Trailer
Review
Mark Wahlberg returns as Dan Morgan in 'The Family Plan 2,' a festive action-comedy that swaps suburban minivans for London's snowy streets. This sequel smartly retains the original's core charm—a retired assassin desperate for normal family life—while cranking up the holiday chaos. When Dan discovers his teenage daughter (Zoe Colletti) plans to skip Christmas for a secret trip, he hijacks the season with a 'surprise' family vacation to London, only to accidentally reignite a dormant feud with a meticulous former colleague (Kit Harington). Director Simon Cellan Jones orchestrates the madness with a steady hand, blending slapstick humor (imagine Wahlberg fumbling through a holiday market chase while clutching a giant stuffed reindeer) with genuinely warm family moments. The action is slick and inventive, particularly a show-stopping brawl amidst the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree lot that turns tinsel into a weapon. Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan, as his wonderfully exasperated wife, share a comfortable, believable chemistry, and Van Crosby provides solid comedic support as the tech-obsessed son. While the plot follows a predictable 'secret threatens family holiday' blueprint, the execution is so energetic and heartfelt that you're happy to go along for the ride. The London setting is used beautifully, offering a picturesque, festive backdrop that feels integral rather than just a postcard. At 106 minutes, the pacing is brisk, ensuring the laughs and thrills arrive in equal measure.
Pros
- ✓Mark Wahlberg's committed comedic performance, perfectly balancing deadpan delivery with physical slapstick
- ✓Inventive, holiday-themed action sequences that are both exciting and funny
- ✓Strong, believable family dynamics that ground the outlandish plot in genuine emotion
- ✓Excellent use of London's festive atmosphere as a vibrant and engaging backdrop
Cons
- ✗A plot that is highly predictable and follows a very familiar sequel formula
- ✗Kit Harington's villain, while menacing, feels underdeveloped and lacks a compelling motive
'The Family Plan 2' is a winning holiday package that delivers exactly what it promises: a big dose of action, a bigger dose of laughs, and a heartwarming center. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it polishes the formula of the first film to a festive shine. The cast is clearly having fun, the set pieces are creatively chaotic, and the family-first message lands without feeling overly saccharine. It's the perfect cinematic equivalent of a hearty, predictable, and thoroughly satisfying Christmas meal—you know every ingredient, but it's executed with such skill and warmth that you leave the table happy. For viewers seeking a light, entertaining escape that blends spectacle with sentiment, this sequel is a very solid choice. It earns a strong recommendation as a fun, festive night out at the movies.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Fans of the first film, viewers who enjoy action-comedies and holiday movies, families with older children and teens (due to some action violence), and anyone seeking undemanding, high-energy entertainment.
⭐ Standout Elements
The seamless blending of high-concept action with domestic comedy, and the film's ability to use its Christmas-in-London setting not just as scenery, but as an active participant in the humor and choreography of its set pieces.
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents strong filmmaking that deserves your attention.
