After a nine-year wait, the sequel to The Accountant has finally arrived. Despite the absence of key original cast members like Anna Kendrick, The Accountant 2 compensates with a buddy action storyline infused with charming humour.
In the first film, Ben Affleck's portrayal of Christian Wolff was perfectly suited to him. A forensic accountant for the mob, he unexpectedly shows his altruistic side by aiding federal authorities in capturing violent criminals.
Instead of settling for a standard action plot, writer Bill Dubuque and director Gavin O'Connor portrayed Wolff as autistic, exploring how his condition amplified his professional skills while hindering personal connections, particularly with his brother Braxton (Jon Bernthal), who shifts from antagonist to ally in this sequel. When a friend is murdered during the search for a missing woman, Christian delves into the perilous world of human trafficking, reluctantly enlisting the help of his estranged brother.
Bernthal's expanded role as co-star transforms the film into an intense, yet humour-laden iteration, reminiscent of Rain Man (1988) as the brothers unite to unravel a violent conspiracy. If you're going into this thinking you're going to get more of the same as the first film, you're going to be disappointed.
Even though this is directed by O'Connor, who also directed the first one, the storyline for this one focuses way more on the two brothers' relationships than it does on anything else. And I think that's a good thing, because the mystery portion of this sequel is kind of messy and unfocused. While this sidelines the intricate mystery that could have enriched the sequel, it succeeds in delivering engaging banter and heartfelt moments between Affleck and Bernthal.
As Christian and Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) pursue their suspect, the film briefly delves into the murky depths of human trafficking, though the villains remain underdeveloped, undermining narrative cohesion. Despite occasional narrative clutter and lack of focus, the film finds strength in the dynamic between Christian and Braxton. Their sibling rivalry-turned-partnership provides relatable, lighthearted moments contrasting with the darker tone of the first film.
Multiple times we see Christian and Braxton talking over each other in an effort to prove their own point, with neither of them accomplishing their goal, but adding to the lighthearted moments within the script. The comedic banter between the brothers is highly relatable, especially if you have a sibling that's somewhat close in age.
The Accountant 2 shifts away from its predecessor's sombre atmosphere, opting for a lighter tone infused with humour to alleviate a convoluted plot. While action occasionally takes a backseat, climactic sequences deliver explosive thrills that showcase the brothers' improbable prowess amidst chaos. However, You obviously have to suspend some belief that the brothers can hit all of their targets through a barrage of chaotic gunfire while they still remain unscathed.
This sequel somehow struggles to forge a unified emotional core akin to its predecessor. Multiple subplots compete for attention without achieving the emotional depth needed to anchor the narrative. Uneven pacing further detracts from potential cohesion.
Despite these flaws, The Accountant 2 remains a gripping thriller, primarily due to Affleck and Bernthal's charismatic performances. Their on-screen chemistry and compelling portrayals overshadow narrative shortcomings, making their interactions the film's standout feature.
While lacking the cohesive storytelling that made the original memorable, The Accountant 2 still offers heart-pounding action and effective relational dynamics. For fans of the first film and those intrigued by engaging character dynamics, this sequel delivers both entertainment and moments of genuine connection.
The Accountant 2 successfully continues the legacy of its predecessor with its blend of action, humour and sibling dynamics. While it may not reach the emotional heights of the original, Affleck and Bernthal's performances elevate the film, ensuring an enjoyable experience for fans of the franchise.
The Accountant 2
Starring Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson
Directed by Gavin O'Connor
