Movie Review - Normal

Normal isn’t like a box of chocolates—you know exactly what you’re going to get.

With his last couple of films, Bob Odenkirk seems to be stepping into the Liam Neeson formula: the older man with a hidden violent past, a “particular set of skills,” and someone you don’t want to cross. But, he plays it with a twist. He’s not a mythic tough guy—he’s the perfect middle-aged, worn-down “everyman.” And Bob Odenkirk does it well.

7:42●●● 95%

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He plays Sheriff Ulysses in the small town of Normal, Minnesota. He’s filling in for the recently deceased Sheriff until an election can be held. Sheriff Ulysses learns the town of Normal is not normal…and he has a job to do.

The plot of Normal is a vehicle to move from one violent scene to the next. It’s predictable, with no over-the-top superhero spectacles — just gritty action, with a touch of dark humor throughout.

Normal has a great soundtrack featuring artists as varied as Black Sabbath, Dr. Hook, John Lee Hooker, some folk, and even some rockabilly sides by Janis Martin and the obscure Hot Rod Hop by The Sportsmen that set the tone for your trip to Normal.

There are a couple of surprising cameos that press the nostalgia button and add a nice touch to the movie.

Bob Odenkirk delivers a performance that makes you root for him. I don’t think Normal will win any major awards, but if you’re willing to suspend disbelief, forget your troubles, and have a good time for a couple hours, this film might be for you.

Grade: B-

Plot
Interim sheriff Ulysses, called to the snowbound town of Normal, MN, uncovers an international criminal conspiracy at the heart of the seemingly quaint whistle-stop when he comes to the aid of a bank-robbing couple caught up in a deadly mess.