Running Time: 89 minutes
This feature from Universal Pictures opens exclusively at theaters on August 15th.
As many will remember, 2021 wasn’t the greatest year for movies, but “Nobody” was one its biggest surprises. This action film managed to stand apart from the crop because of its unique casting. The lead actor, best known for his comic roles and nice-guy demeanor, made a compelling government assassin/downtrodden family man and the film earned even more acclaim with its dynamically choreographed action scenes. It earned a large profit, and thus it should come as no surprise that a sequel has now arrived.
“Nobody 2” begins with Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) in substantial debt for the chaos he caused in the first film. His handler, the Barber (Colm Salmon) has him working long hours on various hits. His family, who are aware of his unusual career, are still becoming frustrated with his frequent time away from home. This includes wife Becca (Connie Nielsen), teenage son Brady (Gage Munroe), and younger daughter Sammy (Paisley Cadorath).
Worried that he’s losing touch with them, Hutch decides to take everyone on a vacation to a place that was of great significance to him as a child… a rundown midway and waterpark. Only hours after arriving with his spouse, kids, and retired FBI agent father David (Christopher Lloyd), Hutch runs afoul of the park owner (John Ortiz), and a corrupt sheriff (Colin Hanks). Both are working for vicious crime boss and smuggler, Lendina (Sharon Stone). Despite all attempts to avoid conflict, things escalate to the extreme, with Hutch eventually reaching out for help from adopted brother Harry (RZA).
The first film had a dark sense of humor, but this film goes even further in emphasizing the absurdity of the situation. Early on, Hutch insists that all he wants to do is make memories with his wife and kids. He certainly does that, but never in the way intended. While trying his best, one can see the rage bubbling inside when his loved ones are tormented by local thugs. Once again, Odenkirk is excellent and plays the exasperated figure and the brutality he can inflict to maximum comedic effect.
There is a wildly entertaining sequence in an arcade in which he sees his daughter get shoved. He excuses himself from the group and goes back to take down those responsible using a variety of arcade amusements. This includes a club from a “Whac-A-Mole” game. Another boat excursion results in amusingly exaggerated mayhem. These types of scenarios continue throughout the film, with the protagonist attempting to deescalate conflict, only to do the exact opposite. The budget on this film isn’t massive, but the action is thrillingly shot and edited. Early on, the protagonist looks both at risk and unexpectedly proficient when squaring off against foes.
The rest of the performers are clearly having a great time as well. Neilsen begins to show that she can be just as ruthless as her husband when protecting the family. The villains are also a lot of fun to watch. Hanks memorably seethes his way through an unexpected role as a heavy, offering threat after threat, only to be maddeningly thwarted. And Stone appropriately chews scenery as a psychotically imbalanced antagonist. All the other characters get their moments too, including Lloyd firing something akin to a gatling gun, and RZA brandishing a katana sword.
As mentioned, it’s all especially silly this time out, especially by the climax. The story is very straightforward with only a minor twist or two here and there. By the finale, we don’t really get a sense of the real danger the heroes are in. And while the jokes are funny, most are reused on several occasions. Thankfully, the lead performer is still both charismatic and relatable, and the sillier tone allows for the wince-inducing fight scenes to never play as too disturbing.
“Nobody 2” doesn’t top the original film by any stretch of the imagination. It can’t surprise viewers with its star’s unexpected transformation in the same way the original did. However, those who enjoy these characters will find the new setting visually interesting, the family dynamic fun to watch, and the confrontations memorably brutal. This follow-up may not be among the best of sequels, but it is solid enough to raise a smile and earn itself a recommendation.