Coming off The Expendables, I had very, very low expectations for The Expendables 2. The first one was so underwhelming and just all around bad that when I heard about The Expendables 2 coming out, I really was hopeful that they would get it right, but resigned to the fact that it would be more of the same. So, imagine my surprise that not only was this far superior, it was and is damn fun and very entertaining. First off, the movie is shot much better this time with Simon West manning the director's chair. Also, the story, although not an original concept, was infinitely better the second time around. I think it does help having someone else calling the shots and just leaving Sly Stallone to just blow just sh*t up helps.

Also making this a much better ride was the addition of Bruce Willis with a "bigger". Along for the ride this time around is Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Liam Hemsworth and Chuck Norris. Each one gets a moment to really shine in a movie like this. There's a lot to like about having all of these heavyweights from the 80's in one movie. FYI, it's Arnold that steals the movie. He doesn't have a lot of screen time, but when he does, he OWNS it and has some of the best lines....again. When he is on, he is king. I had forgotten how much I miss getting my yearly dose of Schwarzenegger flicks. Welcome Back dude!

The opening was great, if ridiculously over the the top. But entertaining as hell. But the best part of the movie is definitely the final confrontation at the airport, which makes everything that came before look like child's play. If you don't get a rush watching Stallone, Arnold, Willis and Norris walking through the airport side by side mowing down the bad guys without blinking, you probably should avoid this movie. But if you are a fan of their stuff that made them famous, then this is just the ticket you need to relish those good times. There's more than just bombs and bullets, especially in the final 15 minutes. You will absolutely love all the inside jokes that come fast and furious. Very funny stuff with a winking nod to the guy beside him.

I highly recommend this as a Rent. Shut your brain off and enjoy the ride. The only problem I had in this one is that after the opening salvo, Jet Li is gone from the movie. And the CGI Blood Squibs that I detested in the first film are still here. But they did a better job in disguising some poor FX shots. Much improved, but could definitely do better for TE3.

I swore I posted my review... I guess I just imagined it.

It apparent that Stallone and the studios listened to masses after the very dismal first film. Making better the action and cutting back on the crap.

So Expendables 2 is what fans wanted the first time around. This is testosterone dream flick. Lots of guys shooting lots of things. I believe Expendables 2 is the new leader in the number of bullets fired. I myself found this getting long in the tooth after the first hour. I found the hand to hand combat far more entertaining. Sure the guns and the bigger guns are fun, but to much of anything is overkill. Spread out the fun... The talent or, uh, characters are more than enough to fill the screen.

I guess it's expected now that Arnold say those oh, so clever lines (sarcasm). What others ate up, I found it eye rolling. I don't know... Maybe I just expected better. There really is not much of a story. Stallone has found another vehicle for action, explosions and gun battle. That's fine and I get it. I didn't mind spending the time watching this film. I doubt I'd watch it again though.