Review of Nobody (2021) by Markhreviews — 27 May 2021

Having watched the Saul Goodman character (“Breaking Bad,” its prequel “Better Call Saul”) for years, I’m a huge fan of Bob Odenkirk. But honestly, I thought that, at this point in his career, Odenkirk might become the latest version of the Michelin Man or Pillsbury Doughboy, not an action hero. So I went to a screening of “Nobody” assuming I’d have to work very hard to suspend my disbelief about his character.

Hutch Mansell (Odenkirk) is Everyman. He has a job that’s less than fascinating and a stagnant relationship with his wife Becca (Connie Nielsen). In case we’re oblivious or have stepped out for popcorn, Becca has erected a barricade of pillows in their bed to subtly underscore the estrangement. As with many action movies, nuance is not a strong point here. After a home invasion in which a few dollars and a Kitty-Kat bracelet are taken, Hutch suddenly changes. Turns out he has a secret past, nerves of steel, warrior skills. He encounters bad guys. Russian bad guys. “Zees ees, as you Americans say, zo predictable.” And yet so fun.

Director Ilya Naishuller honed his skills helming 2015’s “Hardcore Harry,” which was lauded by some critics for its innovation while being panned by others (one critic called the film “stupid as a bag of hammers and twice as loud”). Since Naishuller is partnered with writer Derek Kolstad (the “John Wick” film series, TV’s 2020 “Die Hard”), there was never a major threat that “Nobody” would become a companion piece for “Downton Abbey.”.

Ultimately, this film is summer fun that’s just what we needed after 15 months away from a movie theater. Odenkirk is excellent. His gifts for self-awareness and understatement offer a stark contrast to the catatonic state Keanu Reeves inhabited to address the Wick character. He’s compelling and believable in the action sequences. He even demonstrates a competent mastery of in-the-field tracheostomy. As an added bonus, there’s a guest appearance by Christopher Lloyd as Hutch’s dad, who has apparently tired of toying with flux capacitors and decided to pick up a shotgun.

For those allergic to mindless carnage, take a hard pass on “Nobody.” But if you’re looking for a reliably good time out of the house, this could be the movie for you. You may even learn some worthwhile household tips. For example, when deploying a Claymore mine, the device should always “face the enemy.