When Nobody first hit the screens in 2021, it caught audiences off guard. Bob Odenkirk, best known for his sharp wit in Better Call Saul, stunned viewers by morphing into an action star, delivering bone-crunching fights with the same precision as he once delivered courtroom monologues. The film’s mix of dark humor, sharp choreography, and underdog energy made it a cult favorite. Naturally, expectations for a sequel were sky-high. Enter Nobody 2, a continuation that dials up the violence and set pieces but, in the process, trades much of the original’s freshness for a more predictable ride.
The Story: Bigger, Louder, but Familiar
Nobody 2 picks up not long after Hutch Mansell’s (Odenkirk) return to his secretive past life as a government operative. This time, the quiet suburban father is drawn into a global conspiracy that threatens both his family and the fragile peace he managed to build. The narrative, however, leans on a familiar action-sequel template: bigger villains, higher stakes, and extended globe-trotting sequences. While the plot ensures relentless momentum, it rarely surprises—something the first movie mastered so well.
Bob Odenkirk: The Reluctant Action Hero Still Shines
Even when the story feels formulaic, Odenkirk’s performance keeps the film grounded. He’s not the typical invincible action hero—his bruises linger, his punches sometimes falter, and his every move carries the weariness of a man torn between ordinary life and extraordinary violence. That vulnerability is what makes Hutch such a compelling character. Odenkirk continues to embody him with grit, dry humor, and just enough self-awareness to keep audiences invested.
Action Sequences: Spectacle Over Surprise
If Nobody was about unexpected brutality in mundane settings (a bus fight, a kitchen brawl), Nobody 2 turns toward spectacle-driven set pieces. Explosions, car chases, and large-scale battles dominate the sequel. The fight choreography remains razor-sharp, but the intimacy of the original is often lost. Instead of tense, claustrophobic encounters, the sequel delivers action in grander, more polished packages. While entertaining, the “wow” factor feels less about shock and more about scale.
Supporting Cast: Expanding the Universe
The sequel smartly fleshes out supporting roles. Hutch’s family, particularly his wife Becca, gets more to do, showcasing the strain of living with a man who can’t seem to escape his violent past. New antagonists bring international flair, but they often feel like standard-issue villains rather than memorable foils. Still, the ensemble adds depth and avoids reducing the film into just another one-man show.
What Works, What Doesn’t
- Strengths:
- Odenkirk’s grounded, everyman charisma.
- Stylish direction and tightly edited action scenes.
- A few moments of dark comedy that echo the first film’s charm.
- Weaknesses:
- Predictable plotline lacking the original’s sense of discovery.
- Action that sometimes prioritizes flash over substance.
- Villains who fail to leave a lasting impression.
Final Verdict
Nobody 2 delivers exactly what many action fans crave: relentless spectacle, fierce combat, and Bob Odenkirk proving once again that he’s more than just a dramatic actor. Yet, for those who loved the first film’s blend of surprise and subversion, the sequel may feel more like a safe play than a bold reinvention. It’s entertaining, undeniably stylish, and packed with adrenaline, but it misses the spark that made the original such a delightful shock.
Rating: 3.5/5 – A fun ride fueled by Odenkirk’s charisma, but one that doesn’t quite live up to its groundbreaking predecessor.
