Cool News
R-egarding That EXPENDABLES 2 R-ating!!
Merrick here...
A while back, the world of badassness was shaken to its foundation by word that the next EXPENDABLES movie would be rated PG-13, instead of the (for my money, infinitely more appropriate) "R" rating many of us were expecting.
From my point of view, the matter boils down to one simple and concise issue: when one is marketing a film about some of the toughest mofos ever to appear on the big screen, watering them down with a less flexible rating pretty much runs contrary to the point of the entire project.
It's now looking like all the vile, vitriol, and consternation many (including myself) have hurled towards this decision has been weighed. Or, at the very least, this may simply be a case of The Powers That Be finally coming to their senses.
According to THIS piece at StalloneZone, the site has been contacted by Sly, who conceded the following:
“After taking in all the odd rumors and hearsay, EXPENDABLES II is an R.”
I'm not completely sure what rumors and hearsay Sly is referring to here - he confirmed the picture's PG-13 rating to us here on AICN back on Jan 18 (HERE). Was other scuttlebutt afoot? Whatever the case, it's now looking like we can retire this wonderful fan made poster. Retire, perhaps. But not necessarily delete.
--- follow Merrick on Twitter ! ---
Readers Talkback
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1st film was great
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Looks pretty good for 72. All you fat nerds should take note of what a lifetime devoted to health and fitness can do for you, rather than a lifetime devoted to doritios, Mt Dew and masterbation.
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YES!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!
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I'm scared as to whether or not this movie will firmly reinstate the Norris Joke trend.
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March 19, 2012, 1:04 p.m. CST
So it was completely neutered during production and wound up with an R rating anyway?
by fustfick
Not so sure this is good news.
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now all they need to do is make PROMETHEUS R-rated
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Why keep all the kids out? The appeal of guys around the age of sixty, running around with guns is what the teen market is demanding.
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March 19, 2012, 1:09 p.m. CST
Thankyou for R ! The first one was a mess but had potential, a sequel with xtra Bruce and Arnold is something that I am excited about.
by wattos new hat
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March 19, 2012, 1:09 p.m. CST
R/PG-13 who cares...just hope they made a good fucking movie! That's what we all want, right?
by JiggahJu
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... when everyone involved in front of AND behind the cameras saw what a PG-13 edit was shaping up to be. You would think Willis would be able to inject a bit of perspective to all of it from his own experience with the infamous "Yippy Kai Yay, Mother*BANG!*" Hard 'R' is the ONLY way to market a follow-up 'bad-ass' movie touting every swinging dick in the last 25 years. PG-13? Might as well have retitled it "Fried Green Colostomy Bags"
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March 19, 2012, 1:18 p.m. CST
You really think they changed the rating because of the whining we had here and elsewheres?
by Logan_1973
Come on man.
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March 19, 2012, 1:19 p.m. CST
Does this mean fucked up continuity with random scenes of graphic violence
by you-me-n-marley
just stuck in here and there for no other reason than to get a movie filmed to be PG13 an R rating
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now this is what i am talking about.
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That would get me in the theater on opening day.
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March 19, 2012, 1:24 p.m. CST
FUCK YOU NORRIS!!! STICK YOUR PG13 BULLSHIT REQUEST UP YOUR ASS YOU MOTHERFUCKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by ilovemichealbay
FUCK YOU MAN!!! NOW IF ONLY PROMETHEUS WILL BE R TOO. FUCK YOU MOTHERFUCKER FOX IF IS NOT!!
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March 19, 2012, 1:25 p.m. CST
But it was made planning for PG13 - so now we get dubbed expletives and CG blood
by ShiftyEyedDog
this isnt good news people.
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I mean, the first one was rated R and it sucked balls.
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March 19, 2012, 1:28 p.m. CST
jiggahju, you want Expendables 2 to be a "good movie"? Hahaha
by Mattman
You're missing the point. I want R-rated action nonsense with F-bombs... like the 80s movies Expendables is emulating.
