Stop at the title. It ain’t called “horrible” for nothing. I was willing to give this charmless sequel a chance, because I found the original Horrible Bosses somewhat amusing, and because I generally love anything Christoph Waltz does. But I’m afraid that he, and everyone else in the film, let us down. Horrible Bosses 2 is cringingly unfunny and downright painful.

This time around, the three bumblers are attempting to become bosses themselves by manufacturing their own invention, making the obligatory pratfalls every step of the way. Jason Bateman plays the voice of reason, while Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis (both talented in other vehicles) continuously shout over each other in inane babble speak. The first time they do this it’s funny, the second time confusing, and the next 200 times it’s annoying as hell.

I can’t for the life of me figure out why Kevin Spacey agreed to appear as the same foul mouthed boss he was in the first installment, this time from prison. And Waltz and Chris Pine, two actors I usually enjoy, are insufferable as a dastardly father-son entrepreneur team.  If you absolutely have to get your Chris Pine fix, (and I respect that) you’re much better off skipping this and seeing him as Prince Charming in Disney’s Into the Woods, due out on Christmas. Even Jennifer Aniston and Jamie Foxx disappoint.

With so many stellar films making their ways into theaters right now, it’s hard to think up a good reason to spend your time and money on Horrible Bosses 2.  I guess there has to be some alternative for those who are just up for an anti-cerebral, raunchy laugh. I wish them well in their own isolated theaters, far away from me .

Rated R

1 Hour 48 Minutes