Critics Mostly Agree Nobody 2 Is A ‘Great Sequel,’ But Some Have A Big Issue With Bob Odenkirk’s Action Flick

by

Known for his versatile comedic skills across numerous hit sketch comedy series and as the cunning lawyer Saul Goodman in “Breaking Bad” and its spin-off “Better Call Saul,” Bob Odenkirk surprised many with a shift to action roles in 2021’s “Nobody.” Now, four years later, he returns for the sequel “Nobody 2,” premiering on August 15. Though not all critics have reached a consensus, generally speaking, the reviews are trending positively.

Apart from Bob Odenkirk, the upcoming film “Nobody 2” brings back several talented actors from the original movie, such as Connie Nielsen, RZA, Colin Salmon, Gage Munroe, Paisley Cadorath, and the legendary Christopher Lloyd. This time around, we have some exciting new additions to the cast – John Ortiz, Colin Hanks, and the renowned Sharon Stone, who are all set to essay sinister roles.

TopMob And Others Have No Fun At Nobody 2

Although TopMob’s review by Eric Eisenberg initially recommended watching “Nobody 2,” the movie ultimately fell short of expectations. In his critique, Eisenberg found Hutch, played by Odenkirk, to be unappealing and difficult to support, and he deemed the plot lacking in substance. He assigned it a score of 1.5 out of 5, expressing his dissatisfaction through his review.

In a swift 89 minutes, it’s evident that Nobody 2 isn’t intended to be taken overly seriously. This is particularly showcased in Sharon Stone’s exaggerated, flamboyant portrayal of the antagonist, which feels oddly simplified and one-dimensional. However, being playful doesn’t guarantee enjoyment, and I must admit, I didn’t find it enjoyable. It mimics its predecessor but falls short, lacking the captivating charm of Bob Odenkirk. Consequently, watching it is an unenjoyable cinema experience.

According to Mark Kennedy of AP, he assigns only a single star out of four to the film “Nobody 2“, which has been added to the 2025 movie lineup. Kennedy implores, “Someone, anyone, please rescue Odenkirk from this unremarkable franchise,” further commenting:

In the sequel, Bob Odenkirk reprises his role as a former assassin turned kind-hearted character who stumbles again, yet falls short of being either amusing or stylish, earning the title ‘John Wick Lite.’ Hutch advises his wife and children to cherish joyful memories. However, viewers in the cinema are unlikely to have pleasant recollections, if they can even remember watching this mediocre production, by its disappointing end – a blessing since it only lasts for about 89 minutes.

These critics may not have had any fun at the theater, but others found plenty to like.

The Majority Of Critics Find Nobody 2 A Ridiculous And Joyful Summer Flick

According to 84% of the 91 critics who reviewed Nobody 2 on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie received positive feedback. Among them is William Bibbiani from The Wrap, who appreciates the intricately planned violence in the film. He humorously notes that if National Lampoon’s Vacation starred a mass murderer instead of Chevy Chase, it might resemble Nobody 2 – a comparison he finds fittingly hilarious. Bibbiani further adds that the movie lives up to this strange comparison as well.

The subsequent movie significantly enhances the original Nobody by underscoring the fact that the Mansells didn’t eradicate all their issues through violence. Violence remains a persistent issue for them. Whether they’re dealing with the mafia or facing minor hassles at a supermarket, Hutch will continuously grapple with maintaining a distinction between his professional and personal life. If the cast continues to deliver passionately and the writers maintain focus on this internal struggle, this outstanding sequel could potentially spawn several more excellent follow-ups.

According to Owen Gleiberman of Variety, he manages to step back from reality for a moment to acknowledge that the upcoming action movie, Nobody 2, delivers exactly what it promises – over-the-top, absurdly violent entertainment. Gleiberman goes on to say that this sequel is even more exaggerated than the first film.

The unexpected blend of nerdy charm and hidden toughness in Odenkirk’s character is a signature humor in the Nobody series, adding gritty comic-book appeal. His portrayal exhibits shades of characters from quality TV shows similar to Jekyll-and-Hyde, combined with action heroes akin to Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, and John Wick. Though this may seem overly formulaic, Odenkirk’s acting talent convincingly sells the cartoonish duality of his character.

Eric Goldman from IGN appreciates the game with a “Good” 7 out of 10 rating. He admires that, while not as powerful as the original, it continually showcases the unexpected action hero side of Bob Odenkirk, keeping viewers entertained. Further, he notes that the critic finds this continuation reminding us all of the fun we experience when witnessing Odenkirk in action.

In the tradition of a successful, unexpected action-comedy’s follow-up, Bob Odenkirk’s second stint as an action hero delves more into humor, which somewhat diminishes the authenticity of the original’s portrayal of an assassin transitioning to suburban life. However, Odenkirk’s dedication to his character and Timo Tjahjanto’s directorial flair ensure that this sequel remains engaging, demonstrating that there is still plenty of delight in witnessing a renowned comedian transform into a lethal force when pushed beyond limits.

Instead of asking who I’ll support among the critics, let’s discover that together! The movie “Nobody 2” makes its debut on the silver screen this coming Friday, August 15th.

Read More

2025-08-15 15:50