So Stephen Holden didn't like this film (just saw it on cable TV). I thought it was suspenseful and held one's interest, though the plot was not particularly believable. A minor thing that annoyed me though; it was obvious almost instantly that the supposed paintings by Renoir and Pollock were crude and lousy imitations of the two. I hate when they do that in films, counting on audience ignorance to make some cheap artistic or literary allusion. For me, the most egregious example of that was in the remake of The Thomas Crown Affair (with Pierce Brosnan) where he supposedly steals a Monet painting that is ostensibly the origin of Impressionism. The true painting in that regard is Le Grenouille at The Met, but that wasn't "impressionistic" enough for the film's director. Instead they chose Monet's late life painting Sunset in Venice, which is dreamy looking because at that point in his life, Monet was nearly blind.
5
The writer of this article sounds like he went into the movie trying to find everything he hated about. This dude needed to go into the movie with an open mind, instead of trying to find everything wrong with it. Still, his theories and critiques made no sense to me. I'm pretty sure he was not "torturing himself" by beating his legs, but rather using it as a cope to get his complicated and powerful mind to calm down. This writer did not seem to understand the psychological effect of the syndrome, and to take into account the extreme lifestyle he was living, even though it is still just a movie. The accountant having the mind he has and the particular intense lifestyle he lives, it does not surprise me that he has such extremes copes to relax himself, or continue to develop his mind to "cope" with the outside world conditions to the extreme. Early in the film his father explains that the environment of isolation will not help him deal with the outside world, and that he has to learn to control himself and deal with the bullies, struggles, and conditions of the world around him.
I also think the writer just got his little mind confused with the all the subplots. They all add up to each other in the end, simulating a "happy ending" feeling, but this movie in no way supports that. It just shows the complicated life of the accountant to simply go on, with his previous adventure behind him. That is why there really is no "final destination".
8
We saw rented this movie last night and I can't believe I'm reading a review of the same film we saw.
This was a well constructed film with an ending that leaves viewers wrestling with their own conscience. That's what a good film should do.
Brilliantly acted by Ben Affleck and well constructed while still being complex, the film is a breath of fresh air with excellent writing, great acting and while filled with action, none of it is gratuitous.
I love the flashbacks coming into play at important points in the film to fill out the Accountant's character.
It almost seems like this reviewer was looking for an Autism Rom-com or something.
This was a well constructed film with an ending that leaves viewers wrestling with their own conscience. That's what a good film should do.
Brilliantly acted by Ben Affleck and well constructed while still being complex, the film is a breath of fresh air with excellent writing, great acting and while filled with action, none of it is gratuitous.
I love the flashbacks coming into play at important points in the film to fill out the Accountant's character.
It almost seems like this reviewer was looking for an Autism Rom-com or something.
22
One of the best movies I ever watched. I feel sorry for the reviewer who simply wasn't able to understand the movie and trivialized it's content. Granting that an autistic person would not lead the lifestyle of the main character, it does take an intriguing look at, "What if they did?" I felt there was plenty enough backstory and all the would-be loose ends were definitely tied up neatly if you paid close attention, but that's the key - you have to actually watch the movie and not be distracted or you will miss a lot and not understand what is happening and why. There is violence and foul language, so if you are squeamish in that department, I wouldn't say this is the movie for you. The story-line in my opinion was done quite well with regards to the subject matter and it had me guessing several times in what direction it was going. I highly recommend people with focus to watch this one.
18
Anyone notice who was exec producer on this shoot-em-up? Our new esteemed Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin. What an eye for a winner...
3
....just saw the film on a flight. Would that the Treasury Secretary make movies and not nonsense flights at taxpayer expense!
2
I Totally Loved This movie! The storyline was great, I loved the characters, I felt alot Of empathy toward Ben Afflect's
Character. The principal characters were great!! I Got The Story. Thank You!!
Character. The principal characters were great!! I Got The Story. Thank You!!
11
No redeeming features. Robotic non-believable characters; robotic serial killing; nonsensical plot; pallid dialog. The bare sprinkle of good lines indicates more than one writer. Time better spent going to bed early.
Great film. Ooo, so its not that realistic - who cares! Its a film and a highly entertaining one :-)
10
What the review is completely missing is that this is a classic superhero movie: right down to the inconspicuous alter ego, the hyper-competent but mysterious assistant, the Lois Lane character, the law enforcement officer who gets help and turns a blind eye in return, the intimate relationship with the arch nemesis. Add those elements and the story isn't nearly as disjointed as the review suggests.
23
Mmm. Requires a high tolerance of sociopathically stoic murders, patience with gimmick & incongruities, and interest or pleasure in watching Ben Affleck. Frankly the death count crossed over into annoying and I realized that whatever bit of tension/expectation the director managed to achieve earlier in the film, he essentially killed in a hail of bullets.
Bottom line : stupid and nearly watchable thanks to all the relative low ratio of blood to murders.
Also : I laughed out loud once, delighted.
Then back to stone faced close range assassinations...
Bottom line : stupid and nearly watchable thanks to all the relative low ratio of blood to murders.
Also : I laughed out loud once, delighted.
Then back to stone faced close range assassinations...
