The Expendables 2

  • 2012
  • R
  • 103m
movieMx RATING
6.3/10$7.0K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Expendables 2 Review

Last updated: January 22, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 22, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Expendables 2 (2012) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Expendables 2 features a noteworthy lineup led by Sylvester Stallone . Supported by the likes of Jason Statham and Jet Li , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of The Expendables 2 (2012) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Story & Plot Summary: The Expendables 2

Quick Plot Summary: The Expendables 2 is a Action, Adventure, Thriller film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. Mr. Church reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it. This approach calls everyone and everything into question as the plot unfolds.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.

Thematic Depth

Beyond the spectacle, the film explores themes of justice, redemption, and the cost of violence. It questions whether the ends justify the means and examines the personal toll of heroism.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Solid execution of genre conventions
  • Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
  • Competent performances from the cast

⚠️ Weaknesses

  • Some narrative choices that feel predictable
  • Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act

Ending Explained: The Expendables 2

Ending Breakdown: The Expendables 2 concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Expendables 2 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Expendables 2?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection

Box Office Collection: The Expendables 2

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $100.0M
Worldwide Gross $315.0M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

The Expendables 2 Budget

The estimated production budget for The Expendables 2 is $100.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: The Expendables 2

All Cast & Crew →
Jason Statham
Jason StathamLee Christmas
Jet Li
Jet LiYin Yang
Dolph Lundgren
Dolph LundgrenGunner Jensen
Terry Crews
Terry CrewsHale Caesar
Randy Couture
Randy CoutureToll Road
Liam Hemsworth
Liam HemsworthBilly 'The Kid' Timmons
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Where to Watch The Expendables 2 Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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🎟️ Rent on

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Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

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The Expendables 2 Parents Guide & Age Rating

2012 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Expendables 2 age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Expendables 2 is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Expendables 2 is 103 minutes (1h 43m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Expendables 2 stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Expendables 2 worth watching?

The Expendables 2 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Expendables 2 parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Expendables 2 identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Expendables 2?

The total duration of The Expendables 2 is 103 minutes, which is approximately 1h 43m long.

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How The Expendables 2 Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Expendables 2

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.3
The Expendables 2
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