Review: Horrible Bosses 2

A wholly unnecessary sequel that wears out its welcome within the opening frames, Horrible Bosses 2 finds our trio of worker bees attempting to be their own bosses by peddling their invention, the all-in-one Shower Buddy.

Though their promotional efforts on a live morning show result in an inadvertent masturbatory sight gag and mention of their obliviously racist website, they somehow catch the interest of Boulder Stream's CEO Bert Hansen (Christoph Waltz), a self-made retail giant who agrees to order 100,000 units in exchange for exclusive retail rights. Their hopes of a three million dollar paycheck are soon dashed when Bert cancels the order with the intent of forcing them into foreclosure so he can purchae their assets and patent at bargain basement auction prices.

Seeking advice from their shady friend Dean "Motherfucker" Jones (Jamie Foxx, barely phoning it in) and one former boss (Kevin Spacey in a cameo version of dropping the mic), the dunderheads concoct a scheme to kidnap Bert's supremely cocky son Rex (Chris Pine) and use the ransom to save themselves from bankruptcy and thwart Bert's master plan. Their barely thought out idea goes awry when Rex turns the tables on them, taking the kidnapping as an opportunity to work through his daddy issues and defraud his father.

As in the first film, Horrible Bosses 2 is meant to be a vehicle for the bickering schtick between the relatively levelheaded Nick (Jason Bateman), horndog Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and the constant jangle of nerves Dale (Charlie Day); the actors have further refined their patter though little enjoyment is to be derived from their efforts. More enjoyable are Jennifer Aniston, reprising her role as the raunchy, sex-crazed dentist; the gleefully hammy Waltz; and Pine, whose energetic turn cements the comedic chops he displayed in the little-seen Stretch. Pine steals every scene he's in and almost makes you forget the mediocrity that is Horrible Bosses 2.

Horrible Bosses 2

Directed by: Sean Anders

Written by: Sean Anders, John Morris

Starring: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Chris Pine, Kevin Spacey, Lindsay Sloane, Keegan-Michael Key