128 minutes, Crime Drama/Action

Dusted off the 2011 Blacklist shelf as one of the most liked unmade scripts of that year arrives THE ACCOUNTANT, a crime drama/action starring Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, Jon Bernthal, John Lithgow, J.K. Simmons and Cynthia Addai-Robinson. The title refers to Christian Wolff (Affleck), who earns his living by uncooking the books for his clients, most of whom are linked to the crime world. An autistic man and a maths genius, Christian’s freelance practice comes under suspicion by the Treasury Department where a departmental director, Raymond King (Simmons), who is approaching retirement and his associate, Marybeth Medina (Addai-Robinson), who is just beginning her career, investigate his activities.

This new film from director Gavin O’Connor (WARRIOR, PRIDE & GLORY) establishes a rock solid foundation throughout a cohesive and solidly constructed first half, before this tale of a man who uncooks the books eventually becomes overcooked itself. 

Had the screenplay been content with sticking to this foundation and concentrated more squarely on extracting twists and thrills from its initial set-up rather than opting for add-ons, I’m inclined to believe the end result would be far better. Bill Dubuque’s screenplay (writer of THE JUDGE) gets pretty damn complex, and rather contrived, with the inclusion of several more characters and plot developments into the fray, each with some form of connection or involvement to the titular character. On paper, I’m sure it reads less convoluted. But O’Connor’s directing work of these additional strands throughout the second half, which are critical to the viewer’s overall understanding, is clunky. 

To the credit of THE ACCOUNTANT, and just like its lead character, the film concludes all that it commences. Yet ironically, after watching THE ACCOUNTANT, you might find that you’re left with the exact same thought after a visit to your own personal accountant – it really looked like I’d be receiving more than what I’m leaving with!

3 out of 5 

Trailer
THE ACCOUNTANT

Viewer Discretion 
MA15+ – Strong Violence 

Moviedoc wishes to thank Sophie from Village Roadshow, Village Roadshow and Village Cinemas Jam Factory for the invitation to the Special Preview Screening of THE ACCOUNTANT. 

Review by Moviedoc 
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