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Guess we can expect a lot of awkward inserts of people swearing and digital blood.
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Can we just talk about The Raid already?
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just having an "R" rating doesn't mean quality anymore than having a PG means its garbage
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What?!
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March 19, 2012, 1:36 p.m. CST
j2talk, it means a lot if you've ever seen an 80s action movie
by Mattman
Specifically with Arnold or Stallone.
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March 19, 2012, 1:42 p.m. CST
now can we have confirmation that BULLET TO THE HEAD doesn't suck?
by Spandau Belly
I'd like a signed affidavit or the film to be relased please.
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that's pretty cool
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March 19, 2012, 1:48 p.m. CST
Chuck Norris' reaction: 'Fudge! Fiddlesticks! Dagnabbit! Shoot!'
by obijuanmartinez
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March 19, 2012, 1:49 p.m. CST
Can we get a petition started for 'R' in 'Prometheus'? (Or if there already is such a thing, can somebody post a link? How 'bout one of you kids with your wacky Facebooking or Tweedling?
by obijuanmartinez
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March 19, 2012, 1:52 p.m. CST
If you think it's better because of an R rating then you're clearly stupid and easily amused. You should write for AICN!
by Mel
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March 19, 2012, 1:54 p.m. CST
Sly isn't stupid enough to not film an unrated version at the same time
by Jaster Mareel
Rambo and Expendables had unrated cuts released, I'm sure it was always the plan to do the same with EX2, they're just skipping the theatrical PG-13 version. Well, there will be an R version in theaters with some of the stuff restored, then an unrated version later on BD with all of it back, but not necessarrily a better film.
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Could the average age in here be anymore obvious? And I like how the nerds now think they're the reason the rating got changed.
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it'll be randomly interspersed with gore shots from RAMBO. Ya know, the film which we actually would like a sequel to - it had some balls.
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March 19, 2012, 2:05 p.m. CST
An R rating won't automatically make this film good, just far more interesting. First bit of good film news in awhile!
by happybunni
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So, there are a good bunch of you here not thinking this through. Sly and co. probably know Chuck wouldn't sign unless they told him up front they were shooting PG-13. Film the movie. It's not like Chuck watches every scene filmed or catches the dailies. So now that it is in the can or near in the can (or drive, or whatever) they can edit it however they want. I doubt Chuck had a PG-13 clause in his contract. And seriously. You guys bitch because they said it was going to be pg-13, then you bitch because they say it is going to be R. You are just bitches. Bitch, Bitch, Bitch.
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I saw his reaction on You Tube and he was proper pissed off about the pg13.
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March 19, 2012, 2:13 p.m. CST
Good. Now change the ending of MASS EFFECT 3 and all is right with the world.
by CHRISTIAN_BALE_TRASHED_MY_LIGHTS
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March 19, 2012, 2:15 p.m. CST
Why doesnt Sly LEARN and just shoot these R from the get go
by judge dredds fresh undies
The first expenpables was clearly not shot to be an R and the film suffered for (clearly it suffered worse from a shitty script but thats not this discussion is about.) I just hope that they did shoot with an R in mind and dont have to do a crappy post job of toughing the film up. All signs suggest otherwise though.
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March 19, 2012, 2:15 p.m. CST
You ever watch the censored versions of Robocop, Die Hard or Predator
by Nerd Rage
They suck...Long live the R rating.
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Otherwise you would'nt even be on this talkback talking shit to the rest of us fine human beings.
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...rhis rovie rill ruck rnyway.....
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Will this not be terrible.
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i always just so norris as a straight to video softcore sly stallone, why is he even in this film, i could twat him.
