https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1j7hgm8/the_accountant_2_review_thread/
created by ChiefLeef22 on 09/03/2025 at 20:56 UTC
176 upvotes, 19 top-level comments (showing 19)
Some Reviews:
To me, this franchise had nowhere to go but up. And that, I’m pleased to say, is exactly what happened. The Accountant 2 is an agreeably loopy hyperviolent good time. It is one of the only thrillers I’ve seen you could characterize as a hangout movie.
The Hollywood Reporter - Lovia Gyarkye
The puzzle at the center of *The Accountant* *2* matters insofar as the film needs a narrative propellant. But Bernthal and Affleck are the real draw, and O’Connor knows this. He uses any opportunity to get the brothers talking, and follows each major development in the fictional case with a moment of brotherly bonding. And while this critic would have welcomed more restraint in the violence, which can have an inuring effect, fans of the first film will find plenty to admire and root for in this entertaining fraternal union.
Although sequels rarely surpass the original, Gavin O’Connor’s long-gestating *The Accountant 2* is a pleasant surprise. The familial dynamics in the movie manage to tug at the heartstrings. And while everyone’s arc might not wrap up the way audiences hope, they all find what they truly need, whether it’s a stray cat, the perfect office chair or some good old fashion vengeance.
JoBlo's Movie Network - Chris Mumbray
I’m not complaining, though—as a meat-and-potatoes action fan, I’ve been starving for a film like this. I love the sleek 87North-style action flicks that are in favour now, but *The Accountant 2* is old-school in a way I’ve been missing. The extra emphasis on characterization only sweetens the pot.
Still, sentiment aside, this is a movie of cinematic adrenaline and ludicrous set-ups – ironically for its hero, stupid pleasures, but the fun kind of stupid, the kind that draws loud cheers from a crowd at a SXSW premiere and gets people streaming on the couch. It’s neither groundbreaking nor exceptional, but it does deliver above the admittedly low bar for a questionable sequel, with enough juice for another at-home hit.
***The Accountant 2***'s best scenes have nothing to do with guns or hand-to-hand combat. In fact, when I saw the film last night at its SXSW world premiere, the audience was laughing along with it more than they were gasping when Jon Bernthal breaks a man's neck over a cinder block or Ben Affleck smashes a gun into someone's face. It's not at all what I expected, but I think I loved every second of it.
Is it sometimes outlandish? Completely, but since when did movies have to be realistic? Escapism often works very well when we can leave reality behind. What I can say with confidence is that anyone who enjoyed "The Accountant" will undoubtedly enjoy this follow-up. It's rare that sequels outdo what came before, but O'Connor manages to do so here. This is pure popcorn entertainment, executed effectively. Let me put it this way: If they make three more "Accountant" movies, I will watch three more "Accountant" movies. Honestly, I hope they do.
There’s a B-movie purity to how this franchise conducts its business, eschewing the flash of modern blockbusters for a more pummelling, elemental approach to its shootouts and hand-to-hand fight scenes. On top of that, *The Accountant 2* has added a winning sense of humour to the equation.
The truth is that pacing often trumps realism, and ��The Accountant 2” just doesn’t build enough momentum. I think one of the reasons for that is that O’Connor is far more interested in the brother buddy comedy than the human trafficking action film, and never quite figures out how to blend the two. The film about two very different brothers who try to bridge the chasm of personality between them? Almost completely works. Everything else? Total hokum. Merging the two becomes an assignment too difficult for even The Accountant to decipher.
If you liked the original *Accountant* for its grit and stunt work, *The Accountant 2* is something radically different in tone and pacing, and may be a bit of a jarring transition. O’Connor’s effort to make a sequel which is not just a remake of the original is commendable, but in terms of **shifting genre from film noir to comedy**, it will appeal to different people for different reasons. There is an argument to be made for either film in the series being the superior installment, and some people will hate the sequel for the same reasons people like it.
“The Accountant 2” surpasses its original by keying into a lenient and dangerously playful tone. Affleck is charming and vulnerable as Christian in moments where he’s just living everyday life, trying to navigate the anxious minefield of dating or friendships through his exceptional perspective. It’s not the sequel you’d expect, which is a compliment. Bernthal’s the unexpected MVP despite Affleck’s leading role, but the real treat is how “The Accountant 2” becomes a wholesome and heart-pumping family affair.
Next Best Picture - Matthew Creith
Bernthal and Affleck are top-notch, though, with a whacky script from “The Accountant” writer Bill Dubuque, returning to the screen with dialogue that belongs more in the “The Hangover” franchise than a supposedly sleek thriller, hard-hitting action thriller (which is surprisingly light on the action). We know Gavin O’Connor is capable of telling far more compelling stories, as demonstrated in “Warrior,” “Miracle,” and even “The Way Back,” and although “The Accountant 2” is funnier than the first, it’s not as engrossing in scope and scale, making it a messy sequel that lacks ambition and ingenuity.
