Nobody 2 continues the action-packed thrills of the original Nobody. But, like most sequels, comes up just short its predecessor.
Imagine 10 years ago a fortune-teller saying that beloved comedian Bob Odenkirk would someday play a dangerous government assassin trying to pursue the straight and narrow path of life? And that his family of assassins included Christopher Lloyd as his father and WuTang Clan’s RZA as his brother?
And, above all, that the movie was actually pretty good? You’d probably think this was just another smooth-talking con artist.
Turns out this fortune-teller was the real deal.
The original Nobody is a rare movie with crossover appeal. It appeals to fans of all varieties of movies. Its runtime is just a lean 90 minutes, and its clear storytelling includes character depth and exhilarating action sequences. It unites fans of Michael Bay with subscribers to the Criterion Channel.
What is it about action movies that makes them so appealing? Why do we like watching people beat each other up? Why do we like watching explosions? What is this catharsis of destruction? Is it something that appeals to our anthropomorphic origins? Is it a vessel to channel our stress and imagine ourselves solving similar problems with our own fists? Is this why video games like Grand Theft Auto are so addictive?
It’s one thing to make a movie with great stunts and choreographed fights, but to include great writing and direction is a special treat.
There is also our appreciation for the acting range of comedians. We love people who can make us laugh hysterically, but when they can prove their acting range—like Robin Williams or John Candy—we admire them even more.
Bob Odenkirk isn’t giving an emotional performance that will win him an Oscar (yet). But his character, Hutch Mansell, is badass, mysterious, and relatable. Unlike the action gods of days past, Nobody’s fights are visceral and realistic. Hutch doesn’t just win the fight, we feel the injuries he endures.
Nobody 2 is intentionally similar to the first movie—familiar arcs and beats—but that’s part of the appeal. It excites the audience as we anticipate how this installment will be familiar, but will push our favorite characters forward.
It is a craft of storytelling that dates to the origin of movies. Think of the “Bond, James Bond” line or Star Wars’ iconic “I have a bad feeling about this”.
While not quite the knockout the original movie is, this sequel is a worthy follow-up (similar to Happy Gilmore 2 and Freakier Friday). Anybody can tell Nobody 3 is on the horizon and I can only hope pick up on this Nobody 2’s (minor) shortcomings.
One thing is for sure: I’ll be first in line once it’s released.
About the Author: Having lived in Old Lyme and Lyme since the age of three, Kevin Ganey has always had a passion for movies that is beyond simply watching, but understanding the craft of cinema and and experiencing films as if they were a musical album. Kevin also has his own website devoted to movie analysis, CityOfCinema.com, and also co-hosts a podcast, Moviehouse Mystics, with Koda Uhl (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.)