It still delivers ‘bone-crushing entertainment,’ but ‘the novelty is gone’

Bob Odenkirk is back as Hutch Mansell, the not-so-ordinary suburban father with a lethal past, in Nobody 2. Film critics are mixed on the new movie, with some praising its “bone-crushing entertainment,” and others complaining that “the novelty is gone.” The film currently has an 84 “fresh” rating percent at Rotten Tomatoes.

In the sequel to the 2021 hit Nobody, Hutch tries to return to a quiet life after using his deadly skills to protect his loved ones. However, his past soon comes back to haunt him during a long-awaited family vacation, and he’s once again pulled into a dangerous world of international conspiracies.

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Timo Tjahjanto, known for his work in the indie horror genre, directed the project from a screenplay by Derek Kolstad and Aaron Rabin. Joining Odenkirk in the acting ensemble are Connie Nielsen as Becca Mansell, Hutch’s wife; RZA as Harry Mansell, Hutch’s adopted brother; Colin Hanks as Abel, a mysterious sheriff; Christopher Lloyd as David Mansell, Hutch’s father; and Sharon Stone as Lendina, the criminal mastermind.

Alonso Duralde (The Film Verdict) writes: “Stripped of the twists and surprises that made the first one such a sleeper hit, this sequel nonetheless delivers breezy, bone-crushing entertainment for undemanding late-summer audiences.”

“Tjahjanto pulls his punches a bit,” says Cary Darling (Houston Chronicle). “But there’s enough of his signature savage choreography to keep the fans satisfied though it’s now leavened with humor.”

Adding to the positive comments about the director, Bilge Ebiri (Vulture) notes, “Tjahjanto infuses just enough creativity in his set pieces to keep us watching. But the most fascinating thing about Nobody 2, as with the previous entry, remains Odenkirk’s face.”

Likewise, Owen Gleiberman (Variety) remarks, “At least Nobody 2, directed with high-powered chintzy glee by Timo Tjahjanto, is honest enough to let us know that the movie is giggling right along with us.”

Bob Odenkirk in Nobody 2Universal

But not every film critic is equally impressed. “The amusing thrills intermittently appear,” writes Nick Schager (The Daily Beast), “but the novelty is gone.”

One of the more middle-of-the-road critiques comes from Wilson Chapman (IndieWire), who realizes, “There’s really no sense of any particular care or passion in the sequel, which frequently feels like the hurried Wikipedia plot summary of a more fleshed-out film that doesn’t actually exist.”

Jacob Oller (AV Club) essentially agrees: “Though the punches maintain their force in Nobody 2, the sole punchline they support has become a grating dad joke, one that you’ve heard so many times that it’s lost all meaning.”

Then there’s Mark Kennedy (Associated Press), who states flatly, “Somebody, anybody, should drag Odenkirk away from this nobody franchise.” Ouch!

The first movie, released at the height of COVID, earned $27 million at the domestic box office and made $57 million worldwide. It received nominations from the Critics Choice Super Awards and the Hollywood Critics Association. The sequel will be a contender in the comedy categories at the 2026 Golden Globes.

Nobody 2 hits theaters on Friday. Watch the trailer:

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