The last paragraph of Stephen Holden;s Review says it all. A strange mess of a movie that was so chaotic and unfathomable it often had my wife and I laughing when we were not scratching our heads tying to make sense of the nonsense.
2
Glad i didn't pay attention to this review...i would have never gone to see it.
This was among the most original and powerful movies I've seen in quite a while and I recommend it to anyone looking for an unexpected marvel.
This was among the most original and powerful movies I've seen in quite a while and I recommend it to anyone looking for an unexpected marvel.
27
What a disappointment this film is. The interest generated by the interesting subject of an autistic savant dealing in a foreign world is totally blown away (no pun intended) by the endless gratuitous violence and gun play. I simply lost count of the number of characters killed in the final climactic end. How many assault rifles and head shots can one be expected to absorb until one becomes anesthetized? Never has the genius of a writer like LeCarre been more evident in comparison. One wonders how this sort of garbage gets financed and manages to attract such top notch talent.
"Ms. Kendrick’s appearance invites the possibility of a romantic connection with Christian, but the movie, remaining true to its austere, ultramacho, deeply misanthropic ethos doesn’t allow it."
Thank God!
As a film critic, Mr Scott would be expected to applaud a movie that avoids clichés and shoehorning in gratuitous plot digressions like the Obligatory Romance. You'd think he'd also applaud a movie for integrity, both in the sense of including only what's essential to the core story, and in the sense of, yes, "remaining true" to its themes, tone and aesthetic.
Maybe he doesn't like "ultramacho" attitudes, beliefs and posturing. Fine, I don't either. Maybe he doesn't like its misanthropy. Fine again, although I part company with him there. If so, he should criticize the movie for being ultramacho or misanthropic -- i.e., on the basis of its content -- not for be true to itself.
Dozens of commenters on this board are here, as usual, to remind Mr. Scott that "it's only a movie," and yet ironically it's Mr. Scott who's in favor of cramming in a "popcorn-movie" cliche -- and a crass, mercenary cliché at that, since it's designed to make the movie more appealing to the "date movie" target group. Where are the Pauline Kaels of yesteryear?
Thank God!
As a film critic, Mr Scott would be expected to applaud a movie that avoids clichés and shoehorning in gratuitous plot digressions like the Obligatory Romance. You'd think he'd also applaud a movie for integrity, both in the sense of including only what's essential to the core story, and in the sense of, yes, "remaining true" to its themes, tone and aesthetic.
Maybe he doesn't like "ultramacho" attitudes, beliefs and posturing. Fine, I don't either. Maybe he doesn't like its misanthropy. Fine again, although I part company with him there. If so, he should criticize the movie for being ultramacho or misanthropic -- i.e., on the basis of its content -- not for be true to itself.
Dozens of commenters on this board are here, as usual, to remind Mr. Scott that "it's only a movie," and yet ironically it's Mr. Scott who's in favor of cramming in a "popcorn-movie" cliche -- and a crass, mercenary cliché at that, since it's designed to make the movie more appealing to the "date movie" target group. Where are the Pauline Kaels of yesteryear?
7
The review was not by Mr. Scott but by Stephen Holden.
1
I agree this was a great movie that was extremely well done. I am not sure why critics miss so much in the movies they are suppose to review but there seem to be a lot of crtics appear totally clueless. The Times Writer is one for sure.
16
It's a movie, people. That's all it is. Some movies can help us evolve and understand each other and become better human beings, and some movies just entertain us and help us deal with real-life stress. This movie is entertainment. And very good entertainment in my personal opinion. Relax and enjoy the ride, that's what it's there for.
I look forward to The Accountant becoming a franchise!
I look forward to The Accountant becoming a franchise!
12
Totally enjoyed this movie. As an Aunt of a Fragile X nephew I was saddened by the father's reluctance to to give his son the possibilies of the center where he was brought at the beginning of the movie. Ive watched my sister, husband and brother do everything available to give my nephew a full, rewarding life. Today he is a happy, heathly, engaging 24 yo man. Had he had the kind of training like Ben Afflect's character...who knows? But it's important to know the intelligence and abilities within a person with autism can be very special and only locked in by the effects of the syndrome. I enjoyed the action and twists in the movie...and I also liked the fact that portrayals of people with autism are being brought into mainstream so the people with these syndroms will be better understood.
5
It's amazing how misinformed the writer for this article is. Saying Ben Affleck's character beats himself because of his father's past treatment doesn't make sense. He has autism and he was doing that as a way to calm down. He completely missed the mark on the dad in the movie. While not the best way to raise a child with autism, his treatments were coming from a place of love, not hate. And has anyone heard of the word "tact"?
7
People who do not jave autism or have ever had to deal with will fail to connect to this movie as critics just as the autistic persons whom they are attempting to describe. Without this knowledge of course the movie makes little sense in this poorly thought out review. What would one expect? A sudden change of personality that make Affleck's character likeable? A romantic attachment to a person he only knew while working for the Robotics company? Affleck's character is set on stone and is perfect for the plot. There a numerous twists and surprises and we do not need to fill in every detail as to why Affleck's character has a Statehouse of weaponry. He deals witj drug cartels among others. A reasonably intelligent person can fill in the details. I don't expect a movie to explain to me how things came to be as they were. I can fill in the necessary information as most reasonably intelligent people are capable of doing. This review is a cautionary tale on writing without research.
