I didn’t watch The Accountant until a few days before this sequel so it’s a bit fresh in my mind here but I much more enjoyed my time with this one.
The Accountant 2 brings back Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal for a convoluted, yet surprisingly lighthearted action-packed adventure that puts humor at the forefront of the action. As the sequel to the 2016 hit The Accountant, this film leans into the chemistry between Affleck’s Christian Wolff, a brilliant but socially awkward accountant with a dangerous past, and Bernthal’s Brax, his reckless yet lovable brother. While the plot may be a bit convoluted and at times hard to follow, it hardly matters in the grand scheme of things. The Accountant 2 is an exhilarating ride that thrives on its witty dialogue, explosive action, and the undeniable charm of its leading duo.
The movie picks up with Christian Wolff and Brax having gone their separate ways after the events of the first film. Christian continues to work as a forensic accountant for criminal organizations, using his talents to untangle complex financial webs while navigating the dangerous underworld. Brax, on the other hand, has found himself in increasingly ridiculous but no less dangerous situations as he dives headfirst into the criminal world in a hilariously long sequence while he eats ice cream in Europe.
The two are forced to team up again after the death of Raymound King who is gunned down in a BINGO club. Yeah, i said BINGO club.
What makes The Accountant 2 stand out is its tone. Unlike its predecessor, which was dark and often brooding, this film embraces a more fun, action-comedy vibe. The action scenes are fast-paced and thrilling, but it’s the humor that truly takes center stage. Affleck’s deadpan delivery, combined with Bernthal’s lovable, wise-cracking character, creates a dynamic that feels both fresh and entertaining. Their banter is quick and sharp, with Bernthal often stealing the show with his exaggerated yet endearing bravado, while Affleck plays the more straight-laced, reserved character. There is no better show of this than when Affleck meets a woman at a country bar. It’s a charming and simple scene but incredibly effective.
The film is overly convoluted but it’s kind of what I love about this film. It feels like it would exist right in the 1990s where action films were filled with overly complicated premises and fun banter. You can almost imagine this as a Bruce Willis vehicle.
The film flirts with being smarter than it is utilizing sex workers, deportation and child trafficking in it’s premise but it’s pushed to the side for stylish action set pieces and a whole lot of brotherly love. I’m actually hoping for more from this series if for no other reason than for Affleck and Bernthal (and kitty!) to have another adventure in action together.
