‘Nobody 2’ Review – When Making Memories Turns Into Mayhem

Logline: Sometimes the most dangerous place for a dad is a family vacation.

Violence is never the answer, but if someone puts their hands on you or your loved ones, a forceful reaction is the only correct response. While the reaction to a violent act shouldn’t exceed the initial misdeed, the violator needs to know that you mean business. Those who set out to hurt innocent people, whether physically or financially, should live in fear of those they have wronged in the past and plan to in the future.

“How much do I owe?”

Summer may be coming to a close, but it’s never too late to take one more kickass vacation. However, for Hutch, work is seemingly inescapable, no matter where he goes. Directed by Timo Tjahjanto, Nobody 2 is a riotous knock-down, drag-out feast of fists. Featuring a fast pace, intense bone-shattering and teeth-loosening action, plenty of comedic moments, and a grounded family dynamic, this sequel is what happens when making memories turns into mayhem. Separating itself from its 2021 predecessor with humor and effervescence, this departure from expectation is a fun distraction from whatever you’re going through.

Picking up in the aftermath of the first film, Hutch’s problems are worse than working off a multimillion-dollar debt. His particular skill set is ensuring the safety of himself and those he loves; however, the unfortunate tradeoff results in the neglect of his family. To reconnect with his wife and his two children, a vacation to the past is in order. Oh, and Grandpa is coming as well. Feeling reminiscent of 2024’s Road House meets Home Alone, coupled with the violence we came to love in Nobody, fans of the dadcore John Wick are sure to be thrilled. Nobody 2 is every protective father’s wet dream.

“I’m here with my family, making memories.”

While this second entry, in what is seemingly a growing franchise, doesn’t supersede the original, it trades the dark and unruly for vibrant and deliberate. The story is relatively simplistic and more than a little predictable. Nevertheless, if your primary objective is to witness an ass kicking clinic, this is the film for you. When it comes to pure relentless action, Nobody 2 is one of the top action films of the year. Because of the circumstances, Hutch is arguably more ruthless than before. The fight choreography is exciting, and with most of the film taking place during the daylight, there’s no hiding anything. The action sequences are brutal, and the songs paired with them add not only to the levity but also make for memorable moments. This film is more than likely a one-watch wonder. Most will never watch it after their initial experience, but it’s still a lot of fun. Its rewatchability is low.

Pace & Pop

The film is all gas and no brakes from beginning to end. Filled with explosions, gunfire, and the right amount of comedy, there are no slow moments. What popped for me was the over-the-top nature of the sequel. There’s a layer of cheese that sets this successor apart from the original. Initially, it feels out of place due to the more serious demeanor of the OG; however, it grows on you.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, John Ortiz, RZA, Colin Hanks, with Christopher Lloyd and Sharon Stone

While Bob Odenkirk is the draw and primary focus, this feels like an ensemble performance. As Odenkirk delivers on the bone-breaking action and subtle comedic moments, Connie Nielsen brings focus, emotion, and a little mystique. John Ortiz and Colin Hanks exude small-town villain energy, which is amplified and tripled by Sharon Stone’s Lendina. And while not on screen for much of the runtime, RZA and Christopher Lloyd make delightful and deadly contributions.

Nobody 2 kicks its way into theaters on August 15, 2025. Stay safe and stay sane.

Rated: R Runtime: 1h 29m Director: Timo Tjahjanto Screenplay: Derek Kolstad and Aaron Rabin Story: Derek Kolstad, based on characters created by Derek Kolstad Producers: Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Marc Provissiero, Braden Aftergood, Bob Odenkirk Executive Producer: David Hyman