The Expendables 2
Lionsgate | Release Date: August 17, 2012
7.1
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 527 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
344
Mixed:
142
Negative:
41
Watch Now
Stream On
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
6
dharmaOct 15, 2012
What do you expect from Expendables 2? More of the same; a homage to action stars of the 80's, this time including Van Damme and Chuck Norris into the mix. Highly entertaining and a bonafide world wide box office hit. However, actionsWhat do you expect from Expendables 2? More of the same; a homage to action stars of the 80's, this time including Van Damme and Chuck Norris into the mix. Highly entertaining and a bonafide world wide box office hit. However, actions sequences felt derivative, the only entertaining value was seeing all of your action heroes of the past, collected under one 'roof' so to speak.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
6
pdwlsnSep 30, 2012
This is another so-so sequel. They threw a lot of big name actors at it but then they ran into the problem of what to do with them all. They just did not have enough big hero scenes for that many big action hero guys. The plus was some ofThis is another so-so sequel. They threw a lot of big name actors at it but then they ran into the problem of what to do with them all. They just did not have enough big hero scenes for that many big action hero guys. The plus was some of the slap stick comedy that was tossed into the big action scene. I loved the first one...... keep it up guys someone has to try to spice up the somewhat dull movie season.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
5
Mazmorrero47Aug 18, 2012
The Expendables 2 has everything you want in a movie of this sort: explosions, giant body count, bullets and cheesy dialogue self aware of its stupidity. But for a film that has the greatest action stars from the 70s, 80s and 90s itThe Expendables 2 has everything you want in a movie of this sort: explosions, giant body count, bullets and cheesy dialogue self aware of its stupidity. But for a film that has the greatest action stars from the 70s, 80s and 90s it disappoints. Jean Claude Van Damme was awesome as the villain, but he gets too little screen time and not much action. On the other hand, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chuck Norris have a little bit more than cameos, but they get to shine when they appear. Their presence is only there for the sake of fan service. Unfortunately, Jet Li gets thrown away of the movie out of nowhere and gets replaced with a Michelle Yeoh wannabe that tries too hard to be badass and fails miserably. Her role would have been better if it was played by Brigitte Nielsen, Sigourney Weaver, Linda Hamilton or Michelle Yeoh herself. More than an action dream team film, The Expendables 2 is a Rambo movie which happens to have JCVD, Arnie, Bruce Willis and Chuck Norris in it.… Expand
7 of 9 users found this helpful72
All this user's reviews
5
EludiumQ36Dec 1, 2012
Look, the film was ok, it's just that it could've been so much better with a more youthful cast instead of the geriatric squad. Seriously, what was the casting call ad like for Expendables 2 ? "Major action film seeks has-been action stars."Look, the film was ok, it's just that it could've been so much better with a more youthful cast instead of the geriatric squad. Seriously, what was the casting call ad like for Expendables 2 ? "Major action film seeks has-been action stars." Because that's exactly what this is, a bunch of seen-their-glory-days action stars who somehow left out Hulk Hogan and Clint Eastwood, though for some odd and disrespectful reason Chuck Norris got Eastwood's GB&U theme music for his character. Oh, and the one young character on the team gets killed off halfway through. Give it five more years and Expendables 3 will include Tom Cruise and Daniel Craig, ha.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
MarcDoyleAug 25, 2012
It's the essence of stupid fun. Having some background with the big 80s action movies that it harkens back to (Cobra, Commando, Terminator, Predator, Bloodsport, Kickfigher) obviously makes the throwaway lines all the funnier. Stallone isIt's the essence of stupid fun. Having some background with the big 80s action movies that it harkens back to (Cobra, Commando, Terminator, Predator, Bloodsport, Kickfigher) obviously makes the throwaway lines all the funnier. Stallone is solid in the lead, and Statham is a terrific sidekick, but Arnold's action flick days are clearly behind him. Simon West's directing is decent, but it feels a little undercooked.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
DalekAug 20, 2013
I enjoyed The Expendables 1 a lot more than this one. One of the main let-downs for The Expendables 2 is that the CGI is horribly done. Its really bad. Now, most of the time I don't notice CGI in most films, but they just made it flat outI enjoyed The Expendables 1 a lot more than this one. One of the main let-downs for The Expendables 2 is that the CGI is horribly done. Its really bad. Now, most of the time I don't notice CGI in most films, but they just made it flat out obvious and disappointing. The worst part is the budget for this film was $100 MILLION... Yet still horrible CGI. I know they had to use it in one part because 'environmentalists complained that filming could damage the cave and endangered species' fair enough...

Anyway, aside from the CGI the film has a few funny one liners here and there obviously. The dialogue between the action scenes is nothing special really... There's no real storyline, aside from saving a person and seeking revenge.