5
My wife used to be a special education teacher. She was baffled by how horrible your analysis was of Ben Affleck's character in terms of his autism. The coping mechanisms employed are to help calm him down. Please do your research before writing your review. You work for the freaking New York Times!
10
It rather reminds me of a person like myself who is Bipolar who is asked to be "A little less Bipolar" if you just tried. That sums up this critic's knowledge of Autism and we he should have recused himself from writing a review about a subject he apparently knows nothing about and which is at the core of this entire motion picture. Without that knowledge this critic might well have provided reviews of iBulli, the Spanish restaurant with the 36 course meals of which he would know as much. Sad. (For the record, iBulli has closed its doors but my point is valid.)
4
"Deeply misanthropic"? Huh? The women in the movie Dana, the young justice department woman, Jean Smart, Christian's mother, are sympathetic-- intelligent, morally commendable and courageous. OK they weren't the leads but that doesn't make the movie misanthropic. Also the movie did include plenty of evidence of affection for Dana from Christian, in a way that was in keeping with his condition. Reviewers sometimes act in a herd. The notion that this movie is a bomb took hold and most didn't want to stick their necks out and give it a good or even thoughtful review. We went last night and loved it. Hope there is a sequel.
8
You're thinking of "misogynist."
"Misanthropic" describes someone who hates all human beings.
"Misanthropic" describes someone who hates all human beings.
Every couple of years a movie comes along that the critics just flat out get wrong, this is one of them. Go to IMDB, the critics HATED the Accountant, while the public, as a whole, were far more receptive.
Its not a perfect movie, there are a lot of flaws. The big reveal at the end has huge "give me a break factor" (no spoilers here). Affleck plays a character that is interesting and different. Great action scenes.
I enjoyed it and recommended it. Those that saw the movie based on my recommendation (my parents) said they were happy they went-
Its not a perfect movie, there are a lot of flaws. The big reveal at the end has huge "give me a break factor" (no spoilers here). Affleck plays a character that is interesting and different. Great action scenes.
I enjoyed it and recommended it. Those that saw the movie based on my recommendation (my parents) said they were happy they went-
7
Agree the critics wrong here - in fact, my wife and I loved this movie. It is so rare that I sit through a movie and realize at the end that my brain has been engaged the whole time. Too often my mind wanders because the plot is too thin or too obvious. This was an intelligent, well crafted film, with a decent story, great actors including Ben Affleck who we love, and action/fight scenes that can be compared to John Wick fights. We had a great time, and recommend this film highly. See it if it's still in your theater!
6
It is phenomenal, and there are no loose ends, USD 60 M (plus life insurance proceeds; plus control of the company after the murder of CEO,his wife, and CFO by criminals ( and C is one of them) is an act of crime; autism, childchood, medication could be utilized by the defense attorney; but it is well planned crime that does not seem to meet the light of justice, and that funds (that are the main motif) funded many lives; institute of Hanover, NH, Paul's Laundry, ZZZ accounting count as little as " one in two billions" probability for C to engage in romantic relationship
1
I was entertained. However, my criticism of it was the brutal way the father "prepared" his autistic son for the world. Due to the complexity of the syndrome, this tactic should not be viewed as a possible treatment plan. We need more research, and better facilities for helping those afflicted.
Critic missed one of the better written films of this year. The film is a fun ride with interesting twists neatly laid out throughout the story that are then clarifed in the end. Go see it!
13
The only thing that is overly long, and then ponderously arrives at the wrong destination, is this review.
Go see it, folks. It is one of the best movies of the year.
Go see it, folks. It is one of the best movies of the year.
13
This is a train wreck of a film. Affleck's terrific performance is totally wasted by a completely sloppy and inconceivable plot and a Hollywood shallow take on autism. A huge disappointment.
3
Slow start...but a fun action packed film.
1
Holden's review provides superficial treatment of an intensely interesting idea - autistic adults and their connection with the world. Some well-worn truisms like people fear what is different - pervade and are never resolved. While I agree the plot was difficult to follow, I love the deeper insights into sensory issues, social challenges, I don't think Ben Affleck could fully shed his celebrity persona, but this worked well because it provided a persona of independence, intelligence, humor, compassion in an autistic adult which I found so valuable.
7
This critic totally missed the points of this move.
17
I did not see what Mr. Holden saw as a film with "daddy issues". I found it to be an absorbing, at times humorous (mostly in the intelligent line readings of Ms. Kendrick and Mr. Affleck) and satisfying tale of how far a parent will go to try to launch a child successfully into the world. Yes, it is bloody because it's a modern day Western. In a society where corruption and greed are all too depressingly rampant, it's great to see "Robin Hood" Affleck right some serious wrongs. It's very entertaining and thought-provoking. They've got a good yarn with some dangling questions for a sequel and compelling characters all around.
