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If action is what you're craving this weekend, Netflix is the streaming service you need to turn to, as the streamer just became home to a brutal action-comedy that you'll want on your radar.
This is Timo Tjahjanto's "Nobody 2," a sequel that sees Bob Odenkirk's fearsome suburban father figure/lethal assassin back in action while trying to carve out a little family time. If you missed it in theaters last summer, and you're down for a thoroughly violent vacation, then trust me when I say you'll want to check in with Hutch Mansell and his family this weekend.
Article continues belowWhat is 'Nobody 2' about?
"Nobody 2" sees Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) in serious need of a break. After the events of the first film, he's been working to pay off his extensive debts by putting in overtime as a hitman. In an effort to carve out some family time, he decides to push pause on his assassin life for a moment and books a family getaway to Plummerville, a small tourist town he and his brother used to vacation at as kids.
Sadly, danger soon comes calling almost as soon as they arrive. After a run-in with some local bullies, Hutch puts himself and his family in the crosshairs of some deadly new foes: a corrupt theme park operator, a shady sheriff, and the most dangerous crime boss he's ever faced (played by Sharon Stone, no less).
In addition to Odenkirk and Stone, "Nobody 2" also features Connie Nielsen, Christopher Lloyd, Colin Hanks, RZA, Gage Munroe and Paisley Cadorath.
Should you stream 'Nobody 2' on Netflix?
While I think the first film is probably still the better offering, "Nobody 2" is certainly bigger, bolder, and just as brutal a watch as the first, and wastes no time getting to the good stuff: even more dynamic, hyper-violent brawls helmed by our unlikely hero.
Where the first is a taut revenge thriller, this one feels even more tongue-in-cheek. Hutch's double life is an open secret now, so there's no point in putting it back in the bag, so the film doesn't. In this fast-moving action-comedy, we're thrown headlong into decidedly cartoonish, silly scraps. It trades the novelty of the first feature for a brisk flick that brings in Hutch's family and overblown (if underwritten) foes.
What story is present has been widely criticised, and while that's a fair critique of the film's flimsy framing, there's still much to like here. Odenkirk continues to prove he's a capable lead, and I think the blistering pace, sense of humor, and vicious fight scenes mean "Nobody 2" is still a real feast for action-starved viewers.
The film is also reasonably well-recommended by fellow viewers. At the time of writing, it's sitting at 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, aggregated from a total of over 200 reviews ( the viewer score is much higher, at 88%).
In our own "Nobody 2" review, writer Josh Bell hailed the film as "a simple but satisfying sequel," adding: "Tjahjanto knows exactly what he’s expected to deliver, and he makes 'Nobody 2' just as ridiculously violent — and violently ridiculous — as it should be."
Variety's Owen Gleiberman, meanwhile, called the movie an "even more maximally heightened, ridiculous and diverting sequel." Empire's Amon Warmann offered a 3-star verdict, calling the film an "undemanding but diverting Timo" sequel, praising Odenkirk's performance, even if he felt none of the fights were quite as good as Hutch's excruciating bus fight from the first film.
"Nobody 2" is, simply put, a sillier, second dose of escapist, summery action-comedy fun, and that's no bad thing. If all you want this weekend is to kick back in front of some bone-crunching action, you'll struggle to find a more satisfying watch on Netflix. Add it to your watchlist now.
Stream "Nobody 2" on Netflix now
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