"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.

TERRY CREWS IN TORONTO FOR "THE EXPENDABLES 2" | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Terry Crews in Toronto - August 2012

Former Football Player/Actor Terry Crews arrived in Toronto last night for a day of Press in support of The Expendables 2. The friendly and handsome 44-year-old, who believe it or not is a Grandfather, started his day bright and early with a stop-off at KISS 92.5's Roz & Mocha Show, before throwing-on his Blazer and heading into Global Television's The Morning Show and then zipping over to CityTV's Breakfast Television. He later in the day will be joined by Co-Star and former UFC Champion Randy Couture for a day of Press out of their super-posh Hotel.

The Expendables 2 - directed by Simon West, Script by Sylvester Stallone - sees Crews reprising his role as the Hale Caesar. He tells Breakfast Television's Jennifer Valentyne, "This is an Action Lover's Dream Come True.  A real Man's Movie!".  And although he didn't break his neck like Stallone did in the Film's Predecessor, Crews admits to having endured a scar or two filming this latest installment.  Couture also stars as Toll Road,  his and Crews' Hale both playing-off each other comically.

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!

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The Expendables 2 hits theatres August 17, 2012.

(Photo credit: Lionsgate Films)