Having each attempted to murder their bosses in the original film, the question for the scriptwriters in Horrible Bosses 2 must have been: ‘how can we again place this comic trio in circumstances that would again have them attempting to commit outrageous felonies?’
By Keeva Stratton
The answer: they become their own bosses, only to be screwed over by their investors. (Frightening, isn’t it, that it seems everybody works for somebody.)
Self-made billionaire Bert Hanson (Christoph Waltz) and his spoiled spawn Rex Hanson (Chris Pine) see the potential in Kurt (Jason Sudeikis), Nick (Jason Bateman) and Dale’s (Charlie Day) product: the Shower Buddy.
After a sizeable order, which of course Kurt, Nick and Dale fail to secure under contract, they find themselves in a financial pickle when it’s cancelled just as production is complete. With staff to pay and their own debts to service, they are desperate for their money, and decide to consult with their old pal Mr Jones (Jamie Foxx) on potentially illegal means of obtaining it.
In order to get their money back, the trio hit upon the brilliant scheme of kidnapping Rex, holding him to ransom. Of course, they’re not the most adept of criminals, and the kidnapping doesn’t go to plan. What it delivers, instead of the much-needed bounty, is a serious amount of laughs (even if some of this levity feels a little bit wrong).
Horrible Bosses 2 brings back the outrageous fun and the crude humour of the first, in a stronger dose. Thankfully, also returning are the sex-crazed Julia (Jennifer Aniston) and the psychopathic mentor Dave (Kevin Spacey), whose cameos are a real treat.
Aniston’s Julia is arguably one of the funniest and most unexpected transformations of recent years, showing just how talented and versatile an actress she is. Spacey, who is enjoying a second wave of success in his own career, can do no wrong, perfectly personifying the ultimate creep again in this new iteration.
The additions of Waltz and Pine, along with Breaking Bad hard man Jonathan Banks, add so much value to this film. It really is an all-star cast, who revel in a host of wonderfully witty and dangerous lines that would only be fitting in such a film.
Day, Sudeikis and Bateman have such a rare and physical comedic chemistry, it’s hard to think of a more genius grouping in the modern era.
They might be horrible criminals, and terrible entrepreneurs, but Horrible Bosses 2 is anything but (at least if you share my enjoyment for below the belt humour).
Directed by: Sean Anders
Starring: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Jennifer Aniston, Christoph Waltz, Chris Pine
Rating: MA15+
Runtime: 108mins
Release Date: December 11
Reviewer rating: 4/5
