The Family Plan 2 (2025) Movie Review: A High-Gloss Holiday Heist That Plays It Safe

Two years after Mark Wahlberg first introduced us to the suburban assassin Dan Morgan, Apple TV+ has returned with the inevitable sequel, The Family Plan 2. Directed by returning filmmaker Simon Cellan Jones and penned by David Coggeshall, this 2025 action-comedy follow-up is produced by Apple Studios, Skydance Media, and Municipal Pictures. With a running time of 107 minutes, the film skipped a major theatrical run to premiere directly on Apple TV+ on November 21, 2025.

The core cast returns, with Wahlberg as Dan, Michelle Monaghan as his badass wife Jessica, and Zoe Colletti, Van Crosby, and twins Peter and Theodore Lindsey as the Morgan children. This time, the premise shifts from a cross-country road trip to an international holiday adventure. When Dan’s daughter Nina decides to stay in London for Christmas, the family decides to bring the holiday to her. However, Dan’s hidden history isn't quite finished with him, as a vengeful figure from his past—played by newcomer to the franchise Kit Harington—emerges in the snowy streets of Europe. This film matters primarily as a test of whether Apple can turn a "forgettably algorithmic" hit into a sustainable, long-term franchise.

Story and Screenplay: A Passport to Predictability

The narrative quality of The Family Plan 2 is a classic "more of the same" scenario, albeit with a significantly larger budget that allows for glittering European backdrops. The structure is functional but uninspired: the first act leans heavily into holiday cheer and the "fish out of water" dynamics of a suburban American family in London, before transitioning into a standard cat-and-mouse thriller in the second and third acts. While the pacing is efficient enough to keep the 107-minute runtime from dragging too severely, the script often feels like it's coasting on a "well-honed formula".

Originality is where the screenplay struggles most. It leans on the same thematic pillars as the first film—the importance of "sticking together" and the irony of a lethal killer being a doting, uncool dad. The "secret identity" gimmick from the first film is gone, as the family is now fully aware of Dan's past, which removes some of the tension. The script’s primary weakness is its reliance on stale gags, such as the "certified pre-owned" joke during a life-or-death struggle, which feels more like a first-draft placeholder than a sharp comedic beat.

Acting and Characters: Domestic Bliss and Sibling Rivalry

The lead performances provide the film's most consistent highlights. Mark Wahlberg utilizes his "perfected low-key charisma" to play the disapproving dad, particularly in his scenes with Nina's new boyfriend, Omar. Michelle Monaghan is given much more to do this time around; rather than being the oblivious spouse, she is now a "genuine badass" who actively participates in the action, including a sword fight and scaling buildings. The chemistry between Wahlberg and Monaghan has genuinely improved, making them feel like a charming, long-married couple rather than just two actors on a set.

Among the supporting cast, Kit Harington is a standout. He avoids the "moustache-twirling" villainy of the previous film’s antagonist, instead playing Aidan as a man fueled by a "compelling" sense of jealousy over the life Dan managed to build. Reda Elazouar adds a spark of energy as Omar, though the subplot involving Dan’s disapproval of him feels "tired and worn out" almost immediately. The children characters, however, remain somewhat flimsy, serving mostly as vehicles for "Mom and Dad just don't get it" jokes.

Direction and Technical Aspects: The Travel Channel Aesthetic

Director Simon Cellan Jones succeeds in making the film look spectacular, even if the substance doesn't always match the style. The visual composition makes excellent use of actual locations like the steps of Sacré-Cœur and the rooftops of Paris, giving the film a high-end feel that distances it from the "dressed-up Vancouver" look of many streaming sequels. The cinematography captures the London Christmas decorations so beautifully that the film often feels like a high-budget travel advertisement.

However, the visual storytelling falters during the action sequences. A key criticism is that the film "plays it too safely" with its choreography. For instance, a pivotal bus fight between Wahlberg and Harington is filmed primarily in wide shots, distancing the audience from the impact of the blows. The editing is fast-paced, which helps hide some of the script's deficiencies, but it can't fix the lack of legitimate urgency in the chase scenes.

Music and Atmosphere: Festive Fluff

The overall mood and tone are heavily dictated by the Christmas setting. The first act successfully captures a sense of holiday cheer, and the film even gets minor details right, like the timing of putting up a Christmas tree. This atmosphere carries the film through its slower moments, providing a cozy "recliner and eggnog" vibe for the viewer.

The score by Kevin Matley, unfortunately, does little to enhance the experience. Critics have described it as "absurdly generic" and sounding as if it were composed in a vacuum, disconnected from the rhythm of the action on screen. The sound design follows suit, failing to provide the "up-close" visceral quality needed to make the safe action scenes feel more impactful.

Trailer The Family Plan 2 (2025)

Strengths and Weaknesses

What works well:

• Improved Lead Chemistry: Wahlberg and Monaghan feel more authentic and charming as a couple than in the first outing.
• Kit Harington’s Villain: He brings a committed, slightly more nuanced energy to the antagonist role compared to the original's villain.
• Stunning Locations: The use of real-world London and Paris landmarks adds a layer of prestige and visual interest.
• Empowered Female Characters: Giving Michelle Monaghan’s character agency and combat skills is a welcome change from the "oblivious wife" trope.

What doesn't work:

• Lackluster Action: The fight scenes often feel unremarkable and are filmed from a distance, stripping them of excitement.
• Sitcom-Level Humor: Many of the jokes about uncool parents and "Gen Z" kids are "tired," "worn out," and "unfunny".
• Low Stakes: Despite the move to Europe, there is a lack of "legitimate urgency," and the film plays things "too safely" compared to the first.
• Generic Score: The music feels disconnected from the film and lacks a unique identity.

Final Verdict: A Disposable Holiday Distraction

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Ultimately, The Family Plan 2 is the definition of a "disposable Christmas movie." It is an improvement over its predecessor in terms of visual scale and character chemistry, but it remains a "lackluster sequel" that fails to transcend its algorithmic roots. It settles for being "dumb beyond belief" rather than striving for the kinetic energy of a John Wick or the sharp wit of a top-tier action-comedy.

Who should watch it? This film is perfect for viewers who enjoyed the first installment and are looking for some low-effort holiday cheer to have on in the background while decorating the tree. If you are a fan of Wahlberg's low-key "disapproving dad" routine or want to see Kit Harington in a rare modern-day villainous turn, you will find enough to stay entertained for the 107-minute duration.

Who might not enjoy it? If you were not a fan of the first film, this sequel will do nothing to change your mind. Action enthusiasts looking for innovative choreography or high-stakes tension will be disappointed by the "safe" and "unremarkable" sequences here. Similarly, viewers who prefer sharp, original screenplays over "stale gags" and sitcom tropes should probably skip this one.

Recommendation: If you’re already an Apple TV+ subscriber looking for a festive, easy-watch "mellow" experience, give it a stream. Otherwise, don't feel the need to make any special plans for this sequel.