to watch. He is a great martial artist but his style isn't really that fitting movies.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

I do think a bit more depth wouldnt have gone amiss, I enjoyed it, liked the first movie as well, but didnt myself re-watching that movie much and I can see the same with this one.

Its depth and emotion that brings you back to a movie to re-watch it and though it had more than the first movie, it just wasnt enough.

 

[<(o_o)>]

As much as I laughed at the "Who's next, Rambo?" line, I thought it was kind of weird, because Stallone is already in the movie...maybe if he'd said "Who's next, Dirty Harry?" it would've made more contextual sense.




I'm not sure if you're referring to Maria as too skinny or if you're confusing Arnold with Dolph who played He-Man in the MOTU movie.

I was referring to Maria Shriver & a joke they said on South Park comparing her to Skeletor.

 

[Gianakin_]

Its depth and emotion that brings you back to a movie to re-watch it and though it had more than the first movie, it just wasnt enough.

Actually, I think that exactly because E2 refrained from including pathetic attempts at drama, it's more rewatchable. I'll get back to you on that after the DVD, though.

 

[Balthus Dire]

TBH, as much as I loved EX2, the "attempt at drama" with Hemsworth's character was a billion times more lame than any lame dramatic scene in EX1 (excluding Rourke's scene, which I thought was fantastic).

But, they only did it once, so it was forgivable.

 

[Gianakin_]

You know, I have no way to prove this, but I think the kid's "arc" was written more in an ironic way and a subtle attempt at parody of stories like this.

 

[jonnywhc]

Gianakin ignoring my review

I actually loved the drama in E1. It felt far more sincere to me than the Billy stuff. While 1 felt more like some of Sly's Rambo-type heart..2 was more obv and painful lol. But as Gianakin says, it could be a parody. Although Sly did break out the heartfelt speech, so idk.

Still think Jet dying instead of Billy woulda worked far better, and I still hate how Church randomly turned into a nice guy.

And lol at Christmas' girl cheating on him..

I'll 100% be getting the blu-ray tho, despite me liking 1 alot more..the DC of it is great btw.

 

[Gianakin_]

You post in the 'Tusi while I'm around and I might start paying attention.

I think Rourke's monologue was great in E1, he acted the hell out of it, even if it was painfully obvious he was reading notes behind the camera. But unfortunately Sly didn't understand that this isn't Rambo or Rocky. People are there for the gore and NOT the characters. So yeah, any heart E1 tried to have was misplaced and completely laughable to me.

That's why E2 felt great to me. Even when it had attempts at heart (very few, thankfully), I took it as satire, so I was cool with it. I sorta agree about Li dying instead of Liam, though. I suspect that was the plan, but Sly changed it just to keep his options open regarding Li in a potential sequel.

Church randomly turning into a SMILING good guy was one of the highlights of the movie to me, and one of the most 80s elements of E2.

 

[jonnywhc]

The minute I made my comeback to the tusi you disapeared!

So people don't go to Rambo for the gore? t: I like how he goes back to try to save not just her, but also his own soul. Well, if that's the case then both films shoulda gone full ****** and went into Last Action Hero mode, then its all okay.

lol...Jet...I know you dont wanna be in 2, so maybe come back for 3? We'll send you off while making fun of you, then replace you with a Chinese girl. Come back soon

I didn't buy it. He was evil in 1, a dick in the first half of 2 then called Barney his pal like they're best buddies. Though you hated smirky Bruce?

 

[Gianakin_]

So people don't go to Rambo for the gore? t: I like how he goes back to try to save not just her, but his soul. Well, if that's the case then both films shoulda gone full ****** and went into Last Action Hero mode, then its all okay.

First off, The Last Action Hero is one of the most genius and misunderstood screenplays ever. When adapted it presented problems in the final fight, but in my mind it's one of the best 3 action movies ever made. So that and full ****** don't go together.

Having said that, yes, the more ******ed those films are, the better.

And remember, every Rambo film tried to give a message. Obviously they deteriorated in that regard as sequels went by, but the thing is, by Rambo 2 you cared about the character, not just the action. First Blood had done a great job in that. So yeah, Rambo films were never strictly gore.

lol...Jet...I know you dont wanna be in 2, so maybe come back for 3? We'll send you off while making fun of you, then replace you with a Chinese girl. Come back soon

Well, they were making fun of him in E1, too, so that seems to be more a character trait than anything else. And I don't see the problem with the logic of keeping the door open. You never know if he'll change his mind, or if Sly writes an E3 that does Li's character justice.

I didn't buy it. He was evil in 1, a dick in the first half of 2 then called Barney his pal like they're best buddies. Though you hated smirky Bruce?

I do hate smirky Bruce, but there are times where he works. In a movie like this I don't expect to see acting, drama, pathos, arcs and worthwhile characters. I expect to see the starts playing themselves and, in that regard, you can't get better than smirky Bruce. In movies like Die Hard where I pay to see McLane? Absolutely, f**k smirky Bruce.

And I think I see where our disagreement lies. When you say "I didn't buy it", you're talking as if there's something TO buy. I switch off my brain 100% and expect to see awesomeness, coolness, badassery, blood, swearing (which E2 didn't have, f**kin' Norris), **** hopefully and the stars doing poses and one liners.

