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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