Overall the film is disappointing, for me at least. There could had been so much more potential especially with the budget.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
TokyochuchuJul 24, 2014
The Expendables 2 was full of potential. But too many crappy in-jokes conspire to ruin the movie rather than augment it. Having Chuck Norris in the movie is great, but wouldn't it be nice if his arrival made even the slightest bit of sense? AThe Expendables 2 was full of potential. But too many crappy in-jokes conspire to ruin the movie rather than augment it. Having Chuck Norris in the movie is great, but wouldn't it be nice if his arrival made even the slightest bit of sense? A disappointment then... But be patient and you'll be rewarded with a nice Stallone versus Van Damme smackdown, which is undeniably thrilling for every child of the 80s.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
asthobaskoroAug 28, 2012
The Expendables 2 is much better improvement than its predecessor. Even I can't believe I like this movie, it offers script, testosterone, gunfire and madness.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
AkkharOct 8, 2012
What a Cast ! Literally ! The Expendables 2 was like a high class Action Movie with amazing sequences , Rusty Violence , Good locations , Good Direction and an freaking ensemble cast ! But its wasn't a perfect movie only because of the badWhat a Cast ! Literally ! The Expendables 2 was like a high class Action Movie with amazing sequences , Rusty Violence , Good locations , Good Direction and an freaking ensemble cast ! But its wasn't a perfect movie only because of the bad plot choice , poor dialogues and characters screen time ! Most of the dialogues were so awful , plot had many holes which made the movie totally meaningless ! Most of the characters couldn't even showed what they are made of ! Not gonna talk about the acting , coz they did what they can do best . West's direction was very good so was the shooting locations . Overall a bit disappointing , If only they could chose a different plot and script this could be The Action movie of the decades . Sadly it wasn't but yeah ! It was very interesting to was!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
TyranianApr 7, 2019
These films aren't getting any smarter. There's some okay action but its mostly mindless.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
teh_angry_nightOct 9, 2012
Yes I know it was an action movie but even the action got or felt kind of dry after the first 20 minutes that seemed the best part of the movie. I don't know if at this point I desire something else from movies, with the likes of TransformersYes I know it was an action movie but even the action got or felt kind of dry after the first 20 minutes that seemed the best part of the movie. I don't know if at this point I desire something else from movies, with the likes of Transformers 3 boring the pants of me in spite of all the incredible CG. I love action video games and their CG sequences, they seem to bring the flow of mayhem and action scenes to life, maybe that's why I'm jaded to just sitting there and being fed the drool? Seriously the first battle was the best part of the movie, making the rest of it seem uninteresting. I can remember only Arnold's roles and one scene (that involved a plane and a mineshaft, I will say) that interested me after that. The first movie had a ton of scenes a really enjoyed and still look up and watch from time to time, from little crazy dialogue to the action scenes themselves.

As someone else said, Van Damme's role and action scenes are pathetically short and few that my mind doesn't bother to recall them in detail, there was basically just one. Just as I've said with the best having come first in the movie, the few neat scenes in the rest of the movie had some poor or non-existent build-up, the overall battle just didn't have an effect. Chuck Norris appeared..and was basically a walking 'Chuck Norris' meme, something that was exhausted 5 years ago and can only be enjoyed by the brain dead try-hards. I'm not smart-guy but I'm not that dumb. That is to say he was a disappointing cameo.

