Normal

Films about small-town America can be fraught with deep secrets "Normal" being of no exception. Everybody knows everybody and all stick together, so what happened with this small town? Well, it certainly wasn't anything I could've thought of which makes it definitely more fresh and original. 

"Normal" is a neo-Western thriller that stars Bob Odenkirk as Ulysses Richardson, an unassuming substitute sheriff assigned to the quiet Midwestern town of Normal, Minnesota. Seeking a temporary escape from personal and professional turmoil, Ujysses instead finds himself drawn into a crisis when a botched bank robbery exposes a dangerous secret beneath the town's calm exterior. As tensions escalate (and boy, do they escalate), he is forced to confront his troubled past and the true nature of the community namely the mayor, Kibner (Henry Winkler), Deputy Blaine Anderson (Ryan Allen), Deputy Mike Nelson (Billy MacLellan) and others he has been tasked with protecting. 

Others to round out the cast are Lena Headey as Moira, Reena Jolly as Lori, Brendan Fletcher as Keith, Peter Shinkoda as Joe, Jess McLeod as Alex, David Lawrence as Dr. Walter Ville, John C. MacDonald as Kenny, Alex MacMillan as Kent, Dan De Jaeger as Ernie and Derek Barnes as James.

This was slickly directed with grit, intensity and humor by Ben Wheatley ("Down Terrace" '09, "Kill List" '11, "Sightseers" '12, "A Field in England" '13, "High-Rise" '15, "Free Fire" '16, "Happy New Year, Colin Burstead" '18, "Rebecca" '20, "In the Earth" '21, "Meg 2: The Trench" '23, "Bulk" '25) plus TV movies, TV, videos and a music video. This director's staging, pacing and sequencing was incredible in how this film kept its audience on the edge of their seats. Odenkirk's character as sheriff was so staid, but with an underlying intensity to him and this is simply effective directing. It was creatively well written by Derek Kolstad ("One in the Chamber" '12, "The Package" '12, "John Wick" '14, "John Wick: Chapter 2" '17, "John Wick 3--Parabellum" '19, "Nobody" '21, "Die Hart" '23, "John Wick: Chapter 4" '23, "Nobody 2" '25) plus TV, shorts, and videos, based on a story by Derek Kolstad and Bob Odenkirk. Considering that Kolstad wrote this film, it's no wonder why or how it could've been written in any other way but slickly and cohesive. The sequencing in script was spot on, and the cast worked so well off of each other.This definitely had a "Nobody"feel to it which is a plus, but then again, Kolstad wrote that film as well. The premise was unique, fresh with definite twists. Can't wait to his next project, and many more are coming. 

If you liked the 'Nobody' or 'John Wick' franchises, you'll love this. It simply has it all: action, high-adrenaline, explosiveness, passion, humor and redemption all rolled up in this tight, concise and slickly executed thriller. It does have a few more than a few cuss words, so not for the kids, but it is rollicking and thrilling. Enjoy! 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                         Rated: R                                        92mins.