REVIEW: “Horrible Bosses 2” disappoints despite star-studded cast
By Skyler Blume,
Bluedevilhub.com Editor–
Horrible Bosses 2 is a prime example of a sequel that no one asked for, and despite the cast’s attempts to inject some originality in the movie, its lack of originality and predictability ultimately deflate any levity in this cash grab.
Jason Sudeikis, Jason Bateman, and Charlie Day return to the leading roles as a threesome seeking to become their own bosses with their invention the “Shower Buddy.” A wealthy corporate shark and his son, played by Christoph Waltz and Chris Pine respectively, deceive the budding entrepreneurs and put them in financial hole.
Just as the first movie portrayed relatable frustration with one’s superiors, the sequel attempts to satirize the difficulties that entrepreneurs can have in their attempts to become their own bosses.
Or maybe it would if it didn’t resort to raunchy, dirty humor as the main attempt to draw a laugh. The sad thing is, under these attempts to shock, there are a few genuinely funny moments but they are ruined by the movies attempt to earn its R rating. And earn it it does, thanks to unimaginative writing and a lazy plot.
The quality of a movie like this is dependent on chemistry between the leads, as the plot does little to create intrigue. Sadly, the character interactions in this one become stale and predictable very quickly.
Anyone who has seen any of the main three actors previously knows exactly what to expect. Bateman’s role in Arrested Development, and Day’s character in Its Always Sunny are copy pasted into this movie.
The anxious energy of Day, and the obliviousness of Sudeikis work well with Bateman’s signature straight man act but the routine becomes stale quickly.
The supporting cast is a mixed bag as well. Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Aniston and Kevin Spacey reprise their roles from the first movie. Aniston’s sex addicted siren and Spacey’s abusive persona are so obscene and ridiculous that any skill that these accomplished actors posses is completely lost.Foxx however is a standout, as usual, and completely steals any scenes where he is is present.
Waltz, while an impressive actor, seems to be lost in his performance as his intensity does not mesh well with the rest of the cast. Pine on the other hands fits perfectly and is a welcome addition with an impressive range of both comedic and emotional tones.
The fact that a film with such an impressive cast manages to fall short is quite astonishing. But this pattern has become emblematic of a string of uninspired sequels that seem to strive for nothing more than ticket sales derived solely from the title of the movie.
