An Entertaining, If Flawed, Return to Hutch Mansell’s World
Nobody 2 picks up where the original dark-action comedy left off, once again placing Bob Odenkirk’s Hutch Mansell in the thick of chaos. The first Nobody surprised audiences with its sharp blend of brutal action and sly humour, transforming a mild-mannered family man into an unlikely vigilante.
The sequel ups the ante, promising more stylised mayhem and family drama—but does it deliver the same punch?
The film opens with the Mansell family attempting to heal and reconnect, heading out for a seemingly idyllic vacation. Their peace is shattered by a sudden home invasion, forcing Hutch to break his promise of a violence-free future. As fists fly and bullets rain, the plot thickens with the unravelling of secrets surrounding the town they are vacationing in. The family’s getaway quickly morphs into a fight for survival, with every member drawn into the fray. While the plot echoes the first film’s formula, it throws in enough twists to keep viewers invested without giving away too much.
Nobody 2 is undeniably entertaining, but it struggles to recapture the lightning-in-a-bottle energy of its predecessor. The original thrived on its fresh take: everyday dad turned action hero. The sequel, while fun, feels more conventional. Forced comedic beats and stylised action sequences sometimes overshadow the raw tension that made Nobody stand out. The pacing leans heavier on spectacle, trading nuance for extravagance.
The action is bigger and flashier, with choreographed fights and slow-motion flourishes that border on parody. While these moments are visually impressive, they occasionally lack the gritty authenticity of the first film. Comedy is more prominent, but not always organic; some jokes feel shoehorned in, diluting the film’s darker undertones.
Nevertheless, Odenkirk’s deadpan delivery and physical commitment still provide plenty of memorable scenes.
The Mansell family steps into the spotlight, with each member given moments to shine. The survival aspect is compelling, and the tension between protecting loved ones and confronting personal demons adds emotional weight.
The family’s arc feels more prominent, making their journey relatable even as chaos unfolds.
Despite its flaws, Nobody 2 remains a crowd-pleaser. The film delivers high-octane entertainment, making it a solid choice for fans of action-comedy. While the violence is stylised, some sequences may be intense for younger viewers, so it’s best suited for families with older teens. The blend of humour and action keeps things lively, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of the original.
Nobody 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it offers enough thrills and laughs to justify a watch. If you enjoyed the first outing, you’ll likely find something to appreciate here—just temper expectations for a more formulaic and flashy sequel.
It’s entertaining, energetic, and occasionally heartfelt, making for a fun (if not groundbreaking) family movie night.
Showing in cinemas from Friday, August 15.
-Dirk Lombard Fourie