Good Burger 2 Review: Belatedly making its way to audiences 26 years after the 1997 original, Good Burger 2 positions itself as a delightful nostalgia trip for fans of Nickelodeon’s iconic All That sketch and the captivating dynamic between Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. While it carries the same amiable, family-friendly charm as its predecessor, Good Burger 2 tends to lean a bit heavily on the nostalgia, especially in its initial half. Nevertheless, the Abbott & Costello-style banter between Thompson and Mitchell, along with Mitchell’s perpetually endearing portrayal of Ed, ensure that Good Burger 2 remains a largely satisfying cinematic treat.
In the sequel, set two and a half decades after the original, Dexter Reed (Thompson) has evolved into a budding inventor and entrepreneur. However, his latest venture goes awry, resulting in his house burning down and the loss of investor support. In need of a fresh start, Dexter reaches out to his old friend and former colleague Ed (Mitchell), who warmly welcomes Dexter into his home and secures him a job back at Good Burger, now under Ed’s ownership. The plot takes a financial turn when MegaCorp lawyer Cecil McNevin (Lil Rel Howery) proposes franchising Good Burger nationwide. Unfortunately, Dexter and Ed discover the catch too late, as MegaCorp closes down Good Burger to replace it with fully automated robo-Eds, all part of a revenge scheme by MegaCorp’s CEO Katt Bozwell (Jillian Bell), the sister of Ed and Dexter’s previous nemesis Kurt Bozwell (Jan Schweiterman).
The greatest strength of Good Burger 2 lies in its ability to faithfully recreate the fun and humor of its forerunner, but this adherence to the original’s formula also poses its main challenge. The sequel follows familiar beats, such as Dexter’s pursuit of a quick financial gain, Ed’s impossibly naive yet lovable nature, the threat from a rival burger chain, and a surprise Good Burger delivery to a prominent celebrity. While this familiarity will surely resonate with fans of the original and the return of Mitchell and other familiar faces, it does make the sequel somewhat predictable.
Nevertheless, Good Burger 2 injects new elements into the mix. Ed’s role as a father to a half-dozen kids, all clad in Good Burger uniforms and sporting their father’s signature braids, adds a humorous touch. Dexter’s own family story, with his failed business ventures straining his relationship with his sister and niece Mia (Kamaia Fairburn), who has become a Good Burger employee, continues the tradition of evolving characters within the Good Burger universe.
The sequel amplifies the slapstick and cartoonish elements of the original, striking a balance that keeps the humor fresh without going overboard. Thompson and Mitchell, reprising their roles, remain the linchpin of the movie. Thompson’s refined deadpan humor, developed through his journey from All That to Saturday Night Live, shines through as Dexter, a more confident and less scheming character genuinely valuing Ed’s friendship and family ties. Meanwhile, Mitchell effortlessly retains the infectious cheerfulness and fun-loving personality that make Ed a memorable character. Ed’s interactions with his son Ed 2 (Alex R. Hibbert) contribute to the overall charm of Good Burger 2, showcasing the mentorship in a comedic fashion.
Beyond the expected comedic elements, Good Burger 2 tackles relevant themes of A.I. and automation in Mega Good Burger’s business model. The movie offers surprisingly pertinent commentary on the potential replacement of human workers in the service industry, conveyed mostly through Ed’s character. Both Ed and robo-Ed articulate their thoughts on the matter convincingly and with fitting hilarity.
Ultimately, Good Burger 2 accomplishes what every legacy sequel aims forit evokes a warm sense of nostalgia while introducing new characters and ideas. The film largely succeeds as a lighthearted, family-friendly romp, perfect for the holiday season. While it might closely follow the story structure and template of the first Good Burger, the delightful and charming fun of Good Burger 2 demonstrates that the franchise still has plenty of life left in it.
Also read: “Ed and Dex Return in ‘Good Burger 2’: Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson Reunite for Hilarious Sequel
Our Reader’s Queries
Is Good Burger 2 for kids?
There is some mild swearing in the film, using words like “hell”, “punk ass”, and “jackass.” Some parts may come across as cheesy, but all in all, it’s an enjoyable movie to watch with your kids or family. 2 individuals found this review helpful.
Why was Dan Schneider not in Good Burger 2?
After Nickelodeon cut ties with Dan Schneider in 2018 following misconduct allegations, he didn’t reprise his role as Mr. Bailey in the Good Burger sequel. Sinbad, who voiced the business manager, previously played Dexter’s teacher Mr. Wheat in the first film.
How much did it cost to make Good Burger 2?
For “Good Burger 2,” Thompson and Ryan brought $10 million to Paramount/Nickelodeon out of the $30 million budget. AFA is exploring additional ways to make money. “Merchandise and pop-up items contribute a significant portion of our revenue. There are various avenues to explore.”
Is Good Burger 2 coming out?
Get ready for the long-awaited debut of Good Burger 2, featuring Kenan Thompson and Ken Mitchell, hitting theaters on Nov. 22, 2023. This original sequel is a follow-up to the beloved ’90s movie Good Burger, inspired by the sketch from the Nickelodeon show All That.
