"THE EXPENDABLES 2" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Expendables 2

 Although it is v. tempting to be a cynic about The Expendables 2, it is almost impossible to deny how ridiculously fun it is. How can one deny the combined legacies of so many legendary talents? Church (Bruce Willis) returns here with an assignment for The Expendables after their Leader Barney (Sylvester Stallone) runs off with some of his money - all $5 million of it. Believe me, Church isn't going to eat the loss on this one.

Joining The Expendables this time around is the likable Maggie (Nan Yu), who with her intellect and poise help the team out after new addition ex-Soldier Billy (Liam Hemsworth) is captured and killed by opposition Leader Jean-Claude Van Damme (Jean Vilain). The Expendables face their toughest assignment yet helping free a village of Plutonium Miners help captive by Jean and his ruthless Men. Along the way, they might even get the help of a few famous old Friends.

In addition to the obvious heart-racing, no-guns-needed action sequences delivered courtesy of Lee (Jason Statham) vs. Hector (Scott Adkins) and also Barney vs. Jean, the One-Liners, Punchlines and Jokes are actually pretty darn clever - kudos to Richard Wenk and Stallone who crafted the Screenplay. Particularly there is one scene where even with little text, the whole theatre can be brought to laughter by the subtext alone beneath something as mundane as a talk about memorable meals. In-on-the-fun Cameos by Chuck Norris and Arnold Schwarzenegger heighten the excitement to a new level; a Fanboy's wildest dream on screen. The fun Motown/Classic Soul Soundtrack although an odd-fit, is a nice touch.

The Expendables 2 builds on the trend of successful Action Films led by its Predecessor and also Red, which cater to a more mature audience, proving that you don't necessarily need a Cast of young, fresh faces to draw-in a crowd at the Box Office. Count me among the legion of The Expendables Fans rather excited for a third installment. Alliance Films releases The Expendables 3 wide on August 17, 2012.

TORONTO TO HOST CANADIAN PREMIERE OF "THE EXPENDABLES 2"

Official Artwork for The Expendables 2

Toronto, get ready as we play host to the Canadian Premiere of The Expendables 2, Sequel to 2010's $274 million-grossing Blockbuster with an all-star and all-brawn Cast. 

Church (Bruce Willis) reunites with the Expendables in this Sequel in what should be an easy Paycheque for them. After the death of one of their Men, they find themselves out for revenge as they are buried deep into Enemy territory.

Alliance Films & Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven are thrilled to give Readers a chance to attend the Red Carpet Canadian Premiere of THE EXPENDABLES 2 with Randy Couture and Terry Crews in-attendance. The Premiere takes place Monday, August 13, 2012 at 7:30 PM, Scotiabank Theatre! Ten Double Passes are available.

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook. Please ensure you enable your settings to receive messages from me or you can leave a comment with an email address or Twitter account you can be reached!

Double your chances by Tweeting the following on Twitter:

.@MRWILLW wants to take me to the Canadian Premiere of THE EXPENDABLES 2 w/Randy Couture & Terry Crews! #EXPENDAWILL http://tinyurl.com/cjk7k8r

Your deadline is Saturday, August 11, 2012 midnight. Good luck!

Follow our Friends at Alliance Films on Twitter and "like" them on Facebook for more details!

The Expendables 2 hits theatres August 17, 2012.

(Photo credit: Lionsgate Films)

BRUCE WILLIS FOR SOBIESKI VODKA

Mega-star Golden Globe and Emmy winner Bruce Willis arrived in Toronto today to promote Sobieski Vodka, in which he owns a stake.  Not only does he own a share of the French company, but he is also actively involved in its Marketing as the face of the Liquor.

Arriving at an ultra-private affair just outside Financial District today, the actor was vibrant and looking energized as he celebrated with Party Goers on the launch of Sobieski Vodka in Toronto, now available at LBCO stores.  He told the crowd how much he loves the city, having worked here on many an occasion, expressing his excitement in being a part of this joint venture.  

He left with an Entourage of at least five Security Guards after doing his rounds wth VIPs, greeting the crowd at a safe distance.  His promotional tour also took him to the ultra-fancy Summerhill LCBO store earlier in the day where he toasted shoppers with a "Santé" to good health.  Lookin' good, Bruce!