Nobody 2: Still Nobody’s Fool – A Brutal, Brilliant Encore – CCN

When 2021’s “Nobody” burst onto the scene, it was a delightful, bone-crunching surprise, transforming Bob Odenkirk into an unlikely yet utterly compelling action hero. The bar for a sequel was set incredibly high, and thankfully, “Nobody 2” doesn’t just clear it, it vaults over it with a bloody, exhilarating flourish, earning a rock-solid 8.5 out of 10.

The film picks up some time after the chaotic events of the first, with Hutch Mansell (Odenkirk) attempting, with varying degrees of success, to blend back into a semblance of normalcy. His family knows his secret, albeit not the full terrifying scope, and the quiet suburban life he once meticulously crafted feels more like a fragile illusion. Of course, this peace is short-lived. A new threat, intimately connected to Hutch’s murky past as an “auditor,” emerges, forcing him back into the brutal world he desperately tried to leave behind.

What “Nobody 2” does exceptionally well is raise the stakes without sacrificing the grounded, visceral appeal of its predecessor. The action sequences are, once again, the star of the show. They are relentlessly intense, artfully choreographed, and delightfully creative in their brutality. From a high-speed pursuit through bustling city streets to a claustrophobic showdown in an abandoned warehouse, the film never stops finding new ways to make you wince and cheer simultaneously.

Bob Odenkirk solidifies his status as a legitimate action star. He brings back the quiet desperation and simmering rage that made Hutch so captivating, but this time, there’s a weariness, a deeper understanding of the cost of his choices. His physical transformation is still remarkable, but it’s the emotional weight he carries that truly elevates the performance. We see the toll his past takes, not just on his body, but on his soul, and his interactions with his family (Connie Nielsen as Becca and Gage Munroe as Blake are brilliant as ever) provide the necessary emotional anchor amidst the carnage. The returning supporting cast, including Christopher Lloyd and RZA, also get some fantastic moments, expanding their roles and adding to the film’s darkly comedic charm.

The narrative, while still adhering to the “man pulled back into the fray” trope, intelligently expands the lore of Hutch’s world. We get a deeper dive into the shadowy organization he once worked for and the reasons he left, introducing a compelling new set of antagonists who feel genuinely threatening and well-developed. The pacing is relentless, moving from one thrilling set-piece to the next with commendable momentum, yet always allowing just enough breath for character development and surprisingly sharp humor.

In conclusion, “Nobody 2” is a triumphant follow-up that not only lives up to the hype but potentially surpasses it in scale and ambition. It delivers on all fronts: electrifying action, a captivating central performance, sharp humor, and a story that genuinely furthers its universe. For fans of the original, or anyone craving a no-holds-barred action thriller with genuine heart, “Nobody 2” is an absolute must-see. It’s a brutal, brilliant encore that leaves you hungry for more.