Before I get to my review of “Horrible Bosses 2” I would like to take a quick minute to talk about something that is about as far from horrible as it is possible to get. The first trailer for “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” was released in select theaters and online over the holiday weekend. This 88 seconds of footage is pure magic and is exactly what a teaser trailer should be. We’re reintroduced to a galaxy far, far away that we know and love and are introduced to the next generation of heroes that will lead us through episodes VII, VIII and IX. While the stars of the original trilogy, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, who will star in Episode VII were absent from this first look, we were treated to breathtaking shot of the Millennium Falcon, in all its glory.
I admit to being a card-carrying “Star Wars” fanboy and am proud of it. I was excited and hopeful for this movie before this briefest of glimpses; but now I can barely contain myself. Mark my words, 2015 and 2016 will be long remembered in the annals of film history and “The Force Awakens” will rest in its rightful place atop the highest pinnacle, borne on the shoulders of long-time fans and new converts alike.
Watch it HERE.
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To quote my own review of “Dumb and Dumber To”: “Too often comedy sequels try to up the ante and end up not only evolving the story but also evolving the style of comedy.” That comedy sequel sin, which “Dumb and Dumber To” so deftly avoided, is exactly what mires “Horrible Bosses 2.”
The first “Horrible Bosses” movie had a wonderful blend of characters and an opportunity-rich plot that yielded comedic fruit. “Horrible Bosses 2” tries to cut corners and endlessly copies the best moments from the first film to the point that the original DNA gets diluted and corrupted. The pleasing cadence from the first film is dropped for a high-octane, all-funny, all-the-time pace that is actually a little tiring. Well over a third of this film is stuffed with an almost inaudible barrage of multiple characters talking and bickering at once. There are strong comedic moments to be found in that type of writing, but it is very overused in “Horrible Bosses 2” and is subtractive where it was meant to be additive.
Furthermore, the great “buddy comedy” vibe from the first film is much harder to find or express in the sequel due to the blending of the characters. The first film saw a different approach and rhythm from each of the three leads, Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day. This disappointing follow-up has Sudeikis, and to a lesser extend Bateman, channeling Charlie Day to a ridiculous degree, which is an unfortunate over-saturation and miscalculation.
Newcomers Chris Pine and Christoph Waltz, both favorites of mine, are powerful names and strong actors to add to a burgeoning comedy franchise that, quite frankly, doesn’t deserve them. Pine’s natural charisma and charm play well within his given role; but Waltz, whom many, myself included, would consider one of the great actors of our time. is utterly wasted.
There are a few laughs to be had with “Horrible Bosses 2,” but I would strongly recommend renting the original and watching the “Star Wars” trailer on repeat before going to the theatre for this mess.
3 of 6 stars