Nothing ‘Normal’ about latest Odenkirk action flick
Published 10:18 am Friday, April 17, 2026
This image released by Magnolia Pictures shows Bob Odenkirk in a scene from “Normal.” (Magnolia Pictures via AP)
The transitional career for character actor Bob Odenkirk continues in his latest film, “Normal.”
The man best known for “Better Call Saul,” who began his career as a writer on “Saturday Night Live,” has settled into the role of unlikely action hero with his role in “Nobody” and its sequel.
While not a fan of either of those films, I think Odenkirk has found a more suitable vehicle in “Normal.” Working again with “Nobody” screenwriter Derek Kolstad, this is a fun little ride that keeps re-inventing itself through its sleek 90 minute run time.
Odenkirk plays Ulysses who has arrived in the snowy town of Normal, Minnesota, as a temporary replacement for the recently deceased sheriff. It seems like the perfect like quiet town (complete with a mayor played by Henry Winkler) that Ulysses can just coast by as he tries to shake some demons from his past.
But the mundane small town erupts into a powder keg when two strangers (Brendan Fletcher, Reena Jolly) attempt to rob the local bank, which just so happens to be a front for the Yakuza crime family — with almost everyone in the town on the take to protect the syndicate’s assets.
Once that secret is out Ulysses becomes a target as well, with only the thieves and the former sheriff’s child Alex (Jess McLeod) as his allies.
Kolstad’s screenplay spends a lot of time in the first half setting the stage — with plenty of exposition — but the audience patience is rewarded with a stellar second half full of creative action pieces.
It starts with a standoff in the bank, building to a finale that includes a misfire that turns a peaceful dinner into a blood bath.
I was not a fan of the two “Nobody” films, which I felt were mean-spirited and nasty. This one has tongue planted firmly in cheek much more effectively, with some memorable townsfolk (anchored by Winkler having a lot of fun) and Odenkirk’s solid work as the every man with baggage.
Director Ben Wheatley, whose previous work includes “The Meg 2,” knows his way around an action film and stages some clever action sequences that feel fresh and creative.
With all the exposition, “Normal” does feel like it’s trying to provide a little more substance than needed for a film like this, but fortunately it doesn’t weigh down the pacing too much.
Fans of the “Nobody” films will definitely enjoy the final product here. Like its solid lead, “Normal” proves to be a solid bare-bones action film that proves to be a lot of fun in the process.
Grade: B-
About Micheal Compton
I am a sports reporter and movie critic for the Bowling Green Daily News.
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