The Expendables II

If you grew up in the 80's to 90's, or had siblings who did, then you would have seen at least one cheesy action film. Films like "Commando," "Cobra," "Judge Dredd," "Independence Day," "Rocky 2-4," "Die Hard," "True Lies," "Predator," "First Blood," and many others. Many people have grown up with the action stars of those generations, one way or the other.

In 2010, there came a film that was a giant comeback to classic cheesey action films of the 80's, under the name "The Expendables." It had stars like Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lungren, Jet Li, Terry Crews, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and many others. It was an answer to many people wanting to see an old-stlye action film. People enjoyed it for its simple premise, huge amounts of action, and great one-liners, coming from some well developed characters. But what really stood out for the movie, was that moment when Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, AND Arnold Schwarzenegger are all in the same scene, and are having a small conversation. This was an action movie fan's dream come true, and it stands as one of the most famous moments in movie history.

After the success of the first film, you know that they'd make a sequel to it. And with Arnold returning to acting again, it makes perfect sense to do it. Not only that, but they've also been getting others in the film as well. So after the midnight premiere, how was it? FRIGGIN' AMAZING!

The film continues from where the first film left off, as Barney Ross and his friends return from a mission with their new member, Billy "the Kid." However, before they can rest, Church finds Ross again, and says that he has to find a case with blueprints to a plutonium mine. It's as simple as you'd expect, but what matters is how well it's executed.

It has a lighter action cast, but it's well worth it. Stallone, Stathan, Couture, Crews, Lungren return as the main team, and Li, Willis, and Schwarzenegger come back with some good screentime, and it's WELL worth it! Would you honestly believe Arnold got all of his scenes filmed in one day? But despite that, it also has Liam Hemsworth as a new recruit in the film, and he is pretty damn good. They were also able to get Jean-Claude Van Damme as the villain, who is just this despicable douchebag, but in the way you love him for it. Not only that, but they got Chuck Norris to appear in the film, and you could tell his character was just made to be played by him, because they make a Chuck Norris joke in it. I'm not kidding, they do that. What really took me off guard, was that Jet Li leaves after the first few scenes, which was a bit disappointing since he was such a joy to watch in the first film. But, maybe he'll return for the third film.

The action scenes are some of the absolute best I've ever seen, for a full-on action flick. I really did feel like I was watching those action flicks of the 80's on the big screen. I was enjoying the film enough as it was, but when it got the the third act, it became something only those could dream of. If the third act wasn't done as well as it was, then I wouldn't have loved it as much. I praise this film for those final scenes.

The film was directed by Simon West, who was also the director of "Con-Air," "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," and....ugh..."When a Stranger Calls"...Yeah, he's not a very good director. However, this is a film where I can say, he did everything right! So I give my most humble gratitude to West on this film.

Overall, "The Expendables II," is one of the best sequels ever made, possibly the best pure-action film I've seen, and is one of my favorite movies of the year. If you're looking for some kick-ass moments in this movie, see this one. And with word of the third one in the works AND that they're trying to get Clint Eastwood and Harrison Ford in it, let's hope that it happens!

Rating: 10/10