8
It amazes me that people take what a critic has to say before seeing a film themselves. Go to the movie. Form your own opinion. Don't be just another member of the sheep herd. This movie was well done all around. It will keep you engaged and even give you a few laughs within the intensity which makes it unique. the plot and subplots tie together very well and the main plot twists are intriguing.
It feels like this critic really didn't pay attention to the movie. Like he put it on at his house while hosting a barbecue and only got to watch in between casual conversation and burger flipping.
"Eventually he runs wild like a cyborg on a shooting spree."
-If you watch the movie, you will see that he is not running wild, but actually holding true to his character as an assassin by taking out his enemies while being completely undetected until it was necessary.
"there aren’t any first-class jaunts to exotic foreign capitals, and no scenes of him being wined, dined and entertained by strippers amid piles of cocaine. He is a tormented loner."
- Christian is not interested in these things. He expresses a desire for better social skills to Dana (Anna Kendrick), but at no point does he seem driven by desires of the flesh. He is obsessive compulsive, which is demonstrated in both the lay out of his home and the way he reacts when he discovers janitors erasing his unfinished work in a Living Robotics meeting room. He needs to finish what he starts.
Just see the movie for yourself.
It feels like this critic really didn't pay attention to the movie. Like he put it on at his house while hosting a barbecue and only got to watch in between casual conversation and burger flipping.
"Eventually he runs wild like a cyborg on a shooting spree."
-If you watch the movie, you will see that he is not running wild, but actually holding true to his character as an assassin by taking out his enemies while being completely undetected until it was necessary.
"there aren’t any first-class jaunts to exotic foreign capitals, and no scenes of him being wined, dined and entertained by strippers amid piles of cocaine. He is a tormented loner."
- Christian is not interested in these things. He expresses a desire for better social skills to Dana (Anna Kendrick), but at no point does he seem driven by desires of the flesh. He is obsessive compulsive, which is demonstrated in both the lay out of his home and the way he reacts when he discovers janitors erasing his unfinished work in a Living Robotics meeting room. He needs to finish what he starts.
Just see the movie for yourself.
21
Gotta hand it to you Chris. I think you've diagnosed the reason why this review is as such: it's author was flipping burgers and hosting a party instead of properly watching (and quite possibly enjoying) this movie :P
That being said, it's obvious I'm being struck with a sense of disbelief and annoyance at this review due to how much I enjoyed this movie myself, so I guess it's still the point of "go see the movie for yourself" is big point here.
That being said, it's obvious I'm being struck with a sense of disbelief and annoyance at this review due to how much I enjoyed this movie myself, so I guess it's still the point of "go see the movie for yourself" is big point here.
7
ummmm, ... "It amazes me that people take what a critic has to say before seeing a film themselves."
that's kinda *why* i read reviews, to see if i want to see it, ans i have enough humility to respect the opinion of experts, noting that they may not always get it right.
same reason i check Consumer Reports (CR) before i buy a used car. i don't buy the car first and then compare my own review to that of CR to see who was correct.
i guess everyone's a genius about everything these days
that's kinda *why* i read reviews, to see if i want to see it, ans i have enough humility to respect the opinion of experts, noting that they may not always get it right.
same reason i check Consumer Reports (CR) before i buy a used car. i don't buy the car first and then compare my own review to that of CR to see who was correct.
i guess everyone's a genius about everything these days
1
I was excited to see this movie when I saw the trailer, then discouraged by the NYT review. Thankfully my son talked me into seeing it with him. The movie I saw bore little resemblance to the review. A tight, well scripted plot that revealed itself naturally, wrapped up loose ends crisply without seeming forced, and didn't feel a minute too long. From the other comments I read, it appears the critics review is in the minority. Perhaps dark, complicated pictures aren't his forte and he should stick to lighter, more simplistic fare.
15
Could of done without the gratuitous sex scenes.
3/4 of the movie was backstory. Halfway through I'm wondering when is it going to end? All this has got to be related, and I haven't got a frign clue how or when the producer/director is going to do it.
When the pieces finally start to come together like a Muhamed Ali puzzle the dogs playing poker is a tidy way to clean up what initially appeared to be that slippery brown stuff on the bottom of the shoe stinking up the carpet.
That initial irritation turned to a feeling of success when I finished watching. It was like sex, a lot of heavy breathing and sweating in the middle, with an orgasm and cuddling at the end. Well worth the effort. I smiled.
3/4 of the movie was backstory. Halfway through I'm wondering when is it going to end? All this has got to be related, and I haven't got a frign clue how or when the producer/director is going to do it.
When the pieces finally start to come together like a Muhamed Ali puzzle the dogs playing poker is a tidy way to clean up what initially appeared to be that slippery brown stuff on the bottom of the shoe stinking up the carpet.
That initial irritation turned to a feeling of success when I finished watching. It was like sex, a lot of heavy breathing and sweating in the middle, with an orgasm and cuddling at the end. Well worth the effort. I smiled.
2
My bride and I said "what sex scene?" No his martial art preparation was marvelous.
My Sufi would use bottles to toughen his shins and teach students the same! My bride and I are waiting on the sequel!
My Sufi would use bottles to toughen his shins and teach students the same! My bride and I are waiting on the sequel!