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March 19, 2012, 2:21 p.m. CST
Do you want your Grammy dying surrounded by strangers, or do you want her to meet Chuck Norris ?
by Keith Maniac
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SLY - YOU BEAUTIFUL BASTARD YOU JUST MADE MY DAY!! So, the right decision has been made - once again it's on!!! I thank ABKing for this. That guy is the ultimate Sly fan and i've never heard him utter a word against the man - but even he spoke out against the PG-13. It seems Stallone heard! EXPENDABLES II is going to be one of those rare times when the sequel improves on the original (and I liked the original).
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March 19, 2012, 2:24 p.m. CST
CGI blood and extra swear words does not make an "R" rating worthwhile.
by Stereotypical Evil Archer
Practical gore effects are required, or no ticket.
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a film like this would most likely be a 15 certifacte in the uk(meaning can only be viewed by 15s or over).
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March 19, 2012, 2:47 p.m. CST
Weird, when Sly was the one spreading the hearsay and rumors...
by Bass Ackwards
it seemed to suggest the film had been planned at PG-13 all along. Wonder if this means we'll get a rare case of them looping lines to add swear words? First film was a waste of time anyways, and since the sequel no longer has even the simple novelty the first one offered of putting all these guys in the same film I'm guessing this one will be worse (also, Simon West?!).
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March 19, 2012, 3:03 p.m. CST
awesome - and now to all you fuck knobs who were fine with this being pg-13
by fat_rancor_keeper
.........go eat a pg13 dick (wait that's not possible is it?) LOL.....even Stallone disagrees with your notion that a pussified Expendables 2 is something anyone wants to see and is acceptable. You bitches LOST big-time. Propz to Sly for coming to his senses on this one. R! F U C K YEAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
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March 19, 2012, 3:08 p.m. CST
Great move by Stallone. It's the logical call for an action throwback, and Sly comes out looking like a stand-up guy who listens to his fans.
by Pvt. Duke
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The first one was unwatchable. It's over for these dudes.
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March 19, 2012, 3:24 p.m. CST
lmfao if this movie opens and nobody shows up to watch it.
by vulturess
rated F for fossilized.
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An "R" rating is never a promise that a movie is going to be good. I'm so bored with "R" rated language I tune it out. A good story, great characters, creative dialogue & action with the right direction & editing make for an incredible movie. I'd much rather have a great "G" rated movie than an insipid, ho-hum, already seen it "R" rated piece of trash.
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March 19, 2012, 3:36 p.m. CST
I'm just afraid the damage(or lack thereof) has already been done.
by JediRob
I worry now they're gunna toss in some digital blood and one or two "Fucks" to try an placate. But, I will see it in theaters now.
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March 19, 2012, 3:40 p.m. CST
FUCK YOU, EXPENDABLES HATERS!!! FUCKING MOTHER FUCKING PUSSIES!!!
by JaredP
go change your tampons you fucking homos!!!
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March 19, 2012, 3:41 p.m. CST
Thanks to everyone who points out an R rating doesn't guarantee a movie will be good.
by fat_rancor_keeper
I was not totally aware of that at all. I usually search for movies to watch by the R Rating alone. I ignore movie titles, actors, genres, ratings, reviews........etc...... Yeah it's all about the R.
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"Where am I and what is going on"?
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March 19, 2012, 3:45 p.m. CST
Hopefully this means Chuck Norris dies in the first five minutes, in the film and in real life after hearing this.
by elgato73
Fuck that cunt. If Bruce Lee was alive today, Norris would be his bitch!
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March 19, 2012, 3:55 p.m. CST
Anyone who supports PG-13 should be shot. All it is is censorship. Supporting censorship should equal death.
by MENTALDOMINANCE
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March 19, 2012, 3:56 p.m. CST
Yeah they should have them playing with dolls and holding hands until Chuck Norris gets shot... THEN become an R rated slaughter fest!
by MENTALDOMINANCE
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March 19, 2012, 3:56 p.m. CST
Chuck is going to learn that people don't love him as much as he thinks so and the whole Chuck VS. the world jokes are really making fun of how bad of an actor he is.
by MENTALDOMINANCE
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March 19, 2012, 3:57 p.m. CST
If Chuck Norris was attacked by a shark he'd just rate the shark PG-13 and render it harmless.
by MENTALDOMINANCE
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March 19, 2012, 4:03 p.m. CST
Wasn't Stallone on here awhile ago supporting the PG-13 rating?
by happybunni
Interesting to see people championing him on this. When he was on here fighting people who thought PG-13 was a stupid decision.
