AceShowbiz - Normal marks another entry in Bob Odenkirk’s growing portfolio of films that explore the unexpected lives of seemingly ordinary men thrust into extraordinary violence. Following his role in last year’s Nobody 2, the sequel to the 2021 cult hit Nobody, Odenkirk once again plays a middle-aged everyman caught in a brutal, bloody scenario. The film’s title references Normal, Minnesota, a small, sleepy town that the movie transforms into a stage for chaos and carnage.

The use of simple, nondescript titles like Normal and Nobody is deliberate. Unlike traditional action heroes such as Liam Neeson or Kevin Costner, Odenkirk specializes in portraying “normals” — unassuming characters who unexpectedly reveal deadly skills. This premise isn’t new in the genre, but Odenkirk brings a unique energy to his roles, often conveying a sense of bemusement or disbelief at his own violent exploits, which adds a fresh layer of engagement for audiences.

In Normal, Odenkirk plays Ulysses, a substitute sheriff temporarily taking over duties after the previous sheriff’s mysterious death. The town of Normal is portrayed as a quiet, snow-covered place with a motto of “We like it here,” embodying the classic small-town charm with “big people, small problems.” Ulysses himself is a drifter, estranged from his wife and seemingly indifferent about returning home, perfectly suited to this in-between existence. However, the film quickly signals that Normal’s tranquility is a facade. The opening scene shifts dramatically to a yakuza meeting in Osaka, Japan, where a henchman is beheaded, and another, missing a pinky, is sent to Normal to “redeem” himself. This dark thread sets up the inevitable violent confrontations to come.

The screenplay was penned by Derek Kolstad, known for writing the Nobody films and much of the John Wick franchise. The director is Ben Wheatley, a British filmmaker whose earlier work showcased his idiosyncratic take on genre, though recently he has directed more mainstream projects like Meg 2: The Trench. Wheatley’s strength lies in crafting atmosphere, and Normal benefits from a palpable sense of place that distinguishes it from many similar thrillers.

When it comes to action, Normal delivers moments that range from mildly interesting to familiar genre tropes. The film leans into violence that has become somewhat expected: accidental gun discharges, graphic stabbings, and brutal beatings. These scenes may either feel fresh to newcomers or redundant to seasoned viewers. The repetitiveness of such violence might even be intentional, reflecting a nihilistic tone that pervades the film. While Normal rarely bores, it also doesn’t inspire much excitement or innovation within the action genre. It functions as a passable distraction but risks fading quickly from memory once the credits roll.

What truly elevates Normal, however, is Odenkirk himself. Despite some shortcomings in the script and direction, his portrayal of Ulysses imbues the film with a subtle existential weight. Even amid the bloodshed, Odenkirk often wears a “Who, me?” expression, as if the violence unfolding around him is surreal or dreamlike. Early in the film, Ulysses remarks, “Life’s a bit easier when you care a little less,” a line that attempts to sketch his character’s emotional detachment. But as the story progresses, he never fully embraces caring, maintaining a cool distance that makes him a fitting surrogate for the audience—an observer caught in the middle of chaos, trying to make sense of the mayhem.

Overall, Normal is a film that fits comfortably within the current wave of action movies centered on “everyman” protagonists unexpectedly drawn into violence. Its strengths lie in setting and atmosphere rather than groundbreaking action or narrative depth. While Odenkirk’s performance adds a layer of intrigue and emotional ambiguity, the film itself may not leave a lasting impression beyond a brief, entertaining escape. Fans of the genre and Odenkirk’s work will find enough to hold their interest, but others may quickly move on after the final scene.