The Expendables 2

[Punisher Rising]

That's what I'm thinking as well. I doubt Norris has that much influence and control over a movie where he's just a supporting player. But it does seem like the movie being PG-13 from the get-go was a factor in him agreeing to it.

 

[Superhero 101]

I honestly don't care what the rating for this movie is as long as it has guns and good action i am watching it.

 

[Punisher Rising]

Petition to have EX2 R-rated


Stumbled onto that. It probably won't work :| But what could it hurt to sign.

 

[Blade X]

Exactly...and in the first movie, when Statham would shove his knives into people's throats, blood would come-a-squirtin'. Granted, PG-13 can get away with quite a bit these days, but they clearly couldn't get away with something like the shotgun scene, which was epic as hell.

Most (if not all) of the blood in the first movie was CGI.

There was a scene in the Captain America movie where a bad guy got turned into a bloody mist after falling through a spinning propeller blade. So I think that the shotgun scene (slightly toned down, of course) could be allowed in a PG-13 rated movie.

I never said there was...I was outlining what you can and can't get away with using a PG-13 rating as opposed to an R.

I know you never said that their was sex in the movie. My point was that since the first movie didn't have any sex or nudity in it, the 2nd movie didn't need to have an R rating just so those things could be put in the movie. And yes, I realize that you weren't just talking about sex, but was also talking about stronger language and graphic violence. Again, there was very little in the first movie that was R rated.

Completely disagree here. It's not about the word but how the word is used. Calling someone a dick is a lot different than making crude reference to oral sex. The crude reference is more awesome awesome and would more than likely have been cut.

I'm pretty sure that there are PG-13 movies out there that used that word in reference to oral sex. Heck, the F-bomb has been allowed in some PG-13 movies.

And for the record, I would prefer that the 2nd movie would be R rated since (a) I'm a huge fan of R rated action movies and (b) because the first movie was R rated. However, since their was very little R rated material in the first movie, I don't have a problem with the 2nd movie having a PG-13 rating. Heck, I wouldn't mind seeing what the PG-13 rated cut of the first movie in order to compare the difference between the 2 versions.

 

[Donnie Darko]

I am afraid that part 2 is going to make more than the first, and people will defend the rating, when the real reason is that people who saw and loved the first one, both in theaters and later at home, are going to see it no matter what, then be disappointed.

 

[terry78]

I am so confused why this ****ing movie's rating is exactly turning into something of SOPA proportions.

 

[Balthus Dire]

Most (if not all) of the blood in the first movie was CGI.

I don't really understand why that even matters. Just because it's not "real" blood doesn't mean the movie was less bloody. For the record, I think CGI blood looks god awful, especially in Lions Gate films for some reason. But even still, the first movie had some bloody scenes to it. We likely won't get the same level of violence in a PG-13.

There was a scene in the Captain America movie where a bad guy got turned into a bloody mist after falling through a spinning propeller blade. So I think that the shotgun scene (slightly toned down, of course) could be allowed in a PG-13 rated movie.

You're right, and that scene was very effective. But it was the only bloody scene in the entire film. Also, you just stated the exact problem that I have with the possibility of PG-13: "slightly toned down." I'd rather they tone it UP than down...give me more crazy violence, not PG-13 tameness.

If this movie was EX1 and we (the audience) didn't have expectations for more-of-the-same violence, then maybe it wouldn't be such a big deal. But IMO the sequel should amp things up, not neuter them.

I realize that you weren't just talking about sex, but was also talking about stronger language and graphic violence. Again, there was very little in the first movie that was R rated.

You're right; it's not like the first movie was Hostel level violence. But it was still bloody with violent gunfights and quite a bit of swearing. Again, not saying that makes it a "better" film, but it's really supposed to be a bad ass R rated film. That's the entire point of "The Expendables."

I'm pretty sure that there are PG-13 movies out there that used that word in reference to oral sex. Heck, the F-bomb has been allowed in some PG-13 movies.

IIRC, you're allowed to use the F-bomb once in a PG-13 movie. So, that right there tells you how toned down the language will be. Also, I still have to disagree about the oral sex thing. The MPAA censorship has a lot to do with context rather than actual words.

And for the record, I would prefer that the 2nd movie would be R rated since (a) I'm a huge fan of R rated action movies and (b) because the first movie was R rated. However, since their was very little R rated material in the first movie, I don't have a problem with the 2nd movie having a PG-13 rating. Heck, I wouldn't mind seeing what the PG-13 rated cut of the first movie in order to compare the difference between the 2 versions.

