Mr. Church reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat.
Yeah, yeah, I get it: "The Expendables 2" is a fun-loving throwback to the gloriously bad action films of the 1980s. Here's what I don't get: Why couldn't it be a throwback to the good ones?
– Rafer Guzman,
Newsday,
17 Aug 2012
rotten:
The Expendables 2 makes a franchise out of a novelty item, and the nostalgic kick is gone: It's a reminder that most of those '80s actioners were xenophobic and dumb, that many of its stars had more muscle mass than charisma.
– Scott Tobias,
AV Club,
17 Aug 2012
fresh:
Does exactly what it's supposed to do - no more, no less.
– James Berardinelli,
ReelViews,
19 Aug 2012
rotten:
Nice to know America's action stars, no matter how old they get, will never lack for gainful employment.
– David Hiltbrand,
Philadelphia Inquirer,
22 Aug 2012
rotten:
"The Expendables 2" is lazily satisfied with repeating the first movie's formula, shortcomings and grisly strengths alike, just as the first movie was content to slavishly, ploddingly cover the hits of the '80s.