Movie Review: “Nobody” aka, “Better Call Hutch”

MOVIE REVIEW: NOBODY (R)

Nobody the film. Initially known for his brilliant comical work in “Mr. Show” and then for his unforgettable portrayal of shifty Jimmy McGill, aka Saul Goodman, on both “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” Bob Odenkirk has never really been known for being a “tough guy.” Therefore, it’s pretty easy to see why he’d want to switch things up a bit and do a movie like “Nobody.” No doubt, Odenkirk probably woke up one morning and said to himself; “You know what? I think it’s time I played a badass for a change!”

In the ultra-violent, obscenely funny, briskly paced auctioneer, “Nobody,” Odenkirk is Hutch Mansell, an unassuming family man stuck in the rut of mundane life. One night, following a burglary gone awry, it becomes quite apparent that Hutch’s life hasn’t always been so mundane. In fact, an epic altercation that occurs with a group of thugs on a bus shortly after that burglary makes it even more painfully clear that Hutch may not be as unassuming as we initially thought. Let’s just say that eventually, the sleeping lion within Mansell’s soul awakens as he takes on a deadly Russian crime syndicate.

As noted in the previous paragraph, “Nobody” is ultra-violent. Violent in the most gratuitous ways possible. In fact, some might even argue that violence is the star of the show. But you know what? While it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s all in good fun. Fun in the way the violence in movies like “John Wick” is fun. In fact, “Nobody” sort of hearkens back to the action films of the 80s…An era when it seemed like we’d be treated to a new variation of “Commando” or “Rambo” in theaters every other weekend.

That said, “Nobody” benefits from being equal measures violent, absurd, and funny. The whole thing is ridiculous and light on its feet even when awful things are happening on screen. Included; A hilarious running gag in which Hutch has an evil henchman literally dying on him right when he’s in the middle of telling them profound stories about his life.

Odenkirk is a lot of fun in this movie and it’s clear that he got into shape for the proceedings. While I never entirely bought him as a full-blooded badass in the same way I buy Keanu Reeves as a full-blooded badass, I enjoyed the fact that Hutch really does take as many punches as he gives. Look no further than that said sequence on the bus. Gloriously over-the-top in a “They Live” street fight kind of way. Also fittingly over-the-top is this film’s big bad (wonderfully played by Aleksey Serebryakov), an eccentric Russian who likes singing and dancing almost as much as he likes killing people.

“Nobody” was directed with dynamic flair by Ilya Naishuller (“Hardcore Henry”) and while this film doesn’t quite reach the joyous, hyper-kinetic heights of the “John Wick” movies, it still moves at a quick clip, winningly alternating between stylish action and dark comedy. Further props to the makers of “Nobody” for bringing genre fave Michael Ironside (“Scanners,” “Total Recall”) and the legendary Christopher Lloyd (“Back to the Future,” “The Addams Family”) along for the blood-soaked ride.

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