Good Burger 2 recently made its debut on Paramount+, a whopping 26 years after the release of its predecessor. Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson, the dynamic duo from the cult-favorite Nickelodeon comedy, reunite in this much-anticipated sequel, promising a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans who grew up with the original. However, as the curtain rises on Good Burger 2, it becomes evident that the serving is not as delightful as one might have hoped.
Set in 2023, the sequel introduces us to Ed (Mitchell), who now wears the hat of the benevolent owner of the Good Burger restaurant. Ed’s infectious enthusiasm and unwavering sense of humor are still intact, creating a warm and familiar atmosphere for the audience. On the flip side, Dexter (Thompson) is depicted as an inventor navigating the turbulent waters of financial instability. Following the failure of his latest invention, Dexter finds himself reluctantly returning to his teenage job at Good Burger, working alongside his old pal Ed.
The reunion of Kenan and Kel on screen is undoubtedly the film’s primary hook, and it doesn’t take long for the audience to witness their chemistry in action. However, the joy is short-lived as the plot quickly veers off course with the introduction of new characters and a rather tiresome AI-driven storyline. The result is a Thanksgiving diversion that, as the movie suggests, functions just fine as background noise during holiday gatherings.
The central conflict revolves around a nefarious businessperson (Jillian Bell), loosely connected to the first movie, who has plans to franchise Good Burger and, in a somewhat convoluted twist, steal it from Ed. Assisted by a shadowy lawyer (Lil Rel Howery), this duo manages to manipulate Dexter into betraying his best friend. The plot thickens as the villains plan to open franchises globally, replacing the workforce with robots that bear an uncanny resemblance to Ed.
While the premise itself isn’t groundbreaking, the film’s downfall lies in its execution. What should have been a straightforward, nostalgia-laden journey becomes marred by the weight of lame jokes and repetitive dialogue. The cast, including the charismatic Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson, appears stranded, desperately trying to salvage the undercooked script.
One of the most glaring disappointments of Good Burger 2 is the underutilization of Kenan Thompson’s comedic talent. Having graduated from the original Good Burger to become a stalwart part of the ‘Saturday Night Live’ ensemble, Thompson finds himself relegated to the role of the straight man. Forced into explaining the wacky shenanigans rather than actively participating in the comedic elements, Thompson’s potential for uproarious humor is left untapped.
On the other hand, Kel Mitchell, with little interesting material to work with, resorts to an unpleasant high-pitched voice and an “aw shucks” attitude. Even when portraying the robot version of his character, Mitchell fails to bring anything new to the table, relying on tired fart jokes and silly expressions.
Good Burger 2 brings in a handful of SNL colleagues for cameos, including Leslie Jones, Maya Rudolph, and Pete Davidson. However, the screenplay fails to provide these talented individuals with meaningful roles, reducing them to wasted one-scene characters. The film seems to rely on the recognition of famous faces as a source of humor, rather than crafting witty and engaging scenes for these celebrated performers.
A parody of the infamous “Imagine” video from the early days of the pandemic offers a few more cameos, with a sly punchline providing perhaps the film’s only genuine chuckle. Yet, these moments of humor are few and far between, leaving audiences longing for a more consistent and engaging comedic experience.
Director Phil Traill and editor Christian Hoffman grapple with finding a hilarious take throughout the film, resorting to tactics like speeding up actors’ delivery, incorporating shoddy special effects, and employing obvious body doubles. Unfortunately, these efforts fall flat, contributing to an overall lackluster viewing experience.
The screenplay unfolds as a series of frustrating misunderstandings, followed by even more frustrating explanations. Characters yell above one another, attempting to inject energy into scenes that feel stagnant and uninspired. In a world where fast-food sequels take their time to cook, Good Burger 2 emerges as a dish that falls short of the flavorful nostalgia it promised.
As the credits roll on Good Burger 2, the lingering taste is one of disappointment. Despite the reunion of Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, the film fails to capture the magic of its predecessor. The underdeveloped script, lackluster humor, and missed opportunities for the talented cast result in an unhappy meal for fans seeking a satisfying return to the Good Burger universe.
While the film may find its place as background entertainment during holiday gatherings, it leaves much to be desired for those hoping for a delectable serving of nostalgia. In the end, Good Burger 2 serves up a reminder that not all sequels age like fine wine; some may need a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of comedic brilliance to truly satisfy the appetite of a hungry audience.
