If you’ve ever daydreamed about spending Christmas under London’s sparkling street lights or wandering the rooftops of Paris but can’t make the trip, Apple TV+ has cooked up the next best thing. The Family Plan 2, the sequel to Apple’s 2023 action-comedy hit, swoops in with a bigger budget, brighter locations, and a holiday twist that transforms the Morgan family vacation into a whirlwind of danger and slapstick charm.
And in true sequel tradition, everything is louder, larger, and far less subtle — but surprisingly more fun.
⭐ Storyline: A Family Vacation With Explosive Detours
Former covert assassin Dan Morgan (Mark Wahlberg) is now a peaceful family man… or at least trying to be. But when his daughter Nina (Zoe Colletti) decides to stay in London for the holidays, Dan packs up the entire family for a “Christmas abroad.” Conveniently, he also schedules a meeting with a potential client to turn the trip into a business expense.
That client, Finn (Kit Harington), works at a London bank and wants Dan to review their security. Except — as revealed quickly but not explicitly — Finn is hiding a deeply personal connection to Dan’s past. Apple has asked critics not to spill the twist, but it’s central to the emotional push-and-pull between the two men.
Predictably, this sets off a chain of chases, brawls, rooftop sprints, and high-stress family bonding.
⭐ Cast & Characters: A Family That Finally Joins the Fight
One of the biggest improvements over the first film is how active the family becomes. No more clueless parents or kids wandering around while Dan secretly handles chaos behind their backs.
- Mark Wahlberg brings his familiar low-key charm and dad-energy heroism.
- Michelle Monaghan stands out as Jessica, who not only embraces Dan’s past but seems genuinely excited by it. Her rooftop leaps and sword-fight showdown are among the movie’s best scenes.
- Zoe Colletti, Van Crosby, and the twin actors playing little Max contribute lighthearted energy.
- Reda Elazouar adds extra comedy as Nina’s extremely muscular boyfriend Omar, giving Wahlberg plenty of sitcom-dad moments.
- Kit Harington plays Finn with an intensity that fits the franchise, even when the script doesn’t give him much emotional complexity to work with.
⭐ What Worked
✔️ European Locations Steal the Show
The film’s real charm lies in its gorgeous scenery. London’s Christmas decor looks straight out of a travel ad, while Paris’ rooftops and historic steps (including the famous Sacré-Cœur staircase) bring a cinematic flair missing from the first movie.
✔️ Faster, Funnier, and More Self-Aware
Director Simon Cellan Jones embraces the film’s inherent absurdity. The result is a brisk pace that never lets the story drag, even when the jokes occasionally groan.
✔️ The Family as a Team
Seeing Jessica and the kids in the action adds a fresh dynamic — it’s chaotic, messy, and surprisingly sweet.
⭐ What Didn’t Work
❌ Familiar Tropes and Predictable Beats
The plot doesn’t take many risks. Anyone who saw the first film will see the twists coming.
❌ Hit-and-Miss Comedy
David Coggeshall’s screenplay leans heavily on old-school gags. Some work; others land with a thud.
❌ Emotional Weight Takes a Backseat
Despite hinting at meaningful themes — past consequences, trust, family unity — the film rarely dives deeper than surface level.
⭐ Final Verdict
The Family Plan 2 isn’t trying to be profound or revolutionary — and that’s exactly why it works. It’s a goofy, energetic, European-flavored action-comedy that knows its audience and plays confidently within its lane.
Wahlberg and Monaghan are effortlessly likable, the locations are gorgeous, and the film’s nonstop pace makes it the kind of holiday comfort-watch you’d throw on with a cup of hot chocolate in hand.
Is it smarter than the first film? Not really.
Is it more entertaining? Absolutely.
