by Charles Kirkland, Jr.
Even on a family vacation, somehow, trouble finds him in the action comedy sequel Nobody 2.
Because of his past transgression, mainly the burning of the Obshak, Hutch Mansell finds himself working again for The Organization. He works long hours and does the hard jobs. Unfortunately, his work is straining his relations with his family. He misses his son’s games, dinner, and sleeping with his wife. After his last mission goes a little awry, Hutch realizes that he needs a break for his sanity and the sake of his marriage. So, he decides to take them on vacation to an old amusement park he went to once with his dad. Reluctantly, they agree. After all, nobody hates vacations. What can go wrong?
Nobody 2 is an action comedy written by Derek Kolstad (John Wick) and Aaron Rabin, from a story and characters by Kolstad. It is a sequel to the surprise hit Nobody (2021). The movie stars Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, RZA, Michael Ironside, Colin Salmon, Billy MacLellan, Gage Munroe, Paisley Cadorath, and Christopher Lloyd, who reprise their roles from the first film, while Colin Hanks, John Ortiz, McKenna Grace, and Sharon Stone join in new roles. The film was directed by Timo Tjahjanto (The Shadow Strays).
Nobody 2 is the English-language debut for Indonesian director Timo Tjahjanto. Tjanjanto, half of the acclaimed duo The Mo Brothers, is well known for his action and horror movies. His last project, The Shadow Strays, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 and was almost immediately picked up by Netflix for distribution.
Tjahjanto’s cinematic style is perfect for this film. His ability to capture and exhibit action violence is above par, and Nobody 2 needs to raise the level of action from the first outing. In the first film, Hutch Mansell (Odenkirk) is returning to form as an ultra-violent operative. In this one, he is a fully activated operative and has to perform like one. Tjahjanto does not disappoint. There is more deliberate and demonstrative violence in this film, even as Hutch says he is trying to avoid confrontation because he is on “break”.
The story is creatively average, feeling like National Lampoon’s Vacation meets Walking Tall. It is befitting the story of a sequel, though. Although there is some character development, especially with Becca Mansell (Nielsen) and Brady, Hutch’s son, a couple of revelations about the Mansell family and a clear opening for another sequel, the plot is not the reason to see this movie. Smartly, story takes a backseat to intense action and an extremely (and delightfully) over-the-top performance by an almost unrecognizable Sharon Stone. RZA also gets an opportunity to indulge in his sincere love for martial arts in a couple of scenes that will make the Wu Tang proud.
Overall, the film is very violent and yet hilariously fun. Rated a hard R for strong bloody violence and language throughout, Nobody 2 is the film that we have secretly been waiting for, even if nobody asked for it.
Nobody 2 crashes into theaters starting August 15, 2025.
Grade: C+
