Directed by
Sean Anders
Made by
Warner Bros.
Discover the intricate plot of Horrible Bosses 2 (2014). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Nick Hendricks, portrayed by Jason Bateman, along with his friends Dale Arbus and Kurt Buckman, played by Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis respectively, find themselves fed up with their unappreciative employers. They devise a plan to go solo and develop a quirky invention called the “Shower Buddy,” a unique shower head designed in the spirit of a car wash. Unfortunately, securing investors proves to be a challenge until they encounter Burt Hanson, masterfully acted by Christoph Waltz, and his son Rex, brought to life by Chris Pine. While Burt is drawn to their passion for manufacturing the product independently, Rex favors outsourcing their production to China, insisting on a hefty commitment of 100,000 units before investing.
To kickstart their venture, the trio takes out a significant business loan, secures a warehouse, hires staff, and manages to produce their initial batch. However, just when they think they’ve struck a deal, Burt unexpectedly reneges, claiming he never consented to the partnership and threatens to seize their inventory for himself, cleverly rebranding it as the “Shower Pal.” This leaves Nick, Dale, and Kurt reeling with a staggering $500,000 debt.
Desperate for guidance, the trio seeks counsel from Nick’s former boss, Dave Harken, who is now incarcerated. Dave candidly informs them that their legal options are practically non-existent to recover their losses. As frustration mounts, they concoct a daring and reckless scheme to kidnap Rex for ransom. They recruit the enigmatic “Motherf**ker” Jones, played by Jamie Foxx, who prescribes keeping Rex unconscious during the heist to minimize complications.
Their plan takes a wild turn when they decide to infiltrate Dale’s old workplace to steal a tank filled with nitrous oxide. Dramatically, Nick entangles himself with Dr. Julia Harris in a brief affair that creates a distraction, allowing Kurt and Dale to make their escape. However, when they finally arrive at Rex’s residence and hide in a closet, an accidental mishap with the nitrous oxide leaves them all incapacitated.
Awakening the following day, they find that Rex has mysteriously vanished. Upon returning to their warehouse, they are shocked to find Rex tied up in the trunk of their car. Rex reveals that he discovered their hiding spot and proposes to manipulate the situation into a staged kidnapping due to his troubled dynamic with his father. He takes the initiative to send a ransom note of $5 million to Burt.
As the four of them embark on this intricate charade, they strategically utilize untraceable phones and devise clever disguises to outsmart law enforcement. Yet, when unforeseen circumstances arise—like a serious blunder with the phones—they find their plan collapsing around them. Before they can execute their meticulously crafted plot, Julia confronts Dale, leading to a chaotic series of events compounded by personal misunderstandings and ensuing tensions.
The culmination of their tangled schemes reveals shocking betrayals, culminating in a dramatic confrontation where Rex’s motivations are exposed, leading to a sudden shift in alliances and life-threatening situations. As various characters confront their dilemmas, including law enforcement uncovering the truth, the shocking fate of Burt leads to unexpected consequences for everyone involved.
In the end, the aftermath of their chaotic misadventures sees Dale recovering after a close brush with danger, while their business teeters but ultimately lands in new hands. Despite their trials, friendships are mended, and new opportunities arise—from Julia’s efforts to reconcile with Dale’s wife to Jones exploiting their escapade for his benefit. Ultimately, Nick, Dale, and Kurt’s wild journey culminates in unexpected lessons about trust, ambition, and the quirks of entrepreneurs facing overwhelming odds.
Track the key events of Horrible Bosses 2 (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Frustration with Employers
Nick, Dale, and Kurt express their dissatisfaction with their unappreciative bosses, which motivates them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Their grievances become the catalyst for developing a unique product idea that they believe in.
Creation of Shower Buddy
The trio invents the 'Shower Buddy,' a quirky shower head designed to bring a car wash experience into the bathroom. They are passionate about their creation, believing it could revolutionize personal care.
Seeking Investors
In order to bring their invention to market, Nick, Dale, and Kurt seek out investors. Their initial efforts are met with disappointment as they struggle to find financial backers for their unusual product.
Encounter with Burt Hanson
The trio meets Burt Hanson and his son Rex, who show initial interest in their product. While Burt sees potential in their passion, Rex insists on outsourcing the product's production, leading to complications.
Taking Out a Business Loan
Desperate to get their business off the ground, the friends take out a significant loan and secure a warehouse to manufacture their product. They hire staff and begin the production process with high hopes.
Burt Reneges on Deal
Just as they believe they have secured a partnership, Burt unexpectedly backs out, claiming he never agreed to the terms. He threatens to take their inventory for his own business plan, leaving the trio in financial turmoil.
Consulting Dave Harken
Facing overwhelming debt and feeling lost, Nick, Dale, and Kurt consult Nick's former boss, Dave Harken, who is now in prison. Dave informs them that their legal options are nearly non-existent, leaving them frustrated and desperate.
