The Accountant

Starring: Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons, Jon Bernthal, John Lithgow, Jeffrey Tambor
Directed by: Gavin O'Connor
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
2016

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A mysterious accountant (Ben Affleck) who works with the worst criminals must stay one step ahead of the law enforcement officials determined to bring him down.

Review:

Tim: I've watched over 3,000 movies, so I know a thing or two about films. And while I fight hard to maintain an open mind for any movie I watch, it's hard not to feel a general sense for how a movie's going to be. Based on that initial sense, I had very little desire to watch The Accountant. It seemed like a movie I'd seen before. It felt like a misstep by Ben Affleck. I couldn't have been more wrong. This is a very entertaining action crime movie and one that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish.

Now, truly, there isn't anything truly special about this story. What happens, though, is that director Gavin O'Connor directs the heck out of it. He's able to squeeze every ounce of suspense and intrigue out of this movie. He's able to make me care about an accountant, for god's sakes! That shouldn't be too surprising, though- I remember reluctantly sitting down to watch a movie about MMA fighters (ugh, are you kidding me?) and walking away completely stunned by the amazing Warrior. That movie? Also directed by Gavin O'Connor. While he can't get this movie to the same heights, he kept me entertained and interested throughout the 2 hour and 8 minute run time. Shockingly, the movie didn't feel too long. O'Connor keeps things moving.

I really do want to give O'Connor great credit. The script here is good, but there's nothing really great about it. The main character is quirky, but we're able to identify with him. The script throws a few nice twists along the way- some we see coming, some we don't. But, if you looked at all the individual ingredients, you could easily come to the same conclusion I initially did- been here before, seen it, not worth the time. O'Connor takes the same elements that many directors would have combined to form a lackluster film and instead ratchets up the quality to unexpected heights.

I have to give Ben Affleck credit- the guy has really been continuing his career resurgence. Not only are his directed films so strong, but he's been turning in some great performances. He was the best part of the forgettable Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and he's once again thoroughly entertaining here. His character is one of the most unlikely bad asses to grace the action genre in many years, but that's all part of the novelty of this film. Affleck plays him so well- he's not like us, but he's still relatable. I had a great time watching him in this film.

The supporting cast is so strong, too. I really like Anna Kendrick and I love to see films employ her. She's unlike any other actress in Hollywood. She works well here. It might not be the best performance she's given, but I had fun watching her and she interacts with Affleck well. J.K. Simmons always adds to a film and he makes this film better. The same can be said for John Lithgow, who continually shows up, delivers strong performances and increases the quality of the film around him. He does exactly that here. I loved seeing Jon Bernthal here, too. I've been a fan of his since "The Walking Dead" and every movie and show I see him in only increases my admiration for him. The guy is going to be around for a long time. He further cements his up-and-coming status in this film.

Not every movie is going to be great and not every entertaining, enjoyable movie may reach its peak level of effectiveness. The Accountant misses out on greatness, but Gavin O'Connor still works wonders with this film. He totally flipped my mindset about this movie and delivered one of the more intelligent, entertaining action movies of the year. This movie is absolutely worth seeing.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Warrior, Runner Runner, The Town