El contable 2

I really like The Accountant. It dared to change the action movie lead role with an autistic character, providing a very interesting role. How would the combination of strengths and weaknesses that The Accountant's condition play out in the dangerous world of international criminals and hitmen?

It was this combination of obsessive/compulsive need for order and completion, combined with an inability to empathise or understand social interactions, that made Affleck's character, Christian Wolff, so interesting.

In the sequel, the writing is not as focused on Affleck in the same way. Instead the focus is on the relationship between him and his brother (Bernthal). While well acted, this simply does not have the same appeal. The movie shines when Wolff's neurodivergence is front and centre, but otherwise it feels like any other generic action-thriller (albeit a well-done one).

The Accountant 2 opens with tired beats and immediately falls into formula. The writing is weak, loaded with bad cop movie tropes, flat exposition, and attempts at humor that land with a thud. Cynthia Addai-Robinson's performance is especially wooden-zero chemistry, no urgency, and completely lifeless delivery. The score sounds like stock suspense cues pulled from a bargain bin, draining scenes of any weight. Ben Affleck's portrayal of Christian feels like a caricature of a character, not a person. Jon Bernthal is the lone bright spot, managing to bring grit and humanity despite the clunky lines. Slick on the surface, hollow underneath. 4/10.

The Accountant, like pizza, is decent even when mediocre. Unfortunately, like most sequels, this doesn't measure up to the original. The story and characters are more bland and vague where they shouldn't be, and more detailed and defined where it doesn't really help. Frankly, it turned out more like a generic TV action movie. More of the same, but not as good. Bad guys get killed, but the reasons are far more generic and vague. The story and plausibility took a big hit. Not all the action sequences works as well as the last one. They tried to me more jokey here, but only about half land. But, given the sad state of movies these days, I don't mind supporting a "noble" effort.

I really enjoyed the first 'The Accountant' so had high expectations for the follow up.

Sadly, I was very dissappointed.

The first film had some logic, it made sense, it had a story. So made the all action nonsense plausible and therefore excusable as 'artistic license.

The Accountant 2 is all action nonsense.

It makes very little sense. Very weak on story and logic i.e. Not believable for the audience to invest in it.

E.g. Why would Ray King in retirement, spend all his money 'investigating' alone and particularly for one child ?

Why would Chris (Affleck) reveal his computer help source (Justine) and her location so glibly.

It was absurd how the woman assassin was supposed to be the woman in the picture, It was also absurd how she was more like a terminator than a person.

And there are many more such issues, that prevent the story from flowing logically and therefore immersing the audience in a journey.

Instead you are repeatedly 'jolted' out, asking what? Why? When? Sort of questions, which don't have answers.

Ben Affleck is looking a bit aged and gaunt, but he and the guy who plays Braxton , played their parts compentently, but were let down by the weak script.

It does have some laughs, It's not terrible, just very mediocre, certainly nowhere near as good as the first film.

Would I watch this again ? No, it's too glib and lacks cohesion.

Yet, I have watched the first film several times and I will watch it again.

Very dissappointed and I felt this was a missed opportunity.

Not worth a full price cinema ticket.

7/10. The Accountant 2 serves as a worthy sequel. Leaning more into brotherly banter, tighter action, and plays into a lighter and humorous tone.

The plot and character arcs, much like the first, leave a lot to be desired. The story isn't as convoluted as the first but still gets murky. The villains are one dimensional, generic, and quite forgettable. Sadly, Anna Kendrick doesn't return.

The film heavily relies on bringing Jon Bernthal into a bigger role and it works. His strained relationship and funny lines with Affleck are the heart of the movie. Crazy stuff always happens when Bernthal and Affleck show up. Their actions scenes are fun to watch. They are brothers who are trying to get along and get past their messed up childhood trauma. This results in the humor being less dry; for better or worse.

Ben Affleck again does a splendid job in his role as a Aspergers man with his different tics and mannerisms. He is smart, nerdy, and a killing machine. Yes, the Hollywood portrayal of Asperger's is kind of cliché for the sake of the plot. Not all of us are genius computer hackers. Or killers for that matter. But the film did a respectable job with depicting the thinking, psyche, and social struggles on a personal level.

I think Ben got the weirdness down well by being around Matt Damon for too long. Haha, just kidding Matt, you're great. In the one trillion chance you read this, please don't be mad.

Thank you, Regal Cinemas, for showing this early on Tax Day. No, I didn't see this at a film festival but that would have been awesome. (Hint, hint). Ben Affleck awkwardly line dancing was very hilarious. Kudos to suggesting the band play a Metallica song.