The Expendables 2

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.

Critics were genuinely split on whether the film's self-aware humor and nostalgic star power make it an enjoyable throwback or a cynical exercise in brand-name coasting. The action sequences drew broadly positive notices, but the script, editing, and relentless winking at the cast's filmographies divided reviewers sharply — some found the in-jokes charming, others found them a substitute for anything new.