Review of Horrible Bosses 2 (2014) by Maksim B — 29 Mar 2015

An expected sequel of a successful R-rated comedy, Horrible Bosses 2 is a lesser attempt to bring more of the same within a changed story and framework. Mildly funny and lacking originality, the second installment relies heavily on the comedic of its talented cast and the ability to pull out some sex-related jokes in order to reach the level of a passable delivery.

Not long after the events that took place in the first movie, Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and Dale (Charlie Day) try to have their breakthrough with their own business and shower invention. Being inexperienced in the corporate world, they quickly become victims of the greedy and unscrupulous Bert Hanson (Christoph Waltz) and his son Rex (Chris Pine). When Nick, Kurt and Dale decide that they would not give up their business without putting up a fight, a wild sequence of events follows.

First of all it should be said that this is yet another example when a production exploits the successful original movie, uses the same name and builds up a totally different story completely unrelated to its name (The Hangover 3 as a perfect example). In this particular case, the storytelling is lazy, the clichés are overwhelming but the laughs are decent and the chemistry between Bateman, Sudeikis and Arbus (and even you could include Pine) is working at a level that would keep you decently entertained. It is true that Sean Anders' delivery has lost all the charm of the first part, but three of the main reasons that made the first installment so good are at least partially involved: Jennifer Anniston, Kevin Spacey and Jamie Foxx. The weird, quirky and funny characters played by the three of them add-up the much needed craziness and character originality to the story. This is especially valid for Jamie Fox and Kevin Space who for the few moments on screen manage to completely capture the attention of the audience.

As a whole Horrible Bosses 2 is a less successful comedy than its predecessor. Both, commercially and content-wise it simply fails to match the first movie. Yet, the ensemble cast is good enough to entertain and not to make you sorry for losing your time watching it. So, if you decide to see it, grab some beers and popcorns and prepare for a decent entertainment.