The Accountant 2

Rating 7/10

I had never seen the original 2016 movie. However, with an on-air review of The Accountant 2 scheduled for talkSPORT Radio, I got familiar with it. I’m glad I did, as it properly introduces Ben Affleck’s character, Christian Wolff. The information provided was crucial for appreciating the sequel.

In the predecessor, Christian Wolff is a forensic bookkeeper with high-functioning autism who uses his exceptional mathematical skills to uncover who’s been stealing money within criminal organizations. He maintains a low profile, adhering to strict routines in both his professional and personal life. Driven by his own moral code, he seeks to protect the innocent. A twist reveals that one of the hitmen sent to eliminate Christian, Braxton (Jon Bernthal), is actually his estranged brother.

In the new picture, Christian’s autism is primarily conveyed through behavior rather than being explicitly mentioned. He’s investigating the murder of Raymond King (J. K. Simmons), who used to run the Treasury Department’s financial crimes unit.  This quest forces Christian to reunite with his disgruntled sibling, Braxton, as they delve into a complex case involving a missing woman, Anaïs (Daniella Pineda), and her son, Alberto (Yael Ocasio). The brothers’ journey uncovers human trafficking and places them in the crosshairs of dangerous people. Cynthia Addai-Robinson reprises her role as Treasury Agent Marybeth Medina. Her exasperation with the brothers’ unorthodox methods is a level-headed, though humorous, reaction to the events.

I found The Accountant 2 to be more enjoyable than expected. While the first release was serviceable, the second chapter delves deeper into character development. The script by Bill Dubuque is notably improved, and the dynamic between Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal is captivating. Their portrayal of sibling rivalry mixed with genuine care provides emotional depth to the proceedings. A particularly memorable scene involves the duo visiting a country-western bar to meet women. Christian’s social awkwardness is evident, but he observes the line dancing and quickly picks it up, showcasing his ability to learn through observation. The moment extends a touch of humor and humanizes the man.

One of the story’s standout elements is the introduction of children at the Harbor Neuroscience Institute in New Hampshire. These neurodivergent youths, under the guidance of Justine (now physically portrayed by Allison Robertson but still voiced by Alison Wright), assist the brothers by hacking into surveillance systems and personal computers. It highlights the timeless value of unexpected helpers. In that sense, they’re like a modern version of the “Baker Street Irregulars” in the Sherlock Holmes stories. It also nicely emphasizes the capabilities and intelligence of neurodiverse individuals.

The chronicle is an entertaining continuation that expands on its predecessor’s foundation. The chemistry between Affleck and Bernthal elevates the narrative, and the screenplay does a nice job of balancing action with humor, making it more than just an action thriller. It’s a worthwhile watch for fans familiar with the first film. When all is tallied, The Accountant 2….adds up.

04-24-25