Action films are a dime a dozen, but Bob Odenkirk’s refreshing action star era continues in Normal, a new action film from director Ben Wheatley that brings with it a blizzard of fun and bloody carnage. Not only is this action packed film a return to form for Wheatley after the immense disappointment that was The Meg 2: The Trench, but this proves to be yet another stellar showcase for Odenkirk’s impressive physical prowess after his incredibly entertaining Nobody films.
Normal centers on Ulysses (Bob Odenkirk), an interim sheriff that stumbles upon a small town’s darkest and best kept secret after a bank robbery goes horribly awry. As a result, bullets begin to fly as the tranquil town becomes anything but. Joining Odenkirk in the cast is Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey and Henry Winkler. Fortunately, every member of the cast not only fully understands the assignment here, but is given juicy material to work with as they sport their most wonderfully charming Minnesota accents during this viciously bloody affair.
Not only is Wheatley at the helm, but the script is penned by John Wick architect Derek Kolstad, resulting in an action film that feels like a singular hybrid of that revered action series and Fargo with a dash of Hot Fuzz for good measure. Odenkirk is pitch-perfect as the protagonist, his gruff, but easy going charm making him easy to root for and become emotionally invested in, especially as his traumatic past begins to take shape as the film barrels toward its bombastic set pieces. Ulysses is a man who is clearly lost and aimless, his apathy and regret now fully in the driver’s seat as he starts this new position. In another actor’s hands, this performance could’ve been easily one-note, but Odenkirk is able to impressively toe the line between sardonic humor and emotional gravitas. Headey and Winkler make for colorful and eclectic supporting characters, the former a mysterious, but alluring owner of a local bar while the latter is the town’s jubilant and soft-spoken mayor whose facade is as flimsy as a diner pancake. All three of these veteran performers make the most of what’s on the page and support the film’s quirky, but grim overall tone.
Wheatley, after being shackled by a PG-13 rating in his previous outing, is let off the leash here, fully embracing the film’s R rating and delivering action set pieces that will make audiences laugh and wince in equal measure. The action is impressively staged, shot and orchestrated, littered with welcomed surprises and irreverent humor that makes them stand out from among the monotonous, CGI heavy pack. The action is visceral, tactile, gruesome and propulsive, nicely contrasting with the town’s seemingly mellow and welcoming atmosphere as a vicious blizzard takes it by storm. Thankfully, as the story reaches its fever pitch and becomes increasingly more intense, it never loses its infectious sense of humor, the comedy elevating the set pieces rather than short changing them or blunting their overall impact. Simply put, this is the kind of action film that yearns to be seen on the big screen with an action hungry audience.
Unfortunately, the film’s first act shackles it for far too long. The slow burn approach that leads up to the main setup of the film feels far too glacial for its own good, simply taking too much time to build its foundation and move its pieces into place on the board before fully hitting the gas pedal. Not helping matters are the surprisingly thin supporting characters, many coming across as two-dimensional caricatures more than fully fleshed out characters in this quaint Minnesota town. Even more disappointing is the fact the film establishes characters that are intriguing and likable, but ushers them out of the story before they can leave any sort of impact. Though the film doesn’t overstay its welcome clocking in at a mere 90 minutes, some added scenes not only could’ve fleshed out some of the more compelling supporting characters, but could’ve made the film’s conclusion feel less abrupt and truncated as well.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Despite its flaws, Normal is a refreshing action film that continues to showcase Odenkirk’s aptitude in the genre as he’s able to give audiences and especially action junkies another crowd-pleasing and blood-soaked adventure that brings plenty of entertainment value to the table. Balancing comedy and action is certainly no easy feat, but Wheatley, Kolstad and this talented cast are able to make it look effortless here. Though this new trajectory of his career has been wholly unexpected, it’s impossible not to be excited for what role Odenkirk will choose next. Throw on a winter jacket, buckle up and enjoy the hilarious, snow-drenched chaos.
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