Tom’s Guide Verdict: ‘Normal’
- Rating: ★★ stars
- Verdict: “Normal” stars Bob Odenkirk as an unassuming action hero once again. But it lacks the magic of “Nobody” or the over-the-top fun of “Nobody 2.” It’s fine, for the most part, but it’s also forgettable, despite a series of bloody kills.
- Where to watch: See “Normal” in theaters now
“Normal” is Bob Odenkirk’s latest attempt at action stardom, and I had tempered optimism going into this movie. The comedic actor has long since proven his range, first in the drama series “Better Call Saul” and then in the action thriller “Nobody.” There’s no denying he can be an aging action star along the lines of Liam Neeson and Jason Statham (though more the former than the latter). And in “Normal,” he was once again partnering with writer Derek Kolstad, who also wrote “Nobody” and “Nobody 2.”
Normal – Official Trailer | Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler, Lena Headey | In Theaters April 17 – YouTube
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To be clear, this isn’t a bad movie. It’s fine. But it’s only fine. Aside from a shocking moment at the end that manages to partially subvert expectations, it’s forgettable and fails to build the character of Odenkirk’s Sheriff Ulysses enough to make us care about him beyond wanting to see the hero win. This isn’t inherently an issue in a fast-paced action movie, but “Normal” clearly wants us to connect with the aptly-named wandering lawman, so failing to do so is a notable knock against the movie.
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Malcolm McMillan
Streaming Editor
Malcolm has been with Tom’s Guide since 2022. He watches dozens of new releases every year to make sure you don’t have to watch any of the bad ones.
‘Normal’ hints at a deeper story, but never delivers
The premise of “Normal,” which I’ve already alluded to, is simple. Ulysses (Odenkirk) is the new sheriff of Normal, Minnesota. The old one died suddenly, so Ulysses has been brought in to temporarily fill in for eight weeks until a replacement is found.
Once in Normal, though, Ulysses, who tries to be non-confrontational when possible, learns that the Yakuza are using the town as a bank for their ill-gotten gains, and as you see in the trailer, at least part of the town is in on it.
If that sounds like a fun time, it should. On paper, that’s a great premise for an entertaining, quick action movie. But the reality is underwhelming. Much of the first half of the movie is just setting up where all the weapons are in this small town, and which townsfolk are almost certainly up to no good. Then the second half of the movie goes from 0-100 almost in an instant, and becomes a killfest for most of the rest of its 90 minutes.
Layered in that plot, though, is a storyline about Ulysses running from his past and estranged from his wife. It’s supposedly why he takes on these temporary sheriff gigs as opposed to taking on a permanent position.
Normally, this would be a welcome depth to an otherwise thin action plot. But “Normal” never explores this side storyline sufficiently, and it ultimately left me unsatisfied. I wish it had been omitted, even though it’s the explanation for why Odenkirk is in Normal in the first place.
Verdict: ‘Normal’ could have stood to be a bit less mundane, but you’ll probably enjoy streaming it
(Image credit: Magnolia Pictures)
Again, I need to reiterate that this movie isn’t bad. People get killed by cars, grenades, dynamite, falling signs, etc. These kills are largely telegraphed by the film, but there are a few that are truly unexpected. The biggest kill of the movie, in terms of its importance, is arguably the best and most ridiculous. I definitely give “Normal” credit there.
But despite its early reviews trending positive — it’s currently rated 78% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 69 reviews — I can’t recommend spending your money to catch this in theaters. If you’re like me and have an AMC Stubs membership, then it’s certainly worth checking out as one of your free movies. It’s easily digestible, and you’ll probably have a fun, forgettable time. Otherwise, though, you can wait for “Normal” to hit one of the best streaming services (likely HBO Max).
“Normal” is in theaters now
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