Thursday, October 20, 2016

The 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: THE ACCOUNTANT


The 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: 
on THE ACCOUNTANT (2016, 128 minutes, R)


The Quick of It -
This unassuming action film is what the doctor ordered while waiting for the next JOHN WICK.  I say this knowing that WICK had to overcome a few action films released just prior, forcing it to offer superior violence and a well-thought-out story.  A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES and THE EQUALIZER can hold their own, but WICK is just that much better.  And THE ACCOUNTANT hits closer to the level of WICK than you would guess.


Writer Bill Dubuque (of THE JUDGE) and director Gavin O’Connor (of WARRIOR, PRIDE AND GLORY, and MIRACLE), also an unassuming pair, pull together a story that keeps you invested.  THE ACCOUNTANT is about a high-functioning autistic boy who grows up to be an accountant for some notorious individuals, and is his way of interacting with the outside world, which is still very complicated.  The opening scene shows the father and mother talking to a specialist who maintains a home for similar children, teaching them how to adapt to the ‘normal’ world and lead a ‘normal’ life.  From that point, you get glimpses of his father becoming the driving force that melds this boy into an extraordinary man.


The casting for this film is significant to making this project work.  Ben Affleck (BATMAN) plays Christian Wolff.  He must endure a routine of that continually exhibits this modified characterization of Wolff for this role, to keep the façade believable.  Anna Kendrick (of PITCH PERFECT, UP IN THE AIR, and TWILIGHT) balances between a talented number cruncher and an endearing character, a bridge between the audience and Wolff, and his later motivation.  J.K. Simmons (OF WHIPLASH, SPIDER-MAN, and “The Closer”) will always carry a torch for the underappreciated, he adds so much even when called to do so little.  He still commands your attention with the simplest of roles.  Jon Bernthal (THE PUNISHER) does a fair job, but once the dots are connecting, he kind of lost me.  This isn’t to lay all blame on him.  The script and writers probably felt the need for his brash personality but it was not needed and never seeded.


The one slight problem I had was with the culmination of everything, the final wrap-up.  It seemed too quick and forced.  This maybe due to a number of reasons but surely was not necessary.  The patience you were given at the start seemed lost by the end, taking from the amazing pacing and story development you were treated to.  

Although you may briefly scan the poster on the theater’s wall or have a quick watch of the trailer, as curiosity got the best of you, don’t be so quick to dismiss.  This was an impressive filler during the quieter time of the year, well past the summer blockbusters.  The action is quick and forceful, a dance of guns and fists, reminiscent of the WICK times. 

Grade: B

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