Over two decades since its original release, the beloved "Good Burger" has been revived in the form of “Good Burger 2” on Paramount+, rekindling the cult classic's charm. The sequel brings back Kenan Thompson as Dexter, a down-on-his-luck entrepreneur, who returns to the iconic fast-food restaurant, Good Burger, seeking refuge. Here, he reunites with Ed (Kel Mitchell), the ever-loyal and slightly naive owner of the restaurant.
The plot thickens as Ed is bombarded with lucrative offers from a businessman named Cecil (played by Lil Rel Howery), acting on behalf of an enigmatic boss. Amidst these tempting propositions, Dexter’s poor decision-making skills land him in trouble when he inadvertently agrees to sell Good Burger to a corporation, MegaCorp. This corporation, run by Katt Boswell (Jillian Bell), the sister of the original film’s villain, Kurt from Mondo Burger, plans to transform the beloved eatery into a soulless, technology-driven establishment. Dexter and Ed are then thrust into a battle to save their cherished diner.
“Good Burger 2” taps into a deep well of nostalgia, with numerous nods to its predecessor, including cameo appearances from memorable characters like the verbose Connie Muldoon (Lori Beth Denberg) and Roxanne (Carmen Electra), who is now Ed's nanny. The film effectively balances these throwbacks with new content, ensuring that the humor remains as vibrant and enjoyable as ever. Kel Mitchell’s portrayal of Ed is particularly praiseworthy, as he captures the character's original charm and comedic flair effortlessly.
Dexter's character arc, however, leans towards self-centeredness, creating a somewhat toxic dynamic with Ed. Despite this, Kenan Thompson’s portrayal is undeniably sharp, his comedic timing and delivery adding a modern edge to the film’s whimsical tone. The chemistry between Thompson and Mitchell is as palpable as ever, their interactions a delightful reminder of the original film’s magic.
Despite its strengths, “Good Burger 2” falters in advancing the narrative established in the first movie. The characters, while older, seem unchanged in essence, missing an opportunity to explore deeper emotional growth. This raises questions about the necessity of a sequel when much of the film treads familiar ground without significant evolution in its characters or story.
The film does attempt to touch on contemporary issues like the rise of AI in the service industry and the impact of capitalism on small businesses. Katt’s character, with her overtly villainous agenda, embodies the corporate greed that threatens the human touch in business. These themes, although somewhat superficially explored, do add a layer of relevancy to the narrative, aligning it with modern-day concerns.
In essence, “Good Burger 2” is a trip down memory lane filled with laughs, nostalgic cameos, and a generous helping of the original's absurd charm. While it offers plenty of entertainment, the sequel falls short of delivering a memorable or innovative extension to the Good Burger legacy. It's a light-hearted, slapstick comedy that revels in its past glory but doesn't venture far enough to forge a unique identity.