The Kidnapping Plan
In a fit of desperation, the trio devises a reckless plan to kidnap Rex for ransom. They believe this drastic measure could solve their financial woes and rescue their business.
Infiltrating Dale's Workplace
To execute their plan, they infiltrate Dale's former workplace to steal a tank of nitrous oxide. This risky move adds unexpected complications and creates tension among the trio.
Accidental Mishap
While hiding in a closet at Rex's home, an accident involving the nitrous oxide leaves Nick, Dale, and Kurt incapacitated. They awaken the next day, confused about what exactly happened.
Rex's Unconventional Proposal
Rex reveals that he found them in the closet and proposes a staged kidnapping due to his complex relationship with his father. He sends a ransom note demanding $5 million, turning the situation into a grand scheme.
Executing the Plan
The four of them begin executing their intricate charade, using untraceable phones and disguises to keep their operation under wraps. However, unforeseen blunders begin to unravel their carefully laid plans.
Confrontation and Chaos
As tensions rise, personal misunderstandings lead to a chaotic confrontation between Dale and Julia, complicating the already tenuous situation they find themselves in. The stakes grow perilous.
Truth Uncovered
During a dramatic culmination of events, the truth about Rex’s motivations comes to light, causing unexpected shifts in alliances. Characters must confront their choices, leading to potential life-threatening situations.
Aftermath and New Beginnings
In the aftermath of their absurd escapades, Dale begins to recover from his close brush with danger. Their tumultuous experiences ultimately lead to unexpected lessons about trust, friendship, and new opportunities in their lives.
Meet the characters that bring Horrible Bosses 2 (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Nick Hendricks
Nick is the pragmatic leader of the trio, navigating the challenges of starting a business while dealing with overwhelming debt. He is determined and resourceful but often finds himself caught in compromising situations that test his morality and resolve. His character embodies the struggle of ambition and the weight of responsibility.
Dale Arbus
Dale is characterized by his impulsiveness and naivety, often leading the group into chaotic situations. His relationship struggles add depth to his character, showcasing his vulnerabilities. Despite his flaws, he remains loyal to his friends, illustrating the importance of friendship throughout their misadventures.
Kurt Buckman
Kurt is the optimistic and enthusiastic member of the group, providing comic relief amid their serious dilemmas. His eagerness to make their business succeed shows his passion but also leads to reckless decisions. Kurt's character reflects the challenges of maintaining positivity when faced with overwhelming odds.
Rex Hanson
Rex is a complex character, torn between his father's aspirations and his own desires. His initial portrayal as a victim evolves as he cleverly manipulates the situation for his benefit. Rex's character highlights themes of family dynamics and the lengths individuals will go to reclaim control over their lives.
Burt Hanson
Burt is the antagonist who, despite his charm, reveals a manipulative side as he reneges on agreements. His character embodies the darker aspects of business dealings and serves as a foil to Nick, Dale, and Kurt's ambitions. Burt’s greed and opportunism drive the conflict in the story.
Motherf**ker Jones
Jones, an enigmatic character, adds a layer of unpredictability to the story. He provides assistance to Nick, Dale, and Kurt with his unconventional methods and street-smart wisdom. His unpredictable nature showcases the wild side of their business venture.
Dr. Julia Harris
Julia serves as a complication for Dale as their relationship leads to both comedic and critical moments in the narrative. Her character reflects themes of love and loyalty while challenging Dale's commitment to his friends and business. Julia's return in the story provides both tension and resolution.
Uncover the settings of Horrible Bosses 2 (2014), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The story unfolds in the present, reflecting contemporary themes of entrepreneurship and the challenges faced by small business owners. The modern backdrop allows for a relatable exploration of ambition, risk, and the consequences of hasty decisions in a fast-paced world.
Location
Warehouse, Dale's workplace
The movie takes place primarily in a warehouse where Nick, Dale, and Kurt develop their product, the 'Shower Buddy.' This setting is typical for startups, showcasing innovation and hard work. Additionally, Dale's old workplace serves as a location for a key heist, highlighting the tension between their past employment and current entrepreneurial ambitions.
Explore the core themes of Horrible Bosses 2 (2014). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Ambition
The theme of ambition drives the characters as they strive to create their own business and escape the grasp of their horrible bosses. Their determination leads them down a reckless path, revealing the thin line between aspiration and desperation. Ultimately, their journey highlights the highs and lows of pursuing one's entrepreneurial dreams.
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Deception
Deception plays a significant role as the characters concoct a plan to kidnap Rex for ransom. This theme is woven throughout the film as characters navigate lies, misunderstandings, and betrayals. As they attempt to manipulate each scenario, the consequences of their deceit unravel, illustrating the chaotic nature of their choices.
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Friendship
Despite the chaos and challenges they face, the bond between Nick, Dale, and Kurt is central to the story. Their friendship is tested as they navigate the consequences of their actions, but ultimately, they learn valuable lessons about trust and loyalty. This theme emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships amidst adversity.
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