1
I'll assume the reference to gratuitous sex scenes was sarcasm. My husband (an accountant) and I went to this movie with another accountant and his bookkeeper wife. It was a lot better than the review suggests and we enjoyed it. There was violence but shot in darkened scenes so very little "blood". Alas, no sex, not even a kiss!
3
Perhaps some movie critics needed to juice up on Mountain Dew or a Monster energy drink or something - prior to seeing AND reviewing the movie?
The scenes with the shooting all made absolute perfect sense; as did the timelines.
That a person who reviews movies for a living wasn't able to follow along with the story....that's just sad.
The subtleties regarding math, computers, accounting, even physics: made this movie with every cent paid - even considering the outrageous cost of concessions!
One doesn't have to be a math nerd or autistic (or both) to enjoy the movie. Ben Affleck and Anna Kendrick (and others) did an incredible job!
The scenes with the shooting all made absolute perfect sense; as did the timelines.
That a person who reviews movies for a living wasn't able to follow along with the story....that's just sad.
The subtleties regarding math, computers, accounting, even physics: made this movie with every cent paid - even considering the outrageous cost of concessions!
One doesn't have to be a math nerd or autistic (or both) to enjoy the movie. Ben Affleck and Anna Kendrick (and others) did an incredible job!
6
This author expected a different character of Christian Wolff(Ben Affleck). He expected him to be tied up with prostitutes and drugs, and when he wasn't this person, he complained. I thought the character was an accurate representation of a high functioning autistic person. This author also fails to realize the connections in the plot, and that all the characters of the subplots tie into the main plot. I give this review a 0/10, this was a great movie.
4
I saw a preview screening of this movie a couple nights before it officially opened and I'm so glad I saw it without benefit of anyone's review. It did what so many movies I've wasted $15 on didn't do: it entertained me! The audience laughed a lot and applauded at the end. I'm likely to see it again. Really fun time at the movies, for a change :-)
5
Forget you read this review and go see this film. It's excellent, and so are all the actors. This dumb reviewer thought the shaking, mumbling, wild behavior of the young boy was some kind of trauma-induced behavior, the result of a mean father. What? It's classic autism syndrome. I don't want to explain too much and give plot points away, but this review is as dumb as one I read a long time ago about the film version of Black Beauty where the reviewer thought it was silly that they made the horse the narrator (for those who don't know, the horse was the narrator in the book).
Anyway, we saw the film today, and highly recommend it. What convinced me to go was reading Rotten Tomatoes. It only got 50% from critics, but like 99% positive, enthousiastic reviews from the normal people who went to see it. Movie critics are not normal people.
Anyway, we saw the film today, and highly recommend it. What convinced me to go was reading Rotten Tomatoes. It only got 50% from critics, but like 99% positive, enthousiastic reviews from the normal people who went to see it. Movie critics are not normal people.
5
Yeah. I see the reviewer's point, but I still found a lot to like about this movie - not the least of which was Affleck's subtle and committed performance. I don't have a problem with plot holes and inconsistencies in movies such as this. I mean, movies such as this one and the Bourne series, and the Bond movies are so full of "unbelievable" scenarios, that were you to take the approach of this reviewer you could never watch an action/adventure film and enjoy it as escapism.
By the end of this film I could see other Accountant movies in the future and frankly, I will be glad to check those out as well. Affleck is pretty convincing to me, and I liked the plot twist/reveal at the end. I'm willing to go along with the plot holes, just as I do for so many other movies of all varieties. I think it's a shame when we forget that movies, for many, are about escaping into a fantasy world. It doesn't always have to make perfect sense. Sometimes it can just be fun.
By the end of this film I could see other Accountant movies in the future and frankly, I will be glad to check those out as well. Affleck is pretty convincing to me, and I liked the plot twist/reveal at the end. I'm willing to go along with the plot holes, just as I do for so many other movies of all varieties. I think it's a shame when we forget that movies, for many, are about escaping into a fantasy world. It doesn't always have to make perfect sense. Sometimes it can just be fun.
6
Don't listen to this guy. It's riveting movie.
8
I cannot wait to see the Accountant!!
1
This review seems to miss what the movie is about. (Connections, as I saw it, trying to make connections, and the complications, the good and the evil that can result from condoning immoral actions to try to get arguably moral results. That's why the Treasury agents subplot, among others, isn't "poorly integrated." In fact, it's intrinsic to the film.) It seems like the Affleck character's condition might exist at least partly to add noticeable contrast in exploration of these ambiguities. In short, this seems not insignificantly like a "think" movie disguised as an action film.
7
The trailers for this film underwent some noticeable editing. Originally, the Ben Affleck character was described as having a mind comparable to that of a "Mozart, Einstein, or Picasso" in voiceover dialogue. Later trailers mentioned only Mozart, and Einstein. Was a decision made that either Affleck's character was unlike Picasso, or that perhaps Picasso wasn't a savant?
Loved this movie. A.O. Scott would have written a much better review. Definitely worth seeing.
2
My mother and I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It was a very poignant character sketch and a good thriller. All of the actors did a wonderful job !
5
I really liked this movie the bad people got what they deserved. I didn't find it hard to follow. I don't think certain characters were left out to dry. You have to connect a few dots but why is it hard to do a little thinking?