 

[jonnywhc]

First off, The Last Action Hero is one of the most genius and misunderstood screenplays ever. When adapted it presented problems in the final fight, but in my mind it's one of the best 3 action movies ever made. So that and full ****** don't go together.

Having said that, yes, the more ******ed those films are, the better.

I can't believe you're forgetting its one of my favorite Arnold films I love it! By full ****** I meant just parody the **** up, go crazy! Decide what the film is and go with it.

And remember, every Rambo film tried to give a message. Obviously they deteriorated in that regard as sequels went by, but the thing is, by Rambo 2 you cared about the character, not just the action. First Blood had done a great job in that. So yeah, Rambo films were never strictly gore.

I thought the first and last films were the best. Actually thought the last was the most heartfelt, while also having the most gore.

Well, they were making fun of him in E1, too, so that seems to be more a character trait than anything else.

I thought he deserved more. Although, one of my friends can't stop quoting the ''I need more money cos im smaller'' stuff, so maybe it worked

I do hate smirky Bruce, but there are times where he works. In a movie like this I don't expect to see acting, drama, pathos, arcs and worthwhile characters. I expect to see the starts playing themselves and, in that regard, you can't get better than smirky Bruce. In movies like Die Hard where I pay to see McLane? Absolutely, f**k smirky Bruce.

And I think I see where our disagreement lies. When you say "I didn't buy it", you're talking as if there's something TO buy. I switch off my brain 100% and expect to see awesomeness, coolness, badassery, blood, swearing (which E2 didn't have, f**kin' Norris), **** hopefully and the stars doing poses and one liners.

Not one tit was seen.

I understand what you mean but...hmm...maybe I want more than them playing themselves. You know what...maybe E2 is perfect and im just tryna put all my 80s film love in one basket. Maybe I just want it to work on more levels than it actually can. I think im thinking that these films are our final shot at making people see how good the 80s films are and im upset that I got what we did, rather than an actual film with new one-liners, a better story, etc.

I think i'll get what I want with Last Stand, The Tomb, etc. Then I can sit back and love E2 for what its meant to be.

 

[Gianakin_]

I can't believe you're forgetting its one of my favorite Arnold films I love it! By full ****** I meant just parody the **** up, go crazy! Decide what the film is and go with it.

Well, "meta" or, like you said, "parody" is a word I'd associate more with TLAH, that's why I got confused.

I thought the first and last films were the best. Actually thought the last was the most heartfelt, while also having the most gore.

Agreed. 1st and 4th are easily the best, however all 4 squeezed in "meaning". Only 1 and, to a much lesser extent, 4 succeeded imo.

I thought he deserved more. Although, one of my friends can't stop quoting the ''I need more money cos im smaller'' stuff, so maybe it worked

Of course he deserved more. He's the sacrificial lamb of this franchise, no disputing that.

Not one tit was seen.

Unfortunately, no. But it's what I expect from these movies in general.

I think i'll get what I want with Last Stand, The Tomb, etc. Then I can sit back and love E2 for what its meant to be.

See, that's the point. Those upcoming movies are created and directed by others, they're not love letters or Sly's perception of action movies, characters, etc. You WILL get what you want with The Tomb, Last Stand and bullet to the Head. But the Expendables, I think, serves as a great starting point to people from the new generation by re-introducing them to those icons, so that said people can go and track each star's filmography and learn the 80s and 90s.

 

[jonnywhc]

But could E3 go full meta? TLAH scale, id be fully on board. Im just not with it being inbetween, so much. If I never hear the lines exchanged by Barney and Christmas from E2 ever again, I'll be happy...they weren't TLAH bad...they were just flat as ****.

Ima need to watch 2 and 3 again. Well, all 4!

Titty petition needed.

My rating for E2 just went up not by much, but im relaxed now I remember about Last Stand, etc. Not so much B2TH tho. What did you make of Last Stand's trailer?

 

[Gianakin_]

It should go full meta and I agree, the weakest part of the movie were the friendly exchanges between Sly and Statham. They were MUCH better in E1 (I'm Buddha, this is pest - simply brilliant).

Don't even bother with 3, unless you're doing a marathon. It's pure propaganda but, unlike R2, it has crappy action.

Seconded.

I liked the LS trailer very much actually. B2TH not so much, I agree. I have high hopes for The Tomb, it could be the 100% true Arnie/Sly reunion.

 

[jonnywhc]

It should go full meta and I agree, the weakest part of the movie were the friendly exchanges between Sly and Statham. They were MUCH better in E1 (I'm Buddha, this is pest - simply brilliant).

The dinosaur line just murdered me in cold blood. How did some of this stuff seep into this film lol. We need more bits like this..

[YT]1DxfUDZFtKQ[/YT]

Give something like that to Terry or Dolph and it would make them shine. I literally can't remember what Dolph did in E2

Don't even bother with 3, unless your doing a marathon. It's pure propaganda but, unlike R2, it has crappy action.

I can remember lol..think I sold the dvd the next day.

I liked the LS trailer very much actually. B2TH not so much, I agree. I have high hopes for The Tomb, it could be the 100% true Arnie/Sly reunion.

LS looks awesome. Arnold showing some age and hurt, and I think it totally works. Tomb is going to be beautiful.

 

[Roose Bolton]

I want to like B2TH...if only for Jason Mamoa's sake but the trailer did little for me.


I will say this about E2:
JCVD