Dale, Kurt and Nick decide to start their own business but things don’t go as planned because of a slick investor, prompting the trio to pull off a harebrained and misguided kidnapping scheme.
In this day and age of franchise films even comedies are contributing their share of sequels to theatrical release lists, and in a world where The Hangover series is a trilogy, it should come as no surprise that Horrible Bosses 2 is here.
Sean Anders joins the series to direct this instalment, having previously directed Sex Drive and That’s My Boy, Anders is well versed in the comedy genre. For what’s typically become a pretty generic genre of main stream, mid-budget comedy releases Horrible Bosses 2 delivers something with a bit more creative care in plot management.
While remaining predictable it weaves in a few twists anyway, and ends up weaving together more than just an excuse to put actors into funny situations just to see what happens. It flirts with the danger of turning too serious for its own good momentarily, but thankfully holds back before this becomes too detrimental to its worth. The film maintains its focus on a tight scope of central characters without deviating much at all, which is to its credit (or not) depending how you feel about the central performers and their comedic styles.
While having a bit of care with how the plot hangs together, Anders still manages to weave more than enough funny situations to keep things lively. Physical gags are used to some degree, but the real focus is on comedic bickering amongst the main group, with cringe worthy awkwardness and constant stepping on each other’s acting space on prominent display throughout the film. At times it wears a bit thin given there’s not a lot of variation in the style but it holds the film together well enough.
We see the sequel prerequisite number of cameos from the first film back, but it’s nice to also see a new addition in a central role in the form of Chris Pine. Natural and charismatic on screen Pine is well cast here and brings some spontaneity while blending well with the original trio of characters.
Christoph Waltz isn’t given much to do unfortunately, while Jason Batman, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day are all back in fine form and playing to their strengths with seemingly lots of improv on display. The chemistry between the three works well and carries the film effectively for the most part though slightly overstaying its welcome with an almost two hour running time.
Interestingly Horrible Bosses 2 doesn’t really focus on any horrible bosses, but it turns in an enjoyable watch, one that probably won’t have you in stitches laughing or rushing for a second viewing but is fun none the less. I’m giving it 6 out of 10 stars, it’s out in cinemas on Thursday 11th December 2014.
