by Henry Pham
The film and its title are very similar to the Nobody franchise (hence the same writer, Derek Kolstad, and the same actor, Bob Odenkirk). Normal focuses on a man named Ulysses, who comes to the small, fictitious town of Normal, Minnesota, to serve as the temporary sheriff after the passing of the original sheriff. However, a bank robbery in Normal, MN, leads Ulysses to find a criminal underground that reaches throughout the entire town. As he inspects the bank and is about to arrest the two bank robbers, Ulysses discovers a hidden cache of cash, gold bars, and military-grade weapons tied to a criminal operation connected to the Japanese mafia.
Bob Odenkirk (AMC’s Better Call Saul) stars as Ulysses, an interim sheriff appointed after the previous sheriff’s death. He quickly forms relationships with his deputies, residents, shopkeepers, and the mayor, who offers him the permanent role. On his first day, a bank robbery leads him to the local bank, where his own deputies open fire, exposing corruption within law enforcement. Odenkirk delivers a comedic action performance reminiscent of his work in the Nobody films. As the story unfolds, Ulysses’s character develops in isolation, with flashbacks providing context and highlighting the mission’s gravity. Supporting performances from Henry Winkler (ABC’s Happy Days), Reena Jolly, Brendan Fletcher (Violent Night), and Lena Headey (HBO’s Game of Thrones) strengthen the film’s action and structure.
Director Ben Wheatley, known for directing Meg 2: The Trench, leads the project. Odenkirk reunites with writer Derek Kolstad, who previously wrote the Nobody films and co-created the John Wick franchise. Although this film is original, Kolstad wrote this script before the first Nobody film was produced. During that production, he and Odenkirk agreed to collaborate on this project. Under Wheatley’s direction, the film maintains the atmosphere and quality of the Nobody franchise, though the plot is predictable for most of the film. The fight scenes and choreography are particularly notable, serving as highlights of the film. The action sequences are intense and well-executed, while the food scenes capture a 1950s feel. The fictional setting of Normal, MN, is inspired by the real town in Illinois and the 1996 film, Fargo, which was also a thriller movie. It also provides an effective backdrop for the story’s dystopian themes. The 90-minute runtime results in a fast pace, which at times compresses the narrative. A longer runtime could have allowed for more character and story development.
Writer Derek Kolstad and actor Bob Odenkirk continue their action-thriller streak in Normal. People who are fans of both Odenkirk and the Nobody franchise would appreciate this movie, just as they do with the John Wick films. With the 90-minute runtime, the movie may feel shorter for some, but it culminates in a hilarious way. It is insane and gruesome to watch as the plot progresses, but it is humorous thanks to the dialogue and the fight scenes. I think you will find this movie pleasant to see, with meatloaf and milkshake on the silver platter. It’s not perfect, but I’m glad I picked this movie because of Odenkirk, and I can’t wait to see more of his action performances in the future. Don’t forget, if you have kids, I suggest leaving them at home with a friendly babysitter on hand.
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