‘Nobody’ movie review

“Never underestimate a Nobody.”  That logline says it all.  Move over Keanu Reeves, there is a new middle-aged action hero in town.  Comic actor Bob Odenkirk who is best known for his work in ‘Better Call Saul,’ joins the “everyman” ranks in the new action thriller ‘Nobody.’  If you’re into action-packed movies like ‘John Wick’ and ‘Taken’ then ‘Nobody’ is right up your alley.  You might not think Odenkirk is the right man for the job but surprisingly he has the acting chops to make it believable.  Disclaimer:  There were no animals harmed in the filming of this movie.

Hutch Mansell (Odenkirk) is a regular guy that lives in the suburbs with his family.  He’s an accountant at a small factory.  He gets no respect at work or at home.  His wife is more successful as a realtor.  He makes breakfast for his kids that are in too much of a hurry to eat.  Then one night, two masked burglars break into his house.  He fails to defend his family to avoid more violence.  The incident leaves him a bit shakened and angry.  It ignites something deep inside of him.  We soon discover that Hutch is not the passive family man he actually portrays himself to be.

At first he wants to take out revenge on the two robbers.  It quickly escalates into involving a fight scene on a bus with a gang of Russian mobsters.  Does it sound over-the-top?  You better believe it is and I enjoyed every last punch, stab and kick.  It becomes apparent that Hutch is a retired assassin for the government.  With the help of his brother from another mother, Harry (RZA) and his ex-FBI agent father, David (Christopher Lloyd), they take on a reign of terror from the mob.  Hutch takes his licks but you should see the other guys.  One Russian thug ends up in the hospital with a straw sticking out of his throat so he can breathe.

‘Nobody’ is a well-paced film thanks to director Ilya Naishuller (Hardcore Henry) and writer Derek Kolstad (John Wick).  The film definitely has that John Wick flair but with a wry sense of humor.  The slow-burning opening scenes move fast and furious into some high octane fight sequences.  This is the reason to get off your couch and put Netflix on pause.  The fight sequences are just as impressive as ‘John Wick.’  And yes, Odenkirk does nearly all of his stunt work in the film. Before the first frame was shot, he trained in martial arts to make the scenes more authentic.  His commitment to the lead role really shows in every scene.

Is ‘Nobody’ violent?  It sure is.  The difference is that Odenkirk brings humor and poignancy to the melee.  For anyone who likes a good action flick, it will not disappoint.  I wanted to go to the movie theater and have fun.  ‘Nobody’ fit the bill and gave me that adrenaline rush that I have been missing during the pandemic.  Bob Odenkirk is the most unlikely action hero but it works and he is the reason to see ‘Nobody.’