Critics generally considered the film an improvement over its predecessor (citing an increased use of humor and action scenes), but its plot and dialogue received negative reviews. The Expendables 2 grossed over $310 million worldwide, with its greatest success outside North America. The film was released in Europe on August 16, 2012, and in North America the following day.
Controversy arose over the accidental death of a stuntman and environmental damage caused during filming in Bulgaria. Film locations included Bulgaria, Hong Kong and New Orleans. Principal photography took place over 14 weeks (beginning in September 2011) on an estimated $100 million budget. It is the second installment in The Expendables trilogy.
The story follows the mercenary group known as 'the Expendables' as they undertake a seemingly simple mission which evolves into a quest for revenge against rival mercenary Jean Vilain, who murdered one of their own and threatens the world with a deadly weapon. It is the sequel to the 2010 action film The Expendables, and stars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Chuck Norris, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Liam Hemsworth, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Expendables 2 is a 2012 American action film directed by Simon West, written by Richard Wenk and Sylvester Stallone and based on a story by Ken Kaufman, David Agosto and Wenk.
