Movie Review: “The Accountant 2” – Ben Affleck Returns in a Sequel That Just Balances the Books
The cinematic landscape is usually awash with horror films during Halloween and overstuffed with holiday flicks come December. Yet, amid this seasonal frenzy, there’s a conspicuous void regarding films about the often-mundane reality of Tax Day. Enter The Accountant 2, directed by Gavin O’Connor, a sequel to the 2016 film that perhaps didn’t exactly leave audiences clamoring for more. In a world where every successful film gets a follow-up, The Accountant 2 has the thrilling challenge of not needing to meet incredibly high expectations, meaning that simply managing to make sense of its numbers would be a win.
A Second Look at Christian Wolff
At its core, The Accountant 2 is a highly-anticipated yet erratic thriller centered around Christian Wolff, played by Ben Affleck. This character, a meticulous CPA whose exceptional skills of deduction are amplified by his autism, serves as a bridge between the world of finance and the dark underbelly of crime. Affleck’s portrayal of Wolff is an unusual fit; the emotional depth that we often associate with the actor feels overshadowed by the monotone, jargon-riddled dialogues the script demands.
The standout moment in this sequel is a tense scene where Wolff uncovers a human trafficking scheme through a remarkably rapid analysis of dubious expense reports at a pizza company. It’s a clear reminder of his intricate skill set, cleverly displayed amidst the chaos that envelops him.
An Underwhelming yet Enjoyable Dynamic
Affleck has always exuded a natural charm on screen, and while the savant archetype may not be his forte—roles like that were more suited for his Good Will Hunting co-star, Matt Damon—in The Accountant 2, he manages to infuse some personality into the emotionally distant role. Wolff becomes more relatable when paired with Jon Bernthal, who plays his more reckless and emotionally wounded brother, Braxton. Their contrasting styles create a captivating action duo as they navigate their complicated relationship, filled with missed connections and brotherly rivalry.
Plot Confusion and a Slow Start
One cannot help but feel the pacing issues in the screenplay by Bill Dubuque, particularly in the first act, which meanders before settling into its rhythm. The film opens with a tense, misdirecting hit job involving Raymond King, a retired FBI financial crimes chief, emphasizing an immediate urgency that seems to drop off as the plot unfolds. King leaves behind a cryptic message: “Find the accountant.”
Meanwhile, entering this chaos is Marybeth Medina, King’s former protégé, whose search for Wolff takes a peculiar turn that feels more quirky than purposeful—like dialing a neurological research center to summon him. The introduction of Wolff living in an Airstream RV with distant ties to a team of young autistic computer hackers adds an eccentric touch, yet the sequences fail to propel the narrative forward.
A Messy Yet Timely Thriller
Despite its flaws, The Accountant 2 surprisingly manages to strike a chord with its blend of seriousness and absurdity. The film also carries a faint whisper of real-world relevancy, touching on discussions surrounding immigration as it humanizes the plight of a migrant family amid an accountant’s hunt for truth. At a time when IRS budgets are slashed and regulations are being twisted, this thematic exploration offers a level of catharsis for those involved in the world of finance.
Conclusion: A Worthy but Flawed Follow-Up
The Accountant 2, released by Amazon MGM Studios, offers a run time of 125 minutes and is rated R for strong violence and pervasive language. With two and a half stars out of four, this sequel manages to salvage some entertainment value from an uneven narrative. While it may not rewrite the rulebook on action thrillers, it nevertheless provides an engaging (if chaotic) mix of sibling rivalries, quirky action, and clever deductions.
If you’re looking for mindless entertainment sprinkled with some thought-provoking themes, The Accountant 2 may just be the film to check out this season.
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