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Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Horrible Bosses 2: Extended Cut Blu-ray Review

Reviewed by Jami Ferguson
Fed up with answering to higher-ups, Nick (Jason Bateman), Dale (Charlie Day) and Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) decide to become their own bosses by launching their own business in Horrible Bosses 2. But a slick investor soon pulls the rug out from under them. Outplayed and desperate, and with no legal recourse, the three would-be entrepreneurs hatch a misguided plan to kidnap the investor’s adult son and ransom him to regain control of their company. Horrible Bosses 2 reunites Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis and also stars Jennifer Aniston (We’re the Millers) and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx (Ray), reprising their Horrible Bosses roles, while Chris Pine (Star Trek: Into Darkness) and Oscar winner Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained, Inglourious Basterds) star as new adversaries standing between the guys and their dreams of success.
Film (3 1/2 out of 5 stars)
After having numerous bad experiences with their bosses in the first film, Horrible Bosses 2 begins as the boys decide to be their own bosses.   The boys who make up this bromance are Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and Dale (Charlie Day).  They have invented a shower head which will shampoo your hair for you, saving minutes a day.  A meeting with exec Rex Hanson (Chris Pine) doesn’t go well but his father Burt (Christophe Waltz) is interested and places a large first order. 

Amazingly, the order is ready as promised, and early. Showing their lack of business savvy, the guys show up unannounced on a golf course to announce the completing of the order (with cake and balloons in hand).  At this time they learn that Burt had a plan to ruin them and get the units at auction once they’ve been bankrupted. Having gotten away with attempted murder in Horrible Bosses, the guys turn to kidnapping as the way to solve their problems.  Burt’s son Rex is the target of the kidnapping.  Soon they reconsider their ability to pull it off but Rex already has the upper hand and has increased his own ransom demand.

Horrible Bosses 2 is very much like Horrible Bosses.  It’s a couple of bumbling idiots fumbling up another crime. If the first film didn’t work for you, there is no reason to think the second will. Whether or not you’ve seen Horrible Bosses, you’ll easily jump right into the sequel.  Stars Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day return to the film which also sees the return of heavy hitters like Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Aniston.  Horrible Bosses 2 includes some of the bosses from the first film.  Jennifer Anniston is back, leading a sex addict’s support group in her office.  Kevin Spacey returns as well, and his character now sits behind bars. 

The guys are so inept at being criminals that they visit Jamie Foxx’s character Mother F@$%er Jones and ask Spacey for advice during his visiting hours.  With perfect Spacey disgust, he replies “why were you born…why were the three of you born.  Looking at you is like looking out over the Grand Canyon of ineptitude. It’s a wonder your parents didn’t smother you.” The best part of either film is Sudeikis, Bateman and Day and their silly jokes.  The special features provide even more ad-libbed one-liners.  The film could be described as a really long Saturday Night Live skit.  It’ll either work for you or it won’t.   I found myself entertained throughout.  Chris Pine, who at one point “fight clubs himself” to sell the kidnapping is a highlight. 
Video (3 1/2 out of 5 stars)
Horrible Bosses 2 is seen on Blu-ray with a 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation. The skin tones aren’t as warm as would be expected and there are moments of inconsistency in clarity. The resolution on close ups is better and the presentation is satisfying enough for a comedy, but certainly not exceptional. 
Audio (3 1/2 out of 5 stars)
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is energetic and has appropriate weight.  This is a dialogue/joke heavy film and there are no issues hearing and understanding the spoken word.  The audio is front-heavy but that’s not overly distracting. Don’t expect to show off your surround sound with this one.
Extras (3 1/2 out of 5 stars)
The Blu-ray contains a respectable list of features. They are all basically outtakes, which is something I love to watch. 
  • Endless Laughter Guaranteed! (17:28)  - Actors Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis ad lib, crack jokes and produce more than enough comedic moments for the film. Includes interview from other cast members and crew and a whole bunch of outtakes.
  • Let the Sexual Healing Begin (02:24) – The sex addict group explains their struggles.
  • Nick Kurt Dale Inc.: Employee Testimonials (02:13) – Employees Ray, Lupe and Candy talk about their jobs and bosses.
  • It’s the Shower Buddy – Infomercial (01:10) – A stereotypical infomercial for the product.
  • High Speed Crash Course (02:47) – A look at the big car chase from the film including a scary stunt rig.
  • Off the Cuff: One-Liners You Didn’t See – Additional jokes for the following scenes: Pumping Your Buddy (01:31), Julia’s Cog Collection (01:23), Don’t Drop the Soap (01:09), Spit It Out (01:28), Sex Addiction Group (01:11), Kiss and Tell (01:31), Half-Assed Brushing (01:15), Racist Dale Arbus (01:44), Stuck in the Middle (01:08), Coma Boners (01:45), A Tender Bottom (01:31), Who Gets What (01:04), and Dales Not Dead (01:39).
  • Previews
Summary (3 1/2 out of 5 stars)
Horrible Bosses 2 isn’t particularly inventive and uses a lot of the same types of gags from the first film.  It is amusing and entertaining. The Jasons (Sudeikis and Bateman) always make me laugh and make a good team with Charlie Day. This isn’t Oscar worthy but it’s not a bad way to spend an evening. I’m always the one to suggest watching films in order and doing so will help you understand Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Anniston and Kevin Spacey. If you decide to start at Horrible Bosses 2, you’ll still be amused and will quickly understand who the main characters are and how different their personalities are. This film is recommended.

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