Bob Odenkirk returns as Hutch Mansell in the action-thriller “Nobody 2.” (photo courtesy of Universal Pictures)

The idea of “Nobody” is more enticing than the films themselves. A retired assassin tries to live a normal life, but the call of the wild is always nigh. It’s John Wick in the suburbs. Add Bob Odenkirk, and the franchise should be several home runs. That’s half true.

Like its predecessor, “Nobody 2” is a fun, midrange action flick. Creative fight sequences, menacing baddies and lots of Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell, failing to diffuse tension and reconnect with his family.

This time, his loved ones know his secrets (to some degree), but that doesn’t excuse how much of their lives he now misses. He owes some unsavory folks a lotta money (more on that in the first film), so the former assassin gig is now the main hustle. After several successful jobs – bloody, they may be – he needs a break. He misses his family and plans a special holiday to a getaway spot that meant so much to him as a child.

Unfortunately, Hutch’s son Brady (Gage Munroe) seems to have anger issues like his old man. One punch in an arcade sets off a series of events. Hutch endures one of many encounters with local leaders like Sheriff Abel (Colin Hanks) and theme park owner Wyatt (John Ortiz). They aren’t fans.

It turns out this town is into something below board, but Hutch doesn’t uncover the truth in time. He’s in too deep, quickly leading to an explosive confrontation with the film’s big boss, Lendina (Sharon Stone). Don’t expect much from Stone. Normally, she’s an on-screen titan. Not sure what’s going on here. She’s a run-of-the-mill villain with little else going on.

Expect the whole family to get involved. Former FBI agent and grandpa David (Christopher Lloyd) hangs out until he’s needed. Hutch’s brother Harry (RZA) is just a phone call away, though he also delivers one of the film’s worst one-liners – a variation on bringing a knife to a gun fight.

Becca (Connie Nielson), Hutch’s better half, does a bit more this time around. We see how she handles a rifle and encourages Hutch to be better.

The “Nobody” formula is now established. The dad has trouble balancing family life and a bloody past. His attempts to do the right thing make matters worse – so does his temper. Luckily, his family is there to help along the way.

Everything about these films is fine. Not great, just fine. That shouldn’t be a negative comment. If only more original streaming films took cues from the “Nobody” flicks. Those films normally can’t even reach fine. But the “Nobody” series is the brainchild of screenwriter Derek Kolstad, who created John Wick and penned three of those films. Perhaps “fine” should be a bit more.

A major frustration is how “Nobody 2” features its best combat sequences in the first 10 minutes. Others are – you know – fine, but far less memorable. A gory close-up here, an explosion there. It should be a much bigger deal, one worthy of a theater outing.

Watching films on a TV or your phone will never compare to the big screen experience. Still, “Nobody 2” doesn’t need to be viewed on a 60-by-35-foot screen. It’s a renter or maybe something you see when it’s available on Peacock.

“Nobody,” starring Bob Odenkirk, features good action early on, but fails to deliver enough. (photo courtesy of Universal Pictures)