The Accountant 2 may have had all the right ingredients for a thrilling sequel, with the pairing of Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal, but ultimately falters due to its lackluster plot and underwhelming action scenes. While the chemistry between Affleck and Bernthal is undeniable, the film’s attempt to blend buddy comedy with a darker, more serious action plot fails to gain the momentum necessary to make it memorable.
The Brotherly Dynamic: What Works in The Accountant 2
At its core, The Accountant 2 recalls the buddy action movies of the ‘80s. The film shines when Affleck’s Christian Wolff, the “brain,” and Bernthal’s Braxton, the “brawn,” are allowed to riff off each other. Their dynamic, a love-hate sibling-like relationship, is one of the film’s greatest assets. The scene on the roof of Affleck’s Sunstream, where the two share a witty exchange, is a prime example of the film’s potential. The chemistry between the two is strong, bringing a lighthearted energy that stands in stark contrast to the darker elements of the story.
Where The Film Falters: Weak Plot and Overdone Themes
Unfortunately, the film’s plot, a mystery revolving around human trafficking and immigration issues, struggles to maintain interest. It seems like the film is trying to handle serious topics, but does so in an exploitative way that never allows the stakes to feel real. J.K. Simmons’s Raymond King, a former FinCEN agent turned private investigator, sets the plot in motion when he’s targeted by armed men after uncovering dark secrets about a family’s disappearance. But the mystery feels more like an afterthought, and the action scenes fail to capture the necessary excitement.
Unfocused Pacing and Lackluster Action
Despite a few well-structured scenes, director Gavin O’Connor never quite finds a way to elevate the action in The Accountant 2. The pacing drags at times, with the movie spending far too much time at Harbor Neuroscience, where Christian has assembled a group of neurodivergent young people capable of impressive tech feats. These scenes, which feel more like filler than plot-driving moments, highlight the film’s biggest issue: it doesn’t know what it wants to be. Is it a character-driven drama? A fast-paced thriller? The film never fully embraces either direction, resulting in a frustrating viewing experience.
The Buddy Comedy vs. Action Film Conundrum
One of the key problems with The Accountant 2 is its failure to balance the two primary elements it presents: the buddy comedy dynamic between the brothers and the darker, high-stakes action plot. The film tries to shift gears constantly, and while the humor works, the action doesn’t. O’Connor seems more invested in the personal relationship between Christian and Braxton, but this dynamic doesn’t fully complement the film’s action or thriller elements. It’s a tough balance that the movie never quite achieves.
Final Thoughts
While The Accountant 2 offers a few moments of engaging character development and showcases the strength of its lead actors, it ultimately fails to deliver a compelling plot or satisfying action. The pacing is inconsistent, and the lack of a clear focus on either action or character development weakens the overall impact. If you’re a fan of the first film’s chemistry between Affleck and Bernthal, you may still find some enjoyment here, but for those hoping for a stronger sequel, The Accountant 2 misses the mark.