Maybe I had my hopes up too much, I watched that great fan made trailer "Expendables 2 Trailer: Made in America Fan Video", it got me so hyped, and still does as I still watch it,even though I've already seen the movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
aznassassinOct 20, 2012
Oh God the lines. I know its suppose to be cheesy but God, I haven't cringed so much in a movie in recent years due to purely the retardedass corny as hell dialogue. Esp that Yu Nan actress - why the hell is she in tis movie? ("Oh aromaticOh God the lines. I know its suppose to be cheesy but God, I haven't cringed so much in a movie in recent years due to purely the retardedass corny as hell dialogue. Esp that Yu Nan actress - why the hell is she in tis movie? ("Oh aromatic duck is so sexy". Who the HELL calls the food 'sexy'? And God, her manner and her way of saying things...arrogant and really really try-hard at best). Did the Chinese government had some sort off part in the funding the film? She really screwed up the movie for me. She's like a light bulb - the movie would still be fine without her. Why not get Gong Li, Michelle Yeoh or Lucy Liu? =______=… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
CriticalStateSep 10, 2012
This movie is bad, just plain bad. Entertaining? Perhaps, in some way, for a fraction of the population. The movie intends to be a throwback to old 80s macho action (as did the first) and yet it completely lacks their genuine charm. TheThis movie is bad, just plain bad. Entertaining? Perhaps, in some way, for a fraction of the population. The movie intends to be a throwback to old 80s macho action (as did the first) and yet it completely lacks their genuine charm. The story is cliche and predictable, and the dialogue is not funny or even cute, but cringe worthy. If it is worthy of anything, it is being able to decipher that Stallone's IQ is probably somewhere in the low 90s. The action is admittedly impressive at times, though it gets repetitive and since our heroes will always dominate it becomes worthless towards the end.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
EfrainSep 7, 2012
Expendables 2 was probably the only movie where I didn't expect good acting or a strong, instead I was expecting a lot of cheesy one liners, everyone killing everyone, non-stop action and I was excited about it. You know who these people areExpendables 2 was probably the only movie where I didn't expect good acting or a strong, instead I was expecting a lot of cheesy one liners, everyone killing everyone, non-stop action and I was excited about it. You know who these people are you've seen their movies or heard of them so you should know what you are getting yourself into. I just wanted to see these guys do what they do best and that's killing terrorists "together". I found myself laughing through out the entire movie especially the machine gun spree in the airport and that satisfying Chuck Norris joke. For this movie I will only rate it as how good the explosions were, how good the fight scenes were, and how good the killing spree was. It's definitely a good time!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
pharmachOct 11, 2012
The big thing I would consider in this film, is that despite it was so abrupt and logic less, it had some parts where there was life to the characters. This is a big improvement in the series. Well, there might be good browny points from Simon West
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
cmrcool72Aug 25, 2012
The Expendables II, the lowly anticipated sequel to the slated 2010 original which provided wooden acting and weak editing. Let's face it, no one was expecting a sequel to up the anti and kick as much ass as this no-brains all brawn all outThe Expendables II, the lowly anticipated sequel to the slated 2010 original which provided wooden acting and weak editing. Let's face it, no one was expecting a sequel to up the anti and kick as much ass as this no-brains all brawn all out action epic does. The Expendables, led by a Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone, more focused on keeping his *cough* acting *cough* in check now that directing duties have been given to much... steadier hands in the form of Simon West, who was proved his action chops on several occassions over recent years, his most notables being Nic Cage Con Air and fellow Expendable Jason Statham's Mechanic) on a revenge mission against infamous European mercenery VillAin (played with gleeful OTT by a top form JCVD) after young soldier for hire and Barney's friend Liam Hemsworth (yep, that guy from the Hunger Games) is killed on what seemed a simple job. As figured, the plots not what keeps the film going, with what seems like a story written in two lines spread like butter across a LARGE (1hr 43 mins) piece of toast. But the action... MY GOD. Every action star, phenomen, body builder, european screen mass fill the frame every second of this picture, and no, the idea of the world's greatest action stars together in one movie DOES NOT GET OLD. If solid action is what you want (JCVD, Norris and Arnold stand out in this pic) and possibly the best performances out of Hollywood's brawn this side of the century, this film is yours to swallow up, regardless of poorly thought out plot and too many mercenaries to count let alone care for. It's worth paying to see for the Arnie jokes alone mind. 6
U… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
SJMJ91Aug 29, 2012
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In 2010, experiencing The Expendables on the big screen became the ultimate wet dream for avid fans of action films due to the outstanding ensemble cast of actors, practically are the symbols of the genre, the explosive action and the manliness of it all. Although it met with a mixed critical response, it was not long after the announcement of the sequel in which the majority of the gang would reprise their roles to take another intense adventure with the new action heroes added to the pack. What you see with The Expendables 2 and its predecessor is exactly what you get! It may have quite possibly the most exhilarating, badass and physical action you will ever see, but it still is a rather corny film that could quite easily come across as a guilty pleasure.

In the first film, Sylvester Stallone did an absolutely marvellous job executing the R-rated gun fights and car chases and, thus, making an action fan… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
MouthofSauronDec 10, 2012
A thoroughly entertaining action film with gratuitous violence and unbelievable firefights certain to thrill. On par with its predecessor, and in some regards a more rewarding experience.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
Mr_MuumiJul 28, 2013
Expendables 2 is an alumni all-star game of 80's action stars. Just like any get-together, Expendables 2 is more about fun and memories than it is about present day. Criticizing it with movie standards would feel like writing review for oldExpendables 2 is an alumni all-star game of 80's action stars. Just like any get-together, Expendables 2 is more about fun and memories than it is about present day. Criticizing it with movie standards would feel like writing review for old friends who came to jam in one's backyard.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
Twist_Of_FateSep 29, 2013
Good actors bad acting,enjoyable but its not what you come to expect as the acting is pretty lame and the story line is pretty lame as well,but if you like fast paced,guns,explosions and some comedy then i suppose you wont mind this.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
askseventeenJul 27, 2013
This was a movie that should have never been made. The Expendables 2 has somehow managed to be even worse than the original. This movie consists of one thing and one thing only, over-the-top action for simple minded people. Besides theThis was a movie that should have never been made. The Expendables 2 has somehow managed to be even worse than the original. This movie consists of one thing and one thing only, over-the-top action for simple minded people. Besides the movie's sad attempt at story, the only other laughable thing is the handful of nods toward popular works from these "superstar" actors.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
TailGunnnerSep 3, 2013
The story is simply bull Its just a matter to have a movie I the only thing thats importand is the action and the cast. There are all those great action actors in one movie. If you don't bother the script you would like it. The action isThe story is simply bull Its just a matter to have a movie I the only thing thats importand is the action and the cast. There are all those great action actors in one movie. If you don't bother the script you would like it. The action is epic and amaizing. Its sad its actualy random.the movie made exclusive for action so I give it rating:… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
TheApplegnomeAug 15, 2014
To remove Sylvester Stallone from the director's chair, and to replace him with Simon West might be the best thing with The Expendables 2. It's so much better than the previous installment of The Expendables.