I agree to the extent that it doesn't mean EX2 will be a piece of garbage just because it's not "R." I still will see it, and I still have high hopes. But, those hopes are dashed, because I've seen what the neutering of films can do, ie: Die Hard 4. I sincerely hope that this won't be the case with EX2, because they really could have a huge action franchise on their hands, and by catering to the "younger" demographic for mo' money they just might shoot themselves in the foot. Figuratively speaking, of course...PG-13 and all.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

How about any one of Statham's brutal knife kills? Or Jet Li's brutal neck snaps and bone breaks? Expendables doesn't necessarily have the extreme violence of "Rambo" but it still has some pretty violent scenes, all of which would have to be watered down or removed for a PG-13 rating.

I suggest you watch the LOTR. Aka decapitation and brutal blade death central. The knife work would be fine without the gore.

All you would of had to do with Li's scenes is edit them correctly. Tasteful editing is a director's best friend.

Also, in regards to the swearing, I also don't think the movie has to be full of swearing to be good or anything like that. But, the PG-13 rating isn't just for swearing...it's for violence, sexuality, etc. as well. So it's not like Sly is just cutting out a few poopy words to get a lower rating, which is why some are worried.

These aren't going to be a fly by night edits. It is becoming more and more obvious that this is how the film was conceived. You can just look at the fact that they got rid of Stallone as director.

And really, there is a plenty of sexuality in PG-13 films. The Bond films are an easy example.

With a PG-13 rating, we wouldn't have had Willis' gem to Arnold and Sly: "You guys aren't gonna start suckin' each other's ***** are ya?" Which kinda sucks for EX2 after Sly was saying they have a lot of great dialogue where they take jabs at one another.

Actually found that awkward and forced.

This ^! People don't realize just how much will be lost by it being PG-13.

And I don't want to come off as a dick but Darth Skywalker what are you even doing in this thread? You didn't like the first one at all, and you don't seem to grasp what the issue is with this. You also don't understand why we are upset even tho we keep telling you why. Just curious.

Because I grew up with these actors and I would like them to make a good film.

 

[BizarroAids]

I don't see the problem with PG-13 rating, you are still getting badass action and by the time it comes out on blu ray you'll probably get the unrated version with all the gore intact.

So true. And you can get away with a few cuss words, maybe one "F"Bomb. But at the same time I know West can give us some great action scenes to make up for the less than graphic shoot outs or fights.

But, from a marketing stand point, they want this bigger than the last one. And they realized they had something great after opening weekend, so they look at what was necessary for the first movie. The studio now has the big three in one scene taking jabs at each other, the language from Willis was enough to put it at an R Rating, so then the filmmakers add the CGI blood to truly deserve the R. But now they can get the language down to minimum and not need all the CGI blood and still have an action extravaganza. I think the rating system allows for people to be shown gwttinh shot, as long as there isn't a lot of blood with the injury.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

I don't really understand why that even matters. Just because it's not "real" blood doesn't mean the movie was less bloody. For the record, I think CGI blood looks god awful, especially in Lions Gate films for some reason. But even still, the first movie had some bloody scenes to it. We likely won't get the same level of violence in a PG-13.


You're right, and that scene was very effective. But it was the only bloody scene in the entire film. Also, you just stated the exact problem that I have with the possibility of PG-13: "slightly toned down." I'd rather they tone it UP than down...give me more crazy violence, not PG-13 tameness.

If this movie was EX1 and we (the audience) didn't have expectations for more-of-the-same violence, then maybe it wouldn't be such a big deal. But IMO the sequel should amp things up, not neuter them.



You're right; it's not like the first movie was Hostel level violence. But it was still bloody with violent gunfights and quite a bit of swearing. Again, not saying that makes it a "better" film, but it's really supposed to be a bad ass R rated film. That's the entire point of "The Expendables."



IIRC, you're allowed to use the F-bomb once in a PG-13 movie. So, that right there tells you how toned down the language will be. Also, I still have to disagree about the oral sex thing. The MPAA censorship has a lot to do with context rather than actual words.



I agree to the extent that it doesn't mean EX2 will be a piece of garbage just because it's not "R." I still will see it, and I still have high hopes. But, those hopes are dashed, because I've seen what the neutering of films can do, ie: Die Hard 4. I sincerely hope that this won't be the case with EX2, because they really could have a huge action franchise on their hands, and by catering to the "younger" demographic for mo' money they just might shoot themselves in the foot. Figuratively speaking, of course...PG-13 and all.

These movies are for a younger demo. People seems to not realize this. These movies aren't simply for the 30 or 40 year olds out there. These movies are for the 30 and 40 year old to nostalgia trip with their kids.

