Horrible Bosses 2

If we just threaten to repeatedly play this idiotic film in the Middle East, ISIS would immediately surrender.

When Frank Sinatra sang “Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again too few to mention”, it was clear that he died before Horrible Bosses 2 hit the silver screen. Slightly saved by a crazed ending, it is gross, vulgar and decidedly unfunny throughout.

Listen, I was a big fan of the first Horrible Bosses, but this sequel is as regrettable as the two that followed the first Hangover (2009) film. The original cast reappears, and the addition of talented actors like Chris Pine and Christoph Waltz left me wondering if both are traveling to Lourdes to seek redemption.

Rather than amusing, Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day are lamentable from the first scenes. Kevin Spacey makes a brief appearance as the foul former boss now serving time as a foul inmate. The plot of the film is based on a kidnapping gone sour from the moment of conception, and you are left sinking in a miasma of dullness.

The only two characters who provide mild interest are Jamie Fox and Jennifer Aniston. Though the joke is repeatedly run into the ground, Mr. Fox still gets mileage out of his name, Dean “MF” Jones. Ms. Aniston’s sex-starved dentist now conducts sex therapy sessions at her office to find her next willing victim. Despite the absurdity, it is borderline entertaining seeing her play a role that directly contradicts her image.

There’s no comfort to be found from watching this trashy film. It has no meaningful upside, so let it die a quick death when eventually released on DVD.