At its heart, “The Accountant 2” is a story of brothers working through their drama through drunken nights at honky tonk bars and deep conversations on the roof of an Airstream. I’m still not convinced this franchise exists for any reason other than Affleck being jealous that Matt Damon won the coin toss to decide who got to play the math genius in “Good Will Hunting,” but it manages to offer more heart and more laughs the second time around.
The Playlist - Chase Hutchinson
One hesitates even to call it an action film save for a climactic shootout that feels obligatory more than it does exciting or well-staged; there aren’t any moments of creative fights we get to sit with for more than a few seconds. Much of this is by design, as the film seems to want to be just about the relationship between the two brothers and is at its best when it leans into this, but it also can’t get out of its own way either.
The Mary Sue - Rachel Leishman
So maybe what I really want is a road trip movie with these two. Or just a buddy cop movie. But without Chris and Brax’s relationship, *The Accountant 2* would feel like a lukewarm sequel that didn’t need to happen. Luckily, we have Bernthal and his iconic grunting fighting style to keep us invested throughout the slightly bloated runtime.
Comment by _Shit_Just_Got_Real_ at 09/03/2025 at 22:47 UTC
150 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I am excited that they are leaning way more into Affleck and Bernthal's relationship and dynamic in this movie.
Comment by mexican_mystery_meat at 09/03/2025 at 21:43 UTC
198 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Based on the reviews, turning the Accountant 2 into Rain Man with guns is an inspired move.
Comment by CaineBK at 10/03/2025 at 00:16 UTC
15 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Luckily, we have Bernthal and his iconic grunting fighting style
It is lucky that we have that, I agree.
Comment by neceo at 09/03/2025 at 23:26 UTC
14 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I just watched the first one a few days ago for the first time. Glad to hear 2 getting good reviews
Comment by RomulanTreachery at 09/03/2025 at 23:23 UTC
78 upvotes, 2 direct replies
I'm Ben Affleck's biggest fan, but even I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the first one. I'm really looking forward to this one
Comment by witai at 09/03/2025 at 23:47 UTC
21 upvotes, 0 direct replies
If it's as fun as the first one, I'm In. Don't care about high scores for this one, I'll watch Affleck and Berenthal do their thing.
Comment by mrEnigma86 at 09/03/2025 at 21:31 UTC
25 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Good to see
Comment by 1gen2 at 09/03/2025 at 22:03 UTC
14 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Looks like the numbers are adding up heh
Comment by briancalpaca at 10/03/2025 at 00:32 UTC
6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I thought it was great. I really enjoyed the first one, but I think 2 is even better. The comedy and the pacing are both excellent for what it is imo. We had a blast watching it and the crowd was super into it which made it even more fun.
Comment by peter095837 at 09/03/2025 at 23:54 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
The first one was surprisedly solid. I look forward to this one
Comment by pic2022 at 10/03/2025 at 01:00 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
How is this getting reviewed already? Regardless I'm fucking excited. I loved the first one.
Comment by OkClassic2254 at 09/03/2025 at 21:06 UTC
11 upvotes, 2 direct replies
When does it come out?
Comment by alwaysmyfault at 10/03/2025 at 01:17 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Was this movie released overseas or something already?
What's with all the reviews 6 weeks before its US release?
Comment by Palpolorean at 10/03/2025 at 05:02 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I got to see this today, and hear it - wow! Super fun, good action, wholesome story and funny / great chemistry in the cast.
Ask me anything!
Comment by Tasty_Put8802 at 10/03/2025 at 05:10 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Not a fan of the 1st but fucking beast Bernthal is in it. So I’m in lol
Comment by ZiggyOnMars at 10/03/2025 at 07:45 UTC*
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Congratulation, Ben Affleck hit the age of playing bulk up middle aged dude shooting with guns, like Liam Neeson and Keanu Reeves, and even legendary Bob Odenkirk. Love his Batman too.
Comment by whoaskedcracker at 09/03/2025 at 23:56 UTC
-6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Stupid. When ben says "accountant 2" everyone amazed.. i say i count to 3 everyone laughs
Comment by PhantomPain85 at 09/03/2025 at 21:49 UTC
-66 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Jon “I play the same tortured character in every movie with tears in my eyes during my angry speech ” Bernthal
Comment by HotOne9364 at 09/03/2025 at 21:12 UTC
-53 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Ben Affleck was the best part of The Last Duel. He showcased how he could have a second wind as a character actor along with his directing career.
Instead, he chose to do schlock like this and Dunkin commercials.