And you do realize that why the blood being CGI is important right? Proof that the scenes can and actually were done without the obnoxious violence. They added it later because it wasn't intended to be there in the first place.

 

[Kane52630]

So true. And you can get away with a few cuss words, maybe one "F"Bomb. But at the same time I know West can give us some great action scenes to make up for the less than graphic shoot outs or fights.

But, from a marketing stand point, they want this bigger than the last one. And they realized they had something great after opening weekend, so they look at what was necessary for the first movie. The studio now has the big three in one scene taking jabs at each other, the language from Willis was enough to put it at an R Rating, so then the filmmakers add the CGI blood to truly deserve the R. But now they can get the language down to minimum and not need all the CGI blood and still have an action extravaganza. I think the rating system allows for people to be shown gwttinh shot, as long as there isn't a lot of blood with the injury.

exactly.

 

[Dark Knight]

time to cut out chuck...add eastwood. have him walk around with a revolver and call it a day.

pg13 means no random ****...no buckets of blood....hardly any rememberable one liners. why you ruining my cheese fest norris....

Yeah I agree. I wanted Eastwood in this sucker from the get go. All we need is a 5-10 minute cameo of Eastwood talkin trash and chastising Sly, Arnie and Bruce. It would hilarious, plus it would be GREAT cinema!

 

[Figs]

These movies are for a younger demo. People seems to not realize this. These movies aren't simply for the 30 or 40 year olds out there. These movies are for the 30 and 40 year old to nostalgia trip with their kids.

And you do realize that why the blood being CGI is important right? Proof that the scenes can and actually were done without the obnoxious violence. They added it later because it wasn't intended to be there in the first place.

There's no way in hell you can say that these movies are in fact made for "kids". I don't think Stallone was thinking he wanted older moviegoers to bring their underage kids when he made the first movie which of course was R rated.

The reason some people are *****ing about the PG-13 rating isn't because they think all action movies should be rated R, but because this is a sequel to an rated R film and it's dumb to lower the rating all of a sudden. From a studio standpoint I get it, they want to bring in more people, but the fact that the first movie was an ode to violent 80's action films, it's a pretty lame decision.

I don't need blood and swearing in every action movie to enjoy them, but it is nice to watch action films that are for adults from time to time. I was getting that pleasure from the first movie, and now it seems Hollywood wants to make everything for the kiddies. One of the best moments in the first film was with Crews and that gun of his blowing those guys to pieces. Crazy **** like that is fun to see once in awhile.

Aside from John McClane's famous line, I don't care if these movies don't have swearing in them really, but the violence should stay...for this series at least.

 

[Quasimod0]

There was never going to be buckets of blood and random boobs. lol

 

[DarthSkywalker]

There's no way in hell you can say that these movies are in fact made for "kids". I don't think Stallone was thinking he wanted older moviegoers to bring their underage kids when he made the first movie which of course was R rated.

The reason some people are *****ing about the PG-13 rating isn't because they think all action movies should be rated R, but because this is a sequel to an rated R film and it's dumb to lower the rating all of a sudden. From a studio standpoint I get it, they want to bring in more people, but the fact that the first movie was an ode to violent 80's action films, it's a pretty lame decision.

I don't need blood and swearing in every action movie to enjoy them, but it is nice to watch action films that are for adults from time to time. I was getting that pleasure from the first movie, and now it seems Hollywood wants to make everything for the kiddies. One of the best moments in the first film was with Crews and that gun of his blowing those guys to pieces. Crazy **** like that is fun to see once in awhile.

Aside from John McClane's famous line, I don't care if these movies don't have swearing in them really, but the violence should stay...for this series at least.

Think about the people who want these films and watched them in the 80s. It was the kids/teens. As I said before, it wasn't adults playing Rambo, Predator or Terminator in the backyard.

And I really can't say the first film was an action movies for adults. The content was far too base for that. Ultra violence does not make something adult. The themes and do.

True Grit was a far more adult action film and it was PG-13.

 

[Figs]

Think about the people who want these films and watched them in the 80s. It was the kids/teens. As I said before, it wasn't adults playing Rambo, Predator or Terminator in the backyard.

Yes, but technically those kids shouldn't have been watching those movies in the first place because they were rated R...for adults.

And I really can't say the first film was an action movies for adults. The content was far too base for that. Ultra violence does not make something adult. The themes and do.

True Grit was a far more adult action film and it was PG-13.

I agree with you that themes can make a movie more adultlike, but ultra violence does as well. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it makes the movie "mature", I'm saying because of the violence it was meant for that specific age group.

