Movies

The Accountant 2 is mostly a cinematic write-off…save for two tremendously fun scenes

BBG News

In the sequel to “The Accountant”, there are two captivating sequences that make it worthwhile. Yet, one must plow through a fair amount of conventional crime thriller content to reach them. The screenwriter and accountant genius Bill Dubuque initiates Accountant 2 by presenting multiple prologues before the audience reconnects with the enigmatic autistic assassin/accountant Christian Wolff (portrayed by Ben Affleck). This character leads a unique life, residing in an RV, aiding shady clients such as warlords and drug lords with their financial records, and engaging in amusing escapades at speed dating events. However, when the retired head of FinCEN, Raymond King (played by J.K. Simmons), is murdered with a note reading “contact The Accountant” scrawled on his arm, Wolff embarks on a more intimate quest.

It was discovered that King was on a quest to find a family from El Salvador who had gone missing. Marybeth Medina, King’s former protege (played by Cynthia Addai-Robinson), is struggling to decipher the deceased man’s hints. However, Wolff perceives what others can’t. The potential deepest conspiracy involving this lost family may demand additional assistance. Even Wolff’s tech-savvy friend Justine (Allison Robertson) falls short when it comes to dealing with rough situations. Now, it seems that Wolff needs to contact his estranged assassin brother Braxton (Jon Bernthal), who longs for a stronger bond with the sibling he once spent years trying to find.

As a fan, I must admit that in the thrilling sequel, Accountant 2, it seems to shine brightest when it allows Wolff and Braxton to unwind together. Whenever a gun comes into play directed by Gavin O’Connorr, I find myself fighting an irresistible urge to yawn. However, scenes depicting Wolff and Braxton lounging on top of an RV or a captivating sequence where Braxton rehearses a crucial phone call are nothing short of remarkable. Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal share an exceptional chemistry, and Bernthal, who is renowned for his intense roles, showcases his impressive comedic talent in this film. In terms of comic delivery and physicality, Bernthal (an actor known for his intense roles) displays commendable versatility.

The pair are pivotal figures in one of the key moments from “Accountant 2”. This notable scene unfolds when Wolff and Braxton enter a rustic bar, where Wolff encounters an attractive woman. The interaction exudes an unexpectedly heartwarming vibe, and the scene’s conclusion is accentuated by a well-timed freeze-frame that deserves applause. Another significant moment occurs when Justine assists Wolff in a desperate situation. It is later revealed that Justine oversees a team of autistic individuals who possess extraordinary hacking abilities, making their computer-filled room resemble a NASA control center. With the simplicity of blinking, these neurodivergent individuals can easily breach any phone or electronic device.

In this scene, autistic individuals are participating in material suitable for surveillance under the Patriot Act, similar to what led to Lucus Fox’s departure at the end of The Dark Knight. However, it’s intriguing to see a group of autistic characters (portrayed by real-life autistic actors) displaying heroic qualities on the big screen. The editing by Richard Pearson becomes more precise in these sequences as the camera swiftly moves from Justine’s tech residence to a common kitchen and then to the three principal characters in Accountant 2. Despite the absence of gunfire, these two sequences provide an intense adrenaline rush.

The rest of the movie serves as a point that director Gavin O’Connor is not as skilled in action-thrillers compared to his work with sports movies such as “Warrior” and “Miracle”. The story primarily uses basic, stereotypical, and American perspectives on immigrants, people of color, sex workers, those with neurodivergence, intelligence agencies, and a surprising claim that these agencies don’t practice torture. One character even states, “We don’t torture people in our agencies!” This lack of depth makes it challenging to distinguish “The Accountant 2” from other movies of the same genre.

Despite finding the interactions between Affleck and Bernthal genuinely enjoyable, it’s disheartening to see the storyline become overly complex and convoluted. Instead of action-packed excitement or suspense, we’re drawn into a tangled tale involving kidnapped families, Mexican compounds, and a car accident in a parking garage. The narrative seems to focus excessively on characters examining computer screens or paperwork, delivering lengthy explanations. This world of assassins and kidnappers lacks the necessary pace, excitement, and tension. Instead, it feels like empty chatter that I struggle to see appealing to many viewers.

What stands out oddly is that the Accountant movies consistently fail to create strong, impactful villains. These films boast such well-defined protagonists, but they rarely encounter opponents akin to Hans Gruber or John Lithgow in Cliffhanger. In this installment, the antagonists are Bukre (Robert Morgan) and his henchman Cobb (Grant Harvey). The latter is most notably known for donning Hawaiian-style shirts and bearing a striking resemblance to Jack Reynor’s doppelgänger. Although Bernthal delivers some hilarious scenes that are uniquely memorable, the villains in The Accountant 2 fail to leave a lasting impression on the audience’s mind.

A final showdown filled with mindless shooting of nondescript armed thugs in a dull desert setting perpetuates this issue. The gunfire lacks impact because the characters we’re supposed to root against are so underdeveloped. The constant expository chatter made for an unmemorable ending. If only the story had revisited that charming saloon instead!

In simpler terms, “The Accountant 2” feels bland yet forgettable, like a typical CBS crime procedural. However, it’s disappointing that the production could have been improved with more captivating visuals and less complicated storytelling. The saying “less is more” holds true because simplifying things often makes them better. Gavin O’Connor and his team should have followed this advice. Despite the dull twists and crime storyline, the two exceptional sequences featuring Jon Bernthal and the autistic hackers stand out. If they focus on these elements in “The Accountant 3”, I’d be eager to watch it immediately.

Read More

2025-05-12 19:15

Previous post NN.07 and Sebago Return With Crocodile-Embossed Docksides Portland
Next post S Club 7’s Jo O’Meara Hospitalized in Agonizing Pain: Health Crisis Escalates