Release Date: October 14th, 2016
Starring: Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, Jon Bernthal, J.K. Simmons, John Lithgow, Jeffrey Tambor
Director: Gavin O’ Connor (Jane Got a Gun, Warrior, Miracle)
Pre Trailer Thoughts: I’ve been seeing small bits of media for The Accountant around social media, but I actually watched the trailer for the first time before writing down my thoughts on it. Initially I was attracted to the project based on the insane cast, and it all gets better from there. -LJF
Pre-Trailer Thoughts: Ben Affleck’s career revival has been marked by his own directorial efforts like Gone Baby Gone and Argo, or working with auteurs like Terrence Malick and David Fincher. The Accountant doesn’t have the added benefit of a truly prestigious director or Affleck’s evolving directorial skills so it’ll be interesting to see how much his rebounding star power can carry a thriller like this. – JTM
Rate the Trailer: 4 out of 5. This movie looks sweet. It’s very quiet in the terms of the plot, so that’s a plus. The building tension and the perfectly placed music helps immensely, and Affleck looks like he’s going to have a truly memorable performance. Gavin O’ Connor’s record for film is pretty solid, so I expect this to be a really good thriller. Also, I still can’t get over this cast. It’s incredible. -LJF
Rate the Trailer: 3 out of 5. “Ben Affleck is an autistic savant” is probably the least likely setup for an action thriller that I can think of. Affleck still seems oddly out of place in the role, especially coming fresh off of playing Batman earlier this year, but at the very least he’ll be supported by a strong cast that includes JK Simmons and Anna Kendrick. The use of Radiohead’s “Everything in it’s Right Place” to signify Affleck’s autism get bonus points from me, but its arguably the only notable element in an otherwise blase trailer. High concept and impressive cast aside, nothing here really makes it seem any more interesting than any other spy thriller from recent years. – JTM
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided: Rent (but trying for Theater). I’m game to watch The Accountant but a theater viewing might be difficult and hard to schedule. But this will definitely be a “top of the list” rental when it comes out. Either way, I can’t wait. -LJF
Theater, Rent, Undecided, No Thanks? Undecided. This one is going to be entirely left up to it’s reviews. Unless this gets absolutely stellar praise, it seems just a bit too middle-of-the-road for me to spend money on right before the crowded Holiday movie season. – JTM
