Horrible Bosses 2

After not quite succeeding in murdering all their bosses in the first film, Dale (Charlie Day), Kurt (Dave Sudeikis) and Nick (Jason Bateman) decide to set up their own business in the sequel Horrible Bosses 2. Their genius idea is the 'shower buddy' and soon a large order is snapped up by high profile businessman Bert Hanson (Christopher Waltz) and his rich kid son Rex (Chris Pine) who then renege on the deal leaving the boys with a whole load of stock and no money. Rather than quit the whole thing they come up with the flawed plan of trying to kidnap Rex who has father issues and is soon helping them fake his kidnapping for a five million dollar ransom. Chaos ensues and things go from bad to worse as the inept chums blunder through one disaster to another.

Basically the formula stays close to the original and is just an excuse to bring the three comic leads back together. Their comedy chemistry is undeniable and the whole thing is a ridiculous but very funny crime caper with lots of rude jokes. Jennifer Aniston reprises her role as sex addicted Dentist Dr. Julia Harris and seems to relish her potty mouthed scenes which she delivers with excellent comic timing while wearing a sex aid around her neck. Jamie Foxx is also back as career criminal Dean 'MF' Jones who helps the gang whilst constantly admonishing them for percieved racial slurs. There is also a cameo from Kevin Spacey, the original horrible boss and all these appearances boost the rather pedestrian plot that is filled with constant jokes. This is no bad thing as Chris Pine shows himself to be a great comic actor but the reason to watch this film is the banter between the three leads who are all very likeable in different ways and in the case of Charlie Day, even his voice is funny.

There have been some accusations of mild homophobia in some of the humour which does plough the 'fear of gayness' jokes that are prevalant between straight men of all ages but none of these quips are mean-spirited or aimed at anyone in particular. It comes across as bar buddies going back and forth with their coarse asides which after a while can become repetitive but are still pretty amusing. All in all it is a satisfying sequel even if it's plot does not get the audience onside as much as the first film did, because everyone has had a horrible boss but not too many have been swindled by a millionaire. This is a movie that has been designed as a vehicle for the amiable interaction between Bateman, Day and Sudeikis and if they were not present it is a doubtful this sequel would have been made. However, for a fun night out at the flicks this is just the tonic and with more laughs per minute than most comedies these days it is worth a look, even if it's just for a glimpse of Aniston's dubious neck wear.