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March 19, 2012, 4:08 p.m. CST
Oh no! When Chuck Norris finds out about this he'll be able to destroy every print with one motion of his mustache!
by The Reluctant Austinite
He's going to waggle his chest hair and kick Sly's ass! This could be terrible.
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March 19, 2012, 4:20 p.m. CST
Norris has done tons of R rated movies, why is he protesting?
by sunwukong86
I don't get it
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March 19, 2012, 4:28 p.m. CST
Digital blood looks as bad in 2012 as it did in the Pit Fighter video game in 1990.
by Cletus Van Damme
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The mighty R lives after Channing and Jonah lit up the weekend. Where there is value, there is a way.
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Word of mouth was destroying his movie in advance. Besides a PG-13 Expendables sequel goes against the very concept that made people go watch it in the first place.
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It's spelled with a U, dickbrain Your childish opinion matches your ability to spell, congrats!
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strategically used Botox, HGH, elevator shoes and hair dye to great effect. He's worthy of study just for being perceived as a bad-ass onscreen since in real life he's like cute chick size.
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and this movie will suck with any rating, but R will suck less
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March 19, 2012, 6 p.m. CST
Scarface, Pulp Fiction, The Thing, Robocop- those are R rated movies.
by UltraTron
I don't have any point. Those movies are rated R. And I like them. I like them a lot.
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March 19, 2012, 6:06 p.m. CST
Just give me more Gatling shotgun meat-grinder action from the start this time
by UltraTron
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I live for it.
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March 19, 2012, 6:07 p.m. CST
these movies should center around that gun. They should work that gun into the main story.
by UltraTron
That gun is the new I'll be back. I want to see who gets the other end of it in the new one
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It was crazy to even think of PG-13 for a movie full of stars who became famous for R-rated action much more than 17 years ago. Anybody under 17 who knows who these guys are is going to see this with their dad.
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what a fucking turd.
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the fact its switching back and forth may mean its right on the border. expendables two needs to be hard R, more like sin city R not the king's speech R
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March 19, 2012, 6:19 p.m. CST
Undeniable proof that execs really don't know jack shit about movies.
by Laughing Boy
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Y'all are too easy.
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Then I have high praise for Stallone for making the coRRect choice!!! THANKS!!!!
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Chuck Norris will have to be digitally removed from the pic? cause I'm sure his fellow idiots from his church won't want to see him in an R-rated pic...
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Or the uncut version of Die Hard 4. What a lousy way to handle this whole thing: Film it as a PG13 flick, let it develop the reputation of being a sell-out for a couple of months, then email the "Stallone Zone" as a way of repairing the damage in the quietest way possible.
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do you really think he didnt shoot 2 versions at the same time? when people shoot a movie they have hours and hours and hours of fucking footage man a movie can go from x to r to pg 13 to pg just from editing shit man. And do you really think its that hard for an actor to say 'Aw shucks' then director says ok r version and then actor says 'aw shit'? Fucking morons. Sly didnt make a bazillion gajillion dollars because hes fucking stupid.
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March 19, 2012, 7:49 p.m. CST
But if it's not PG-13, won't Chuck Norris bite a pillow and cry to Jeebus?
by Doctor_Strangepork
Who knew the ultimate Chuck Norris joke would be Chuck Norris...
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March 19, 2012, 8:08 p.m. CST
It may have worked as PG-13, but R truly suits the characters and material.
by Mr Nicholas
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Stallone isn't stupid and no one believes he ever wanted this to be PG-13. Here comes pressure from the studio for PG-13... he comes out and talks to Harry about it, "confirming" it... knowing the blitzkrieg of very public fan hate that would arise. Now he can go back to the studio and point at all of this and go, "See? It can't be PG-13." He wins, we wins, everybody's happy.