Overall what I'm trying to say is that there are plenty of PG-13 action films out there for the kids to watch. What's wrong with a few rated R action films every once in while? Like I said in my previous post, not every action film has to be rated R, but it seems like some people are against any of them having an R rating and for no good reason.

Only reason I can think of is that some people that are against the R rating aren't old enough and don't want to get turned away when they try to get tickets.

 

[Doctor Jones]

Agreed.

 

[chaseter]

I knew this would be terrible.

 

[bullets]

By the way, I think the Chuck Norris stuff is an excuse. Chances are the studio wants a PG-13 rating and this is the easy way to pass the blame.

That's sensible. I doubt it all came down to Norris making demands. If they really wanted an r-rating they probably would of passed on him. At least there will be an unrated cut on dvd/blu.

 

[Balthus Dire]

These movies are for a younger demo. People seems to not realize this. These movies aren't simply for the 30 or 40 year olds out there. These movies are for the 30 and 40 year old to nostalgia trip with their kids.

And you do realize that why the blood being CGI is important right? Proof that the scenes can and actually were done without the obnoxious violence. They added it later because it wasn't intended to be there in the first place.

Dude, I'm not sure what planet you're on, but this franchise was clearly not intended to be a "take your kids to see it" movie. I don't know how you can possibly come to that conclusion, other than the fact that you were probably allowed to watch these kinds of R-rated films as a kid (I was, too...not saying there's anything wrong with that). EX1 was very clearly an adult movie, full of has-been action stars that only adults would even recognize for the most part. It was not a "take your kids to see it" movie.

And the blood being CGI has absolutely nothing to do with "not intended to be there." It's done most of the time because it's cheap and fast when compared to squibs and practical effects, which is why it often ends up looking hokey as balls.

EX2, in my opinion, should turn up the bad-assery to 11 for the sequel, not down to 9 to get a couple teeny-boppers into the theater.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

I agree with you that themes can make a movie more adultlike, but ultra violence does as well. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it makes the movie "mature", I'm saying because of the violence it was meant for that specific age group.

Overall what I'm trying to say is that there are plenty of PG-13 action films out there for the kids to watch. What's wrong with a few rated R action films every once in while? Like I said in my previous post, not every action film has to be rated R, but it seems like some people are against any of them having an R rating and for no good reason.

Only reason I can think of is that some people that are against the R rating aren't old enough and don't want to get turned away when they try to get tickets.

Because action films are inherently for the kid and teen in all of us. The content isn't adult-like in the least bit. Ultra violence does not equal more adult.

There is nothing wrong with R-rated action films, but they do seem kind of pointless. There is a reason why these types of films died off. Ultra-violence in excess is just boring. It is so simple to get the good action films down to PG-13 because they don't depend on violence porn.

 

[Liam_H]

I don't really see what the big deal is since the first movie to me was mostly PG13 except for the excessive CGI blood and certain parts in the 3rd act.

I see this as a positive because if they can swear less meaning they'll talk less. Banter in the first movie was horrible. I don't care whether Statham is faster with a knife or if Stallone is with a gun.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Dude, I'm not sure what planet you're on, but this franchise was clearly not intended to be a "take your kids to see it" movie. I don't know how you can possibly come to that conclusion, other than the fact that you were probably allowed to watch these kinds of R-rated films as a kid (I was, too...not saying there's anything wrong with that). EX1 was very clearly an adult movie, full of has-been action stars that only adults would even recognize for the most part. It was not a "take your kids to see it" movie.

And the blood being CGI has absolutely nothing to do with "not intended to be there." It's done most of the time because it's cheap and fast when compared to squibs and practical effects, which is why it often ends up looking hokey as balls.

EX2, in my opinion, should turn up the bad-assery to 11 for the sequel, not down to 9 to get a couple teeny-boppers into the theater.

Very simple to understand. It is the equivalent of going with your father to the hall of fame.

The kids and young adults who watched these 80s flicks now tell their kids about the actors and films and probably even show them the films. They are myths and heroes. What is better then being able to share that experience with them with a new film?

 

[EML420]

Im only 18 and my friend was 17 and we saw the first one the lady who checked his I.D didnt look close enough at his lol.
You dont have to be in your 40s to know who some of the action stars were in the movie.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Im only 18 and my friend was 17 and we saw the first one the lady who checked his I.D didnt look close enough at his lol.
You dont have to be in your 40s to know who some of the action stars were in the movie.

Yep. Just need to live near a blockbuster, or nowadays simply have a netflix account.