HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 Review

HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 Review by Nestor Bentancor.

Comedy is a genre that doesn’t get the credit it deserves. For example, despite being one of the most consistent series of films, you don’t see The Naked Gun included in any “best trilogies” lists. Films with comedic elements need to have a strong amount of tragedy and darkness to make an impact during award season. In the Golden Globe Awards comedies share their category with musicals, and musicals almost always win.

There are bad and good franchises in every genre. But for some reason, if studios want to produce movies based on box-office hits that made people laugh many people automatically start throwing the term “money-grab.” The first “Horrible Bosses” was very good to Warner Bros., as it was “We Are The Millers,” another R-rated comedy starring two members of the “Bosses” cast. Making a sequel was of course a business decision, but the only question we should ask is “does the movie work?”

“Horrible Bosses 2” follows the three amigos presented in the first one, Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis), and Dale (Charlie Day), now entrepreneurs and inventors behind an unusual product called a Shower Buddy. Trying to make a fortune, they are deceived by the owner of a gigantic corporation, Bert Hanson (Christoph Waltz). Looking for revenge, these friends decide to kidnap Bert’s son Rex (Chris Pine) but suffice to say that things don’t go exactly as planned.

The first thing you notice is that director Sean Anders isn’t just aiming at laughter. The quick editing, montage sequences and a soundtrack full of pop hits create something hip and cool for the senses. Those spices are a nice addition to the main ingredient in this recipe: The dynamic between the main protagonists. Their chemistry, timing, and likability are off the charts. Even when the mechanics behind most of the jokes (starting pointless arguments and talking over of each other) become obvious and a bit repetitive, you can’t help yourself but to enjoy their company.

Chris Pine proves to be a great supporting player. After “Stretch,” “Into The Woods” and “Horrible Bosses 2,” nobody can question the actor’s talent for comedy. Jennifer Aniston and Jamie Foxx have brief but memorable moments. Kevin Spacey’s participation borders “just for the trailer cameo” levels, appearing only for a couple minutes. But it is Christoph Waltz who ends up being completely wasted, as it has been the trend in his post-Basterds’ Hollywood incursion.

Will this sequel be remembered as a classic? Absolutely not. But it delivers a fast-paced collection of jokes and over-the-top sequences that will surely entertain anyone looking for a good time at the movies. Its likely financial success will lead to a third installment and there is nothing horrible about that.