MOVIE REVIEW: Horrible Bosses 2

Author: Allie DiNunzio

Director: Sean Anders

Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, and Kevin Spacey

SynopsisTired of always answering to others, Nick (Jason Bateman), Dale (Charlie Day) and Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) go into business for themselves. After demonstrating the prototype for an invention called the Shower Buddy, the guys attract the attention of Rex Hanson and his father, Bert. Bert invests in the trio’s product, then cancels the order and steals their idea.

Now heavily in debt and with no legal recourse, Nick, Dale and Kurt decide to kidnap Rex and use the ransom money to pay off their loans.

 Movie Review:

Warner Bros. Pictures
Warner Bros. Pictures

At first glance, Horrible Bosses 2 appears as if it could be like all of the other comedy sequels before it. Many would sweep it under the rug due to low expectations or perception that all the funny parts were shown in the previews.  However, let this be an early warning: Passing on Horrible Bosses 2 would be a HUGE mistake! In fact, it was funnier than the original.

The theater was full of laughter throughout the entire film because of the non-stop jokes and their silly antics. The ensemble cast somehow manages to deliver despite their lack of collective intelligence. Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis), Dale (Charlie Day), and Rex (Chris Pine) work incredibly well together and make for what seems like a modern day Three Stooges meets Ocean’s Eleven mash up. The film can be described as a dark comedy that takes the hilarity of the first film and multiples it by ten.

Warner Bros. Pictures
Warner Bros. Pictures

As discovered in the first film, the guys are not the smoothest of criminals; regardless of what they think of themselves. Naturally, they lean on the advice of Dean “MF” Jones (Jamie Foxx), Americas favorite convict-consultant, for the best  method of getting their company  back from the villainous Bert Hanson (Christoph Waltz). One of the true pleasures of the film is the welcomed heavier role that Jones has in this film. Additionally, Julia (Jennifer Aniston) the deranged sex addict boss to Charlie Day’s character from the first film, also makes a comeback. Her sexual conquests toward Dale haven’t dissipated as she looks to add his manhood to her extensive “collection.”

Comedy sequels have proven to be a hard sell over the years with most failing at living up to their original predecessors. Horrible Bosses 2 ups the stakes and outshines the original. However, it doesn’t ever reach the point where it tries to completely outdo the first film; it simply attempts to take the viewer on another adventure with an older and “wiser” cast.

Warner Bros. Pictures
Warner Bros. Pictures

Bateman, Sudeikis and Day are spot on with their characters and prove to have excellent chemistry with one another that is only exemplified with this sequel. It’s safe to assume that it won’t be long before audiences get a look at a third act featuring this comedy trio.

Horrible Bosses 2 hits theaters November 26, 2014.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *