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.
