The action renaissance continues to flourish late into the summer of 2025. . . as Timo Tjahjanto’s Nobody 2 (2025) becomes the most recent blow-up to grace the big screen after nearly a decade of successes (even if that doesn’t always mean at the box office) from the likes of the John Wick franchise (and its spinoff Ballerina), Tom Cruise doing his thing in the last four Christopher McQuarrie fueled Mission: Impossible adventures, George Miller’s post apocalyptic landscape of Mad Max: Fury Road (and its prequel), as well as many memorable standalones like Baby Driver, The Nice Guys, et al.
Following the rhythm and cadence of the first movie of the franchise (thanks to screenwriter Derek Kolstad being back– he’s also the mind behind the John Wick universe), this action comedy finds Hutch (Bob Odenkirk) and his family in a rut – not because their patriarch is hiding his true self like in the last film, but rather because his former self has become too successful at his job since resurfacing (plus, he’s got to keep working to pay off all the money he burnt previously).
With his wife Becca (Connie Nielsen) clamoring for a change of pace, Hutch tells his posh boss, The Barber (Colin Salmon), that it’s time for a little pause. . . for he’s going to take his family on vacation to the only place that his father David (Christopher Lloyd) took them to when he was a kid – a town with an ancient water park called Plummerville.
In a weird way a little bit like National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983), family trips always seem to bring with them something more than the playful pool party. . . that is, plenty of trouble and headaches – in this case, not only for Hutch, but for everyone: including his rather aggressive son Brady (Gage Munroe), sweet daughter Sammy (Paisley Cadorath), and lest we forget Hutch’s brother Harry (RZA) – who always seems to get dragged into the fray one way or another.
This time faced with a town that secretly holds a smuggling route coming down from Canada, the Sheriff, Abel (Colin Hanks), is not exactly the law abiding type, while the de facto head of the place (and amusement park), Wyatt Martin (John Ortiz), is not what he seems, grudgingly answering to wild card boss, Lendina (Sharon Stone – clearly having a ball with this quirky nutso character. . . bizarrely channeling an almost Sam Rockwell type dancing vibe in this).
Capturing much of the engaging entertainment found in the original, there’s something highly eye-catching about watching Bob Odenkirk’s Hutch go through numerous sleazy baddies in his own violently comedic way (especially peeved about having to work while trying to enjoy the getaway with his family).
Doing almost all of his own stunts, this last stretch of action movies has been a breath of fresh air for viewers – with actors doing almost everything in camera. . . instead of having to watch stunt doubles, CGI, and overly excessive cuts to cover up that fact. Backed by a killer soundtrack, from the energetic The Offspring song “Come Out and Play”, to the much more chill “The Good Life” by José James, likewise, Dominic Lewis’ score is just as effective. Expertly edited to these tunes, it makes everything all the more special. . . with the bus scene from the previous feature being replaced with a rough and tumble boat beat-up.
If you’re looking for a late summer escape, Nobody 2 might just be for you. With a solid story that stays similar but also builds off the last, lots of gritty action, as well as plenty of rough around the edges chuckles, this sequel surely captures what was loved about the original without going too over the top or out there to outdo its predecessor. So, hit the holiday road for a very different type of amusement park. . . you’ll enjoy the hitch from Hutch that these baddies have to deal with.