AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on October 18, 2025, 10:50:23 AM
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(https://i.imgur.com/4OI9VdY.jpeg)
Studio: Universal
Release Date: October 7, 2025
Rating: R
Film: 2.5/5
Plot
Nobody 2, directed by Timo Tjahjanto, follows Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk), the retired assassin from the first film, as he attempts a family vacation on a tropical island. His plans unravel when he crosses paths with a criminal syndicate, pulling him back into violence to safeguard his wife Becca (Connie Nielsen) and their kids, while navigating alliances with a local enforcer (John Ortiz) and facing off against a cartel boss (Sharon Stone).
My Thoughts
The film picks up where the original left off, but it fails to build on the setup with a paper-thin plot that is pretty much like every film in the genre. The story follows a predictable path with Hutch stumbling into trouble, fights ensue, and resolutions tie up too neatly, lacking originality in a genre already full of similar revenge tales. Odenkirk, who is just so damn likable, remains watchable as Hutch, and Nielsen provides steady support, but the supporting cast gets little to do beyond setup for action beat downs. The fight scenes deliver the expected brutality, with practical stunts mixed in, but they can't mask the script's thin motivations and the twist at the end can be seen coming a mile away. It clocks in at 90 minutes, which helps the pacing, but overall, it's a forgettable sequel that coasts on the first film's goodwill.
One thing’s for sure, while the movie was middling, the audio and video were reference quality. The 4K presentation sport Dolby Vision and comes from a 4K DI, and it’s apparent from the very first shot that there would be no complaints in this department. Detail is sharp across every frame—from sweat on Odenkirk’s brow during fights to accurate colors that range from sunlit locales to dimly lit interiors. Contrast holds strong in shadows with no banding or artifacts present. This is a very clean reference-level encode from beginning to end.
The Dolby Atmos track provides clear dialog, precise surround effects for gunfights, and deep bass that underscores explosions without any muddiness. The height channels add overhead tension in the action scenes creating a balanced, immersive mix from start to finish.
Video 10/10
Audio 10/10 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:
- Deleted Scenes
- Nobody 2: The Fight Continues
- Nobody Does Stunts Like Us
- 4K + Blu-ray + Digital Code
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5X2pt95cIo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5X2pt95cIo)
Conclusion
While the film shines on the technical side with perfect audio and video that make the action pop, but the film’s thin plot, predictability, and lack of fresh ideas, makes it more of a miss than a hit. If you're looking for a new demo-worthy disc to showcase your system, then it’s worth grabbing; for anything more, stick to the original.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized Portrait Displays' (https://www.portrait.com/) Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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Disappointed with this sequel. After the first was so good
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Thanks for reviewing this one, David. I'll go in with very low expectations.
The first one was good, but not great. It's too bad they couldn't have built on that for the sequel. At least the A/V is top-notch.
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We watched this one tonight and liked it. It really helped to go in with lowered expectations, but what really made a difference to us was that most of the action was set in our home state.
It turns out that the story was originally set in Italy, but Odenkirk thought that would be too exotic of a location for his Midwest family, so he convinced writer Derek Kolstad (a Wisconsin native) that it would be better set in a fictional version of the state's primary tourist attraction, the Wisconsin Dells.
Here's a short interview with Odenkirk having some fun explaining how the change took place:
https://youtu.be/EzXCFagxPCs
I will say that they got a lot of the details right for the setting. It had the feeling of the Dells back in the old days, where it was much, much smaller than it is today. We both laughed out loud when they went to the duck boat launch area. And they get props for not giving the locals either Southern or Minnesota accents, which is an all-too-common flaw for movies set here.
It wasn't just that it was set here, but the nostalgia factor of a man reliving part of his childhood memories of a time and place that are far different from how his family sees it was something that really rang true to me. That's an unexpectedly welcome element for a genre movie like this.
It's not great cinema, but we both had enough fun with it to not feel let down.
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I'm glad you enjoyed it Scott and had a personal connect to it.
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I just got this, but haven't had a chance to watch it yet. I loved the first one. With a RT score of 77% critic and 88% audiences, it appears it was well received ( except for David ::) ). I'm guessing I'll have fun with this one too.
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I just got this, but haven't had a chance to watch it yet. I loved the first one. With a RT score of 77% critic and 88% audiences, it appears it was well received ( except for David ::) ). I'm guessing I'll have fun with this one too.
2.5/5 isn't "bad," it's just mediocre. It's just not as good as the first movie.
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def disappoints vs the original
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Watched it tonight on Peacock, which we have for the Winter Olympics (and took a little break).
My expectations weren't set low enough. You need decent villains in action movies but my goodness, the villains here were absolute clowns. It also felt like the producers made sure to check lots of boxes, too. 66 year old Sharon Stone a badass who strikes fear in everyone, and her 2 female guards easily take down Hutch where dozens of men failed? There were a few laughs, but not enough to make it up.
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Watched it tonight on Peacock, which we have for the Winter Olympics (and took a little break).
My expectations weren't set low enough. You need decent villains in action movies but my goodness, the villains here were absolute clowns. It also felt like the producers made sure to check lots of boxes, too. 66 year old Sharon Stone a badass who strikes fear in everyone, and her 2 female guards easily take down Hutch where dozens of men failed? There were a few laughs, but not enough to make it up.
Don't disagree at all—completely forgettable film.