8
As a woman married to a man with Aspergers I recognized the obvious affection Affleck's character had for Ms. Kendrick's. The subtlety and poignancy of it made me smile. I understand why people are upset that Affleck's character does not "accurately" represent all people on the spectrum, but his character gets some of it right.
8
The critic doesn't have a clue about autism/Asperger's. An interesting plot, audience clapped at the end!
9
Sooo basically Bourne in a tie.
3
Yes Autism isn't always shown in it's correct way, but this is a movie and they make them for entertainment for the most part and I think Ben Affeck is a caring actor.. try watching it first..
3
I thought this was a great movie-really!. It was lean and taut, with just the right amount of back story. Affleck's Wolff two poles - as autistic savant and Jason Bourne like avenger add dimension and contrast to his character. It recalls some of the great French Noir classics, like those of Jean-Pierre Melville, such as Bob le Flambeur. Wolff has compassion, and nobility, that he finds hard to express. His father, for all his rigidity, seems loving and genuine. The end, unlike most recent films had a genuine surprise that I did not see coming It was also cathartic and almost humorous, in the midst of bloodshed. I must be a contrarian, but I loved it
6
Reading the review saved me from paying money to watch this movie.
It is good to remember that just as you cannot judge a book by its cover you cannot judge a movie by a trailer designed to grab your attention and make a poor movie look like it might be coherent and enjoyable..
It is good to remember that just as you cannot judge a book by its cover you cannot judge a movie by a trailer designed to grab your attention and make a poor movie look like it might be coherent and enjoyable..
"Define Normal"
Notwithstanding the self-consciously, over-complicated plot, I liked being kept guessing. In perhaps not as elegant a way as say Usual Suspects, it seeps information slowly and keeps us engaged and trying to assemble the dark, disparate components of the plot and characters.
I liked the hero as autistic, trying to construct, assemble, resolve a life, though I think there are Hollywood liberties taken with the pathology (interesting note about diabetes - I won't reveal a possible spoiler - I'm diabetic); I liked these physiological elements, impediments and challenges to the plot.
I too would've liked some exposition vis-a-vis the nefarious, international "clients" the protagonist had.
The denouement was fun, if not borderline sentimental (I'm a sucker for these).
I would see it again and will probably buy the DVD when it comes out.
I liked the hero as autistic, trying to construct, assemble, resolve a life, though I think there are Hollywood liberties taken with the pathology (interesting note about diabetes - I won't reveal a possible spoiler - I'm diabetic); I liked these physiological elements, impediments and challenges to the plot.
I too would've liked some exposition vis-a-vis the nefarious, international "clients" the protagonist had.
The denouement was fun, if not borderline sentimental (I'm a sucker for these).
I would see it again and will probably buy the DVD when it comes out.
1
Ok but what did the reviewer really feel about the picture? Most times all we get is a structural analysis of the film, but not a "is good/is bad" level of analysis. The loose narrative comments are relevant, but does one truly notice that when watching?
I haven't seen the film, but I watched the trailer, and the trailer was spot-on. Now, I once watched a trailer for a comedy that had me crying with laughter. The trailer actually induced me and my son to watch the movie in a theatre. I found out they had packed every single funny scene in the move into the trailer. The trailer was 2 to 3 minutes long, and the movie was 1 hour 31 minutes of excruciating tedium. And since I'd already seen them, even the funny parts were no relief. But, based on the trailer, I'd watch this one. At home.
Stephen, a bit of a spoiler ! I thought it was interesting and entertaining and Affleck is good as his character.
The Accountant uses a 50 caliper sniper rifle on bad guys in a wood house and some survived. Unless you're behind a concrete wall or several inches of steel plate they should be dead or fatally wounded.
3
Film is much better than this review suggests. Yes a few plot holes, but a satisfying thriller. Affleck and Kendrick were great. It was left open at the end for a possible sequel. Audience clapped at the end. Can't recall the last time that happened.
3
I could not agree more with this review. When I walked out of the theatre I said 'what the hell was that?' And agree, Ben is better than that. What was he thinking?
My fiance and I watched this movie last night. I normally would not take her to an action movie with so much shooting and blood shed, but there was so much under the surface of this movie we are still talking about it this morning. It was about connections. For both of us it was a 10/10.
Did you figure out who the female voice was?
Did you figure out who the female voice was?
6
Yes. It's a great twist you can easily miss.
Because of the review I nearly didn't see this movie. But I thought that any movie with the talents of the three leads - Affleck, Kendrick and Simmons -couldn't be as bad as suggested. I was right and enjoyed an intriguing, propulsive story; fun to figure out and exciting to watch. We were still talking about it 24 hours later. For me, that's proof enough.
17
Hollywood studio chiefs years ago decided that FX/CGI was the future and smashed the writers' colony to shreds.
An observer is left to conclude that high tech companies now control Hollywood: films are merely vehicles to create business for the electronic manipulators. Writing, acting, plots, location---- all are subsumed to the juggernaut of the artificial.
Thank God there is an active international film community of great auteur directors, cinematographers, writers, and editors.
