The Expendables 2 4K 2012

With 'The Expendables' Sylvester Stallone did the seemingly impossible: he brought together in one showdown the most iconic performers of movie heroes of the past and present, idols of millions, if not billions. The audience appreciated it and rewarded with good collections, which is important, especially for such a non-standard project. And now, two years later, they're back to kill someone again. Stallone handed over the director's chair to Simon West, but continued to be responsible for the script. It's safe to say, "The old school is still alive!

Without wisecracking, the creators went the typical and old-fashioned way: the scope is wider, special effects cooler, more heroes. The original cast was joined by none other than Jean-Claude Van Damme, another veteran of the genre Scott Adkins, Chuck Norris and the young guard represented by Liam Hemsworth. Van Damme was definitely a good fit. Apparently, the Belgian athlete, who missed sane roles, gave out a charismatic and impressive part of the villain. The trademark kick is worth it! As for Norris, although he is not much in the movie, but thanks for that - it's nice to see Cool Walker in action again.

It's clear that the artistic part is not so important here, but the attempt to keep some dramatic quality was not a great success. Already at the level of the plot's tie-in, without a run-up, the plot had a trivial goal: track, find, kill. On the other hand, the chemistry between the characters is very interesting. In the course of the action, principled enemies are outlined and new friends appear. It is also interesting to watch the main characters: Stallone and Statham poking fun at each other, stern Lundgren, funny Crews and Couture.

'The Expendables' is exactly the case when content overrides logic. Don't be surprised by armies of soldiers popping out of nowhere, Schwarzenegger's sudden appearances or Willis' arrival as if on a picnic. Hyperbole here and there. Although, why wonder if Chuck Norris is around. But damn, it looks good when you have people like that on the screen. They're allowed to do anything.

Unskillful in some moments graphics creates impression of b-movie, but these negative emotions go away when live special effects begin, which are made quite good. Though, old Sly should come up with something newer for the third part, because straightforwardly exploding houses and cars are a bit outdated. But the landing of the plane in the mine or Schwarzenegger's ride with Willis on the smart car will be remembered for a long time. Still, this is a movie of the moment, so to speak: the brutal appearance of Norris, the final fight, the battle between Stallone and Van Damme - for the sake of such scenes and it is worth watching such a movie.

In some ways, the picture has become a self-parody. Not only the number of jokes and funny scenes is off the charts, but the characters mock both themselves and their former characters: Schwarzenegger rolls out something branded or deliberately asks only for the biggest gun, or Rambo's name or some other similar reference slips through. After all, as someone will correctly point out, they all belong in a museum.

It doesn't matter what's on screen, it matters who. 'The Expendables 2' is a unique chance to see those who have seemingly retired back in action, already in company with the heroes of the present. A chance to feel again that old-school atmosphere, when the bad guys were just evil, and the heroes always won.