The Accountant 2 is very much like The Accountant (2016). That’s not necessarily a bad thing. A good sequel beats an awful original any day — especially when we’re in desperate need of distraction. And The Accountant 2 is definitely a good sequel. So if you liked the first one, chances are you’ll like this second, even if they do feel excessively similar (and excessively violent).
Ben Affleck reprises his role as Christian Wolff, a forensic accountant who helps sanitize the financial records of the criminal element. He’s a complicated savant with a knack for numbers and a lack of social skills. When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to “find the accountant,” Christian teams up with U.S. Treasury Deputy Director Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) to solve the murder. It soon becomes apparent that a much broader, extremely dangerous conspiracy is afoot, so Christian calls the most lethal guy he knows for help: his estranged brother Braxton (Jon Bernthal). And that’s when the movie kicks into high gear. The sibling relationship and banter can be funny, charming, and cutting.
The body count is high in what I would call a “John Wickish” sort of way. Lots of bullets, knives and hand to hand combat. But also enough heart and humor to get you through the brutal stuff, for the most part.
And if you’re a believer in the CDS (Cat Distribution System), you’re in for a treat by movie’s end.
In theaters globally April 25. Runs 125 minutes. Rated R. Directed by Gavin O’Connor.