Hollywood does make "people" films, but they are either ridiculously violent ones or vehicles to illuminate the lives of millennials and their dating and parental anguishes.
Hollywood is dead.
An observer is left to conclude that high tech companies now control Hollywood: films are merely vehicles to create business for the electronic manipulators. Writing, acting, plots, location---- all are subsumed to the juggernaut of the artificial.
Thank God there is an active international film community of great auteur directors, cinematographers, writers, and editors.
Hollywood does make "people" films, but they are either ridiculously violent ones or vehicles to illuminate the lives of millennials and their dating and parental anguishes.
Hollywood is dead.
1
I think I'll see it just because the Times doesn't like it. Reads like Holden wrote it in a hurry.
I think my accountant needs to see this. It might give him an idea for his next job. Better than idly watching as tech overtakes him .....
I enjoyed it more than this reviewer but there is one thing that should be mentioned. There are two scenes with intense flashing strobes. Having a friend who will have a seizure if she sees this, I made sure in my personal review that that was mentioned. Otherwise, I thought it held together fairly well. Not much in the way of loose ends, but it has a dark gray look most of the time. Not upbeat really, but fairly solid. Didn't feel that I wasted money.
5
tired of hollywood's portrayal of autistic people as socially inept math savants. that's a thin slice of a very broad spectrum, yet it's regrettably come to represent all people with autism.
35
Maybe Affleck should try directing the movies he acts in. Worked well enough with Argo and The Town.
7
Good point, those two movies were, for me, the high points of his career so far.
I think the most difficult suspension of disbelief would probably be having to conceive of the big dumb jock Ben Affleck as a mathematical genius. Thanks for filling me in on the rest of the plot's gaping holes, and I don't think I'll bother to see this, ever.
5
Hollywood reboot pitch: Ben Affleck is "Simple Jack"
5
Respectfully, Mr. Holden seems to caught up in the type of things that have most people ignore professional critics and pay more attention to consumer reviews.
Ben Affleck's movies have gotten so much better because his choices in what are fun or exciting movies has gotten better. There are good artsy movies, but, people like appealing fantasies or movies. The people in them don't have to be that nice or ethical at all if they have other impressive characteristics. Personally, I need at least one person I can identify with, usually like in a movie or tv show. Vic on The Shield was a good example. In real life, he was reprehensible, but, in a fantasy, I just wanted him to win. But some people don't even need a likable hero; they just want drama. Hence the success of shows like Scandal, Revenge, etc. Plot holes do not mean much either. Mostly viewers don't even realize it when it happen and if we do - we shrug, if the movie is good enough.
If the accountant is an appealing fantasy because of some combination of action, effects, well drafted characters, good writing/directing/production/acting, then people will like the movie. If it isn't, well, they won't.
Ben Affleck's movies have gotten so much better because his choices in what are fun or exciting movies has gotten better. There are good artsy movies, but, people like appealing fantasies or movies. The people in them don't have to be that nice or ethical at all if they have other impressive characteristics. Personally, I need at least one person I can identify with, usually like in a movie or tv show. Vic on The Shield was a good example. In real life, he was reprehensible, but, in a fantasy, I just wanted him to win. But some people don't even need a likable hero; they just want drama. Hence the success of shows like Scandal, Revenge, etc. Plot holes do not mean much either. Mostly viewers don't even realize it when it happen and if we do - we shrug, if the movie is good enough.
If the accountant is an appealing fantasy because of some combination of action, effects, well drafted characters, good writing/directing/production/acting, then people will like the movie. If it isn't, well, they won't.
12
How could a film about an accountant be bad?
42
Wait. "Supermacho" means no women or sex? I thought it meant a guy couldn't get enough. Or maybe the author just goes for silly pop cultural motifs without really thinking his way through.
4
Nothing like reinforcing all the stereotypes about people on the autism spectrum and then adding in an even less likely element by turning the protagonist into a cold-hearted, conniving killing machine. Thanks a lot, Hollywood.
23
Aw shucks. I was looking forward to this movie.
6
Go see it. Wonderfully written multi-layered plot.
3
Don't go with the reviews. Sometimes a movie goer just wants escapism no matter how silly. Go for it!
I am going this morning.
I am going this morning.
3
Don't base your decision not to see this movie on this review. It's a good time, really!
2
Highly recommended: The National Theatre Live showing of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
11
There comes a time in every mediocre actor's "career" when he wants to be taken seriously. Actresses too.
The attempt usually fails.
The attempt usually fails.
3
Oh, so rude!
1
It was a pleasure to read Mr. Holden's review -- as much as the movie does not sound a pleasure to watch. Child abuse --especially of a child with autism--is something I can't watch. The movie sounds ill-conceived and dull. But I do love reading great reviews of sub-par movies. Thank you!
23
"Sounds...sounds"... Maybe you should watch the movie and form an opinion?
4
As a father with a son on the autism spectrum, I hate these movies where autism is along the lines of a personality quirk and hey, even an advantage. These movies and feel good stories about people with autism being geniuses like Einstein or "idiot savants" like Rain Man perpetuate a false reality.
There are very, very few people like this on the autism spectrum. Those with classic autism have severe impairments.