The opening scene is bothTo remove Sylvester Stallone from the director's chair, and to replace him with Simon West might be the best thing with The Expendables 2. It's so much better than the previous installment of The Expendables.

The opening scene is both incredible and exiting in The Expendables 2, and there are so much more unique action that we never have seen before. As expected, the actors are flawless, and I actually had a good time watching this, it's even funny at some places. But unfortunate, The Expendables 2 suffers with critical things like bad CGI, a weird story, to much talking and a slow tempo of action at some places. These things pulls down my rating under a 7.

Much better than the first movie, but it still got much to improve to impress me all the way!

The Expendables 2 get a 6.8/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
SavileLovedMeOct 18, 2013
This film is the Michael Jackson to my childhood's Macauley Culkin. That being said, my rating policy dictates that any film featuring Arnie automatically qualifies for an extra point so 4/10 it is.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
CineAutoctonoDec 18, 2015
Alli the sequel to " The Expendables " , well a lot of action , with the toughest Hollywood actors Stallone, Statham , Li, Lundgren , Crews, Schwarzenegger , Willis, and Van- Damme, including Liam Hemsworth did nothing ?, because of action inAlli the sequel to " The Expendables " , well a lot of action , with the toughest Hollywood actors Stallone, Statham , Li, Lundgren , Crews, Schwarzenegger , Willis, and Van- Damme, including Liam Hemsworth did nothing ?, because of action in " The Hunger Games ," but what will be the exception of Hemsworth to participate with the toughest ?, Because we do not know but this movie had some left over action, but lacked entertainment, but it was the best movie of " The Expendables " I've seen in my opinion.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
FilmQueenOct 25, 2015
Much better than the first one! The action scenes look really cool, in fact everything in this movie looks cool. The plot has also improved. They make references to the previous films of the actors and this is indeed funny. However thatMuch better than the first one! The action scenes look really cool, in fact everything in this movie looks cool. The plot has also improved. They make references to the previous films of the actors and this is indeed funny. However that doesn't change the fact that The Expendables is still no more than this, a collection of references to other films, not exactly a film that has something of it's own. It's still fun, though.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
clem666Jan 24, 2021
Three-quarters of the budget went to the casting. It's impressive to know that even if you keep an attendance list, all the actors from the high-budget action films of the '80s and '90s appear in 'The Expendables 2'. This is an impressiveThree-quarters of the budget went to the casting. It's impressive to know that even if you keep an attendance list, all the actors from the high-budget action films of the '80s and '90s appear in 'The Expendables 2'. This is an impressive feat, even though Chuck Norris had to accept to become a joking cameo for the duration of the film by accumulating a total screen time of less than five minutes. The same goes for Jet Li who also has less than 10 sequence shots on screen.

The script strangely holds up and will not fail to make a huge bunch of enemies stand in the way of our beloved mercenaries. I really didn't expect so many emotions in a film with so much stereotypical testosterone.

To note such a film is an ordeal as difficult as it is unexpected. My heart loves it for its frantic pace, its incessant and bloody action scenes, its effective dialogue lines and its economy of words. If it were up to my heart to write about it, it would be close to an 8/10. But my head for its part can't help but notice the bewildering number of neurons disappearing per second when I'm in front of this movie. It's hard to believe that one can decently chain together so many clichés and traditional and non-original ideas. There is only one woman who looks strong during a few scenes of this movie! The jokes only revolve around the counter of deaths, women and the size of everyone's guns. So my head can only give it a 2 or 3 out of 10.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
More From This Movie

51 Critic Reviews

7.1 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
2 77 Project Hail Mary
3 75 Send Help
4 73 Hoppers
5 71 The Sheep Detectives
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL