To the more cynical among us, the return of Christian Wolff could be described as just another Hollywood cash-grab - falling back on a successful property that doesn't really need a sequel, just to see if they can milk anything more out of it. And while it is true that we weren't exactly screaming for a sequel, thanks to his efficiency at both accounting and dispatching of villains, it's not exactly unwelcome either. The Accountant 2 begins exactly as you'd imagine (whether you knew the plot or not); with the death of one of the first movie's beloved characters. After all, how else are you going to get the band back together? From there our unhappy gathering of law enforcement and law-breakers bicker over how to go about finding those responsible for said death in the most amusing of ways.
If there's one thing that has been lost somewhere between The Accountant 2 and its predecessor, it's the grounded nature of the story. Whereas the first movie is a gripping thriller surrounding an otherwise unlikely protagonist, the sequel seems to be aimed more at the action/comedy market. There's still an intriguing mystery to be solved, but it's more generic and less about the world of Christian Wolff. There are even story elements that would feel more at home in a superhero movie. However, that doesn't necessarily mean The Accountant 2 fails in what it is trying to do. Quite the opposite, in fact. It is, despite its slightly different direction and the loss of a major character, a rather fun movie. The selling point of which is Affleck and Bernthal, with Cynthia Addai-Robinson's beleaguered Deputy Director Medina caught in the middle.
All three returning cast members easily slip back into their respective roles - even if Affleck sometimes sounds like he's doing an impersonation of Milton from Office Space. Brothers Christian and Braxton played off each other perfectly in the first movie - both as kids and adults - and that continues to be the case here. One's almost lack of emotion compliments the other's OTT flamboyance and vice-versa, with Affleck and Bernthal delivering the ultimate buddy comedy dynamic. It can also be genuinely relatable for anyone who has a sibling (especially a brother). A particularly amusing highlight sees our favourite number cruncher have a go at line dancing. As for the brothers' quarry, well they lean more towards the two-dimensional, however, Daniella Pineda delivers another of the movie's top performances as the mysterious 'Anaïs'.
But it’s never just puzzles, bean-counting and country music with Christian Wolff. He’s known for solving problems aggressively, when necessary. As is Braxton. Hilariously, much to Medina’s chagrin. So when it’s time for things to get a little loud, The Accountant 2 doesn’t disappoint. A certain Airstream certainly comes in handy here and there. As in the first movie, the action is brilliantly choreographed and delightfully chaotic. There are even times when Chris’ approach to information gathering is likely to make you wince - especially if you lie to him about your income. And seeing the brothers fighting alongside each other is the cherry on this particularly decadent cake.
An exciting follow-up to a movie that didn’t necessarily need a sequel. In aiming for the action/comedy market The Accountant 2 lacks the grounded story of its predecessor, giving it a slightly more generic feel. However, the movie somewhat makes up for that with the buddy/brotherly dynamic between Affleck and Bernthal.
7/10
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