Even worse, this movie perpetuates a subtler and dangerous falsehood. The falsehood of people with autism or developmental delays being dangerous, homicidal, and anti-social.
Shame on the producers of this movie.
There are very, very few people like this on the autism spectrum. Those with classic autism have severe impairments.
Even worse, this movie perpetuates a subtler and dangerous falsehood. The falsehood of people with autism or developmental delays being dangerous, homicidal, and anti-social.
Shame on the producers of this movie.
62
There is one character much worse and even he as a child has a difficult time.
TStreetBob, The movie attributes Christian's violence to the misguided direction of his father, not to autism per se. There is much in the movie indicating Christian's underlying humanity. Also, this movie isn't meant to be the last word on autism or Asperger's. That he is an appealing person is a plus, though, it seems to me.
1
We need better representation of people living on the autistic spectrum, not just making one the center of a big action film. This is not progress and it sounds like it conflates the discredited "bad parenting" narrative of autism (here a refrigerator father not mother, but Kanner and Bettelheim are still merrily laughing in the ether) and the innate theory (which seems more likely, given the science). I'll still go to see it, because I want to know how millions of people are likely to view autism, given the power Hollywood films have to shape public beliefs, but under protest.
15
You may remember that he (Affleck) and his buddy (Matt Damon) wrote almost 20 years ago a successful script out of the same premise: a brilliant boy brought up in challenging conditions, trying to deal with issues of abandonment and abuse (Good Will Hunting). We're living nowadays in Cinema not only the era of sequels/franchises, but also one of rekindled stories from the past
14
they didn't really write Good Will Hunting. They hired an A list screenwriter.
1
This bears no resemblance to GWH. Magnificent writing, multi-layered plot
1
"Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller"
Saw it this evening, 13th. All of the above. 5/5 or 10/10, in my opinion. Will buy it.
"strong violence and language"
Yes, people fighting to stay alive, using guns and anything else handy... but I honestly did not notice the language (other than the accounting terminology.)
Saw it this evening, 13th. All of the above. 5/5 or 10/10, in my opinion. Will buy it.
"strong violence and language"
Yes, people fighting to stay alive, using guns and anything else handy... but I honestly did not notice the language (other than the accounting terminology.)
6
Just saw this and completely agree with the review. I felt like someone in a Hollywood boardroom said Hey we need to add this and oooh wouldn't it be great if this happened. Ben Affleck is incredible and better than this film deserves. I had such high hopes for the film and other than Mr Affleck, it just didn't deliver.
8
Your critic is far too tough on this film. It's an action thriller, not an Oscar contender. There are holes in the narrative and some poor storytelling, but it works from an original premise, allows for good acting, good humor and solid action. Which is what people who like action thrillers are looking for.
38
Please watch movie again, Steven Holden - the child STARTED OUT being uncontrollable, mumbling gibberish; he wasn't turned into one.
And did you leave before the end?
This review is missing a lot of details.
And did you leave before the end?
This review is missing a lot of details.
26
I don't think a critic's job is to tell the whole story in full detail. There will be nothing left for the movie goer to enjoy if the plot and how it ends are already revealed.
1
This may help the image of CPA's throughout the country.
35
As I said to my friends when I left the theater, my review would have been called 'The Rain Man Ultimatum.' Because that's basically what you get here.
13
I'm 57 and it's likely that I'm on the autism-spectrum and suffer from Asperger's Syndrome. I have most of the classic symptoms. It's true that we Aspies are relationship-challenged; makes for a lonely life. During the times that I've been single I've been miserable, wondering when-and-if "Ms. Right" was going to appear. When I'm in a relationship or married--I'm on my third-and-final marriage--I'm miserable because I don't have enough "space" and I feel like I'm suffocating.
This sounds interesting, I'll watch it eventually.
This sounds interesting, I'll watch it eventually.
14
You don't have to have aspergers to have that description fit. Many men, and many women as well, also feel that way.
4
Strange that the writer decided to further the myth that accountants are good with numbers. I am a CPA (aka Certified Public Accountant) now retired after a full and diversified career that encompassed 1957 to 1993. If I was better than average with numbers, I truly doubt it. And that was true as well for the many accountants and CPAs that I met over the years. Grocers, Engineers, Priests, Fortune Tellers, Librarians, Bookkeepers, Traffic Cops, etc. and many others all have a greater need and proficiency with numbers than do Accountants and certainly CPAs, the latter needing much more an education and ability to deal in concepts and useful theories than an ability to add and subtract numbers.
As to the movie, I have not seen it nor do I expect to since the initial premise seems kinda confused to me. Even an idiot savant would have been a better choice for this although anyone would have worked.
As to the movie, I have not seen it nor do I expect to since the initial premise seems kinda confused to me. Even an idiot savant would have been a better choice for this although anyone would have worked.
1
Ben Affleck has never received an Oscar nomination for his acting but if he's playing an autistic savant in this film....!!
25
Well, he definitely followed the sage advice of Sgt. Lincoln Osiris, so maybe. But probably not.
3
He is a multiple Oscar, Golden Globes and SAG winner - I don't think he is sweating it.
7
Never go full . . . .
3