Ben Affleck reunites with director Gavin O’Connor for the third time in “The Accountant 2.” Bill Dubuque, who wrote the script for the first film, returns for the sequel. When we last saw Christian Wolff, a.k.a. The Accountant (Affleck), he was driving down a country road with his Airstream after completing his latest mission.
Following the murder of Raymond King (J.K. Simmons), the Director of the Treasury Department’s FinCEN, his protégé, Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), hesitantly reaches out to Christian Wolff for help. Realizing he can’t tackle this alone, Christian enlists his estranged but highly lethal brother Brax (Jon Bernthal) and tech specialist Justine (Allison Robertson).
Christian uses his brilliant mind and questionable methods to piece together the mystery. However, as they draw closer to the truth, the trio attracts the attention of some of the most ruthless killers, all intent on stopping their search.
Released in theaters almost a decade ago, “The Accountant” marked Affleck’s first film after his debut as Batman. For those who weren’t impressed with his portrayal of the Caped Crusader, the film served as a redemption. We finally have a sequel, and the creative forces expound upon what made the first film great.
As a Christian, Affleck slides back into the role with ease. He still taps into the role of someone with autism without ever crossing into parody or offense. There’s a significant moment in the film’s first where Christian uses his mind at a speed dating event that works organically. As for the action, we have to wait a bit for it, but when it arrives, the first action set piece given to Christian is worth it.
Cynthia Addai-Robinson was good as well, and I always enjoy seeing a film where melanin is in charge in films like this, while Allison Robertson is a joy to watch as she works her magic for Christian. Another female character is introduced in the form of Anaïs (Daniella Pineda), but I’ll keep her angle to the plot a secret for now.
The real scene stealer of the film, though, is Jon Bernthal as Braxton, Christian’s brother. After his extended cameo in the first film, Bernthal is a burst of magnetic energy on screen, whether engaging in fisticuffs, brandishing a weapon, or bantering with his older brother. Affleck and Bernthal have great chemistry, and I wish the film had brought them together quickly.
I had a smile for about 95% of the film, with the only issue being the underwhelming villains. However, with enough action, one-liners, and chemistry from Affleck and Bernthal for days, “The Accountant 2” is a sequel audiences shouldn’t write off.
Final Grade: B+
“The Accountant 2” opens in theaters this Thursday.
