Nobody
review by Bobby Blakey
I love when actors step into a genre they aren’t known for especially action films. Now Bob Odenkirk most known for his work out Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul these days is getting his chance to bring the pain in the film Nobody co-starring Connie Nielsen, Michael Ironside, Christopher Lloyd, and RZA with Hardcore Henry director Ilya Naishuller at the helm from a script by Derek Kolstad, the narrative architect of the John Wick franchise. Can Odenkirk step up to kick some ass or will he fail to be more than a nobody?
Nobody follows Hutch Mansell, an underestimated and overlooked dad and husband, taking life's indignities on the chin and never pushing back. When two thieves break into his suburban home one night, Hutch declines to defend himself or his family, hoping to prevent serious violence. His teenage son, Blake, is disappointed in him and his wife, Becca, seems to pull only further away. The aftermath of the incident strikes a match to Hutch's long-simmering rage, triggering dormant instincts and propelling him on a brutal path that will surface dark secrets and lethal skills. In a barrage of fists, gunfire and squealing tires, Hutch must save his family from a dangerous adversary-and ensure that he will never be underestimated as a nobody again.
From the first trailer I was in on this film. I love Odenkirk and was excited to see what he could do especially after seeing some of the behind the scenes training for the film. He went all in with the stunt team and it paid off in a big way. This film is all kinds of awesome and gave me that same feeling of excitement after seeing the original John Wick. While there is a similar element this film takes a whole new approach with a character that obviously has a past and some skills, but is really out of practice.
This takes away his initial edge trying to live this new life and makes for some great back and forth on the action front. There is some martial arts elements here but this time around it relies more on the gun play and pulls no punches. Odenkirk is so good here with not only the every man he is brilliant at
playing, but even being a tough guy. He slowing transforms back into what we can only assume he once was as the film moves forward and you fully buy into it. His clear passion and hard work pays off big time and delivers everything I had hoped in this movie and more.
The rest of the cast are great as well with some other unexpected people getting in on the action and making for some great moments. If I had one complaint it might be for the main villain that bounced between believably dangerous and comical. I know this was kind of on purpose, but I prefer them to pick one or the other in these kinds of films. For the martial arts fans out there pay close attention to see martial arts action stars Daniel Bernhardt and Alain Moussi who got in on the fun.
This is just an old school bad ass action flick that we just don’t get enough of and I hope this is not the last time we see Odenkirk in this role. They do offer up some options for more complete with a mid-credit scene, but even if they don’t works to perfection as a standalone actioner as well. I loved this movie and cannot wait to check it out again.
In addition to the film, this release offers up bonus content including commentary, deleted scenes, numerous featurettes and more on how they brought this action packed flick to life. Grab your copy of Nobody available now on Digital and then on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD on June 22nd from Universal Home Entertainment.