The Accountant
Release: October 14, 2016
Rated: R
Starring: Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Jon Bernthal, John Lithgow
Runtime: 128 min
Diagnosed with highly-functioning autism from an early age, Christian Wolff has always been gifted with incredible mental capabilities. From completing upside down jigsaw puzzles, to solving complex math equations, Christian has always known he was different. Lending out his math skills to cook the books for some of the world’s most dangerous criminal organizations, Christian soon comes under the notice of U.S. Treasury Department Agent Ray King. Taking up a legitimate financial crisis of a robotics company, Christian hopes to lead the feds off his trail. Before he knows it, Christian finds himself in the middle of something much bigger than simple money mismanagement. Now Christian must rely on the elite combat training given to him by his father so that no one will underestimate him if he is to protect himself and the innocent employee who stumbled upon the missing money.
Directing 3/5
Director David O’Connor certainly has his hands full with all of the bases “The Accountant” tries to touch. With family drama, outcast of society trying to fit in, action, crime and even a little romantic comedy, that’s a lot to juggle in 2 hours. But the most intriguing thing that O’Connor brings in is the depiction of autism in an action movie of all places. Thankfully never exploited, Christian’s autism is dealt with respectfully and it never feels forced or used only for audience sympathy. Sure, it’s a vehicle that allows for sympathy and even empathy to appear, but all in all, there’s more to Christian’s character than the fact that he’s autistic.
Apart from the themes, “The Accountant” is an action movie first of all and it certainly delivers on that premise. The expertly skilled and quick paced fight scenes with such a unique character as Christian are so thrilling and intricately detailed, it echoes that of 2014’s “John Wick”.
Writing 3/5
As mentioned before, there are a lot of genres that “The Accountant” dips its hand into. While the screenplay by Bill Dubuque manages to equally include all these things with appropriate screen time allowed for each, they all aren’t as smooth as they could be. There are a lot of things to like about the story of this movie. If only all of the parts could have fit together better. While there are no plot developments or story arcs that feel out of place, or crammed in, all of these pieces could have used another draft or two to make them all mesh together seamlessly.
Acting 4/5
Ben Affleck takes the cake as the distant and calculating Christian Wolff. His mannerisms and personality are believable as someone who has lived with autism their entire life. Ever the most interesting character of the film to watch on screen, Affleck certainly puts his all in to this role.
Anna Kendrick plays the robotics employee Dana Cummings. While the actress herself seemed like an odd pick for a movie such as this, Kendrick is an effective enough foil to Christian’s closed off approach to things.
Jon Bernthal as the menacing hitman Brax is another highlight of the film. Unpredictable and likable, Bernthal brings a lot of energy and fun to the villainous character that makes Brax more than just “the bad guy of the movie.”
J.K. Simmons is once again in top form as Agent Ray King who is probably the most empathetically developed character other than Christian. His B plot easily could have been an engaging, somber film on its own, as a near retired agent reflecting back on his career and fatherhood.
Overall:
“The Accountant” certainly surprised me. I went in expecting a passable, dumb but entertaining action flick. But the result was a unique, smart and calculated movie with sharp choreographed fight scenes as well as a meaty engaging story. It might not have the same effect on rewatches, but for a one off watch it makes for a fun time. It’s portrayal of autism may not be for everyone, as it could be argued that it falls into turning the spectrum into a superpower, but ultimately, the movie has to be commended for representation. If you are a fan of “John Wick” or like your action movies with a unique bit of brain over brawn to them, then you won’t be disappointed with “The Accountant”.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
+ Affleck ‘s character unique and engagingly watchable
+ Detailed, choreographed fight scenes
+Smart story, good plot points, but rough execution at times
-Portrayal of autism, while respectful, may not be for everyone
-Many plot points happening in this movie, with a B plot that could almost be its own movie.