After a strong financial breakthrough in 2011 with mixed reviews and biased reactions, it was hard to say whether or not a “Horrible Bosses” sequel would be in the works. Less than half a year later, a second film was confirmed and the process of finding all the right technical positions began. Now, “Horrible Bosses 2” debuted with the same reactions as before, but with more twisted comedy and profane jokes that will arouse any individual with an open mind for humor.
After the events of the first film, Nick (Jason Bateman), Dale (Charlie Day) and Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) are still left working for unappreciative bosses. However, at the start of the sequel, we learn that the trio are once again jobless, but are moving forward with hopes to market their own product, “The Shower Buddy.”
Realizing their TV spot may have been their excruciating downfall, they are approached by the father-son duo, Burt (Christoph Waltz) and Rex (Chris Pine) Hanson, owners of a very large catalog retailer. When a deal is made, the trio takes out a business loan and begins producing 500,000 units of their product.
However, things take a turn for the worse when Burt cancels his order, leading the three stooges to yet another horrible downfall. It’s here that the group decides on a kidnaping plan (yes kidnaping, not kidnapping) that will once again cure their job problems as well as set revenge for an unlikely foe.
“Horrible Bosses 2” outshines its predecessor in terms of comedy, and goes well above the comedic standard. Like with most sequels, it’s sometimes hard to know whether or not a stupid storyline like that of “Horrible Bosses” should even be considered for another motion picture. With the negative feedback regarding “Dumb and Dumber Too” in recent weeks, I’m surprised to see this film receive the same treatment. I agree there are some jokes that might over-exceed and offend a few individuals, but one should already be aware of the comedy and caliber of this type of genre.
John Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, writers for the first film, could have been a little more creative plot-wise for the sequel. Although Seth Gordon (“Identity Thief”) isn’t back to direct, Sean Anders, a popular writer for films like “She’s out of my League” and “We’re the Millers,” goes in a quaint but acceptable direction especially with the all-star cast at his disposal.
Bateman, Sudeikis and Day are a tremendously witty team. Maybe they aren’t as good as Cooper, Helms and Galifianakis (“The Hangover”), but certainly a close second in my books. Yes, both Spacey and Aniston are back, but in smaller doses, leaving more focus on Pine and Waltz. Even a small appearance by Keegan-Michael Key (“Key and Peele”) is sure to grab your attention, even if it’s just for two or three minutes. Either way, you can’t go wrong with the cast.
With hopes of distracting you from the already negatives reviews, I hope that you take my advice, and see this movie. Yes the comedy can be offensive, and sometimes disgraceful, but let’s face it, how else does one out perform and rise to the ranks of “Anchorman” or “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” without a few distasteful jokes? As for a trilogy, let’s hope the guys become their own bosses.