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March 19, 2012, 8:49 p.m. CST
Yes ! Thank god for that. We need more R-rated action movies.
by Bjarni
- playmo.tv is the shit
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March 19, 2012, 8:49 p.m. CST
Now we just need to get an R-rating on Prometheus and World War Z.
by Yelsaeb
And then after that we can tackle world peace.
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March 19, 2012, 11:27 p.m. CST
No movie with Chuck Norris in it could ever be anything but rated R
by lv_426
Actually, there is going to be a brand new rating that will debut with Expendables 2. CN As in rated Chuck Norris. It makes R look like a G, and an NC-17 like PG.
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Is it worth it? I see it has about ten minutes of extra footage added. Is it really all that much different and better with the extra stuff added in?
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I mean.. it sucks! Give me a REAL R-rated movie with "real" blood!
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EXCELLENT callback.
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Merrick needed a high talkback count by jaka Y'all are too easy. ^^ LOL, look at you talking crap. You had no problem in the last Expendables TB going back and forth with people about the PG13 rating. What's wrong jaka are you feeling silly now defending a pg13 since even sly himself thinks the movie should be R after all? Remember this.... --Nothing any of you saw will change the fact that an R rating doesn't make a movie good. Period, end of story. Its sad that so many of you can't seem to wrap your head around that concept.----- ^^^ Well it's been some time now so I hope YOU have finally wrapped your head around the very basic concept that people weren't arguing that an R automatically makes the movie good. (or any movie for that matter) An R is simply a more appropriate rating for a movie of this nature. I'm glad this will be R and not a pussified Pg13.
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Of course it would be harder than R, since the entire movie would have a dick onscreen.
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Seriously, who gives a rat's ass what the movie's rated? EX 1 was a sloppy mess. Sly could have made a Seven Samurai/Dirty Dozen style men on a mission movie. Instead we got a series of vignettes with a couple of guys at a time fighting. If I thought this one might have a discernible plot, I'd go see it if it was rated G. As is, I'll wait for HBO.
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March 20, 2012, 11:04 a.m. CST
This one has a real director (West) - it will be much better than the 1st.
by Mennen
the first film sucked - let's be honest.
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....was it filmed as an 'R', or is it simply going to have a few more f-bombs and a bit more blood to push it into 'R' rated territory. Makes a BIG difference in the tone and flow of the movie. I am somewhat relieved though still skeptical.
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I'm sure this was already shot as a hard R. Even if they'd released it PG-13, you know they were planning to release an unrated dvd version.
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I will definitely go see the movie now. Was boycotting the PG-13 one.
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Seems to be either 5'7" or 5'8, depending on who's talking. Wears built up shoes to make him about 5'9 or 5'10". But he's as strong as a bull, has a work ethic that impressed Lou Ferrigno, and very "intelligent" hands from years of boxing. When I wrote for Fighting Stars magazine, I interviewed the boxing coach that prepared him for Rocky III, and he said at peak condition, Stallone would have made a decent 3-round fighter. Which sounds like shit compared to a pro, but is WAY more than most "fit" people can imagine. ## Norris was more of a technician than a "tough guy" back in his heyday, but genuinely fought the best around at the time, and those were some very tough boys. Pre-full contact Karate got pretty fucking bloody in the ring, with black belt divisions making serious contact. Everyone respected Chuck, and he was known as a gentleman. If he's gone too far down the Conservative rabbit hole, well...that's sort of sad, but doesnt' remove the fact that he was either #1 or #2 in the world in his time. And his main rival, Joe Lewis, went on to become the baddest full contact man in the world. So Norris earned his rep.
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He means all the bitching about the supposed PG-13 rating.
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Stayin' alive baby, beautiful cool news
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