The Accountant 2

Sure, the plot’s a mess and the portrayal of neurodivergence might raise an eyebrow, but director Gavin O’Connor pulls off a decent crime caper as unapologetically ridiculous as it is fun.

It may not rise to the level of “Garbo Laughs,” but “Affleck Dances” makes for an enticing reason to see The Accountant 2.

A sequel whose only move is to amp up everything that was ridiculous about its predecessor.

While the sequel is worse off for the absence of original costars Anna Kendrick, John Lithgow, Jeffrey Tambor and Jean Smart, the easy back-and-forth chemistry between Affleck and Bernthal as they paint the town blood-red provides certain dividends.

Affleck’s action franchise flails once again with a weird mix of bloody violence and heartwarming humor.

Screenwriter Dubuque clearly enjoyed writing reams of banter for Affleck and Bernthal, though the results have a way of tossing a wrench in the film’s pacing.

The original film ... was big, dumb fun. Its belated sequel is missing both the big and the fun.

Even with its shortcomings, The Accountant 2 is a strong film in its own right, a rewarding experience that provides laughs and tension alongside thrills and spills.

[T]here are a number of things The Accountant 2 does that raises it above its predecessor — most notably better action scenes and a great chemistry between Affleck and Jon Bernthal — which is enough to make it a solid watch.

The surprising thing about the movie is how much fun it is. If you were planning to see "The Amateur" or "A Working Man" at the 'plex this weekend, let me save you a letdown.