By At a super-fast 90-minute runtime, Normal delivers on exactly what it is trying to be. A light, fun, violent action film meant to be enjoyed without needing to think too deeply. What sets it apart and makes it slightly more memorable than most films of this nature, is that it is unapologetic about turns and surprises it takes the audience on throughout the film.
We start out in a seemingly “normal” Minnesota town where the interim “outsider” Sheriff is just trying to “skate through” his time by resolving petty arguments and parking issues while all around trying to leave the town the way he found it. But when something unexpected happens, the stakes start to escalate for the Sheriff as he finds the this “normal” town may not be exactly what it seems. From there the story takes several unexpected turns, all within the movie world it portrays, leading to a satisfying and humorous action “popcorn movie” experience.
Bob Odenkirk (Nobody 1 and 2) continues to solidify himself as heir to the “Taken” style action movie throne, in which a seemingly normal middle-aged protagonists finds themselves in an intense and violent action situation. In Normal, He plays the role perfectly and delivers on the comedic timing with ease. Partnered with an ensemble cast of character types, mostly played by actors your haven’t heard of or seen in years, each cast member brings a charm to their characters to make them slightly more memorable than films of this nature usually offer. You can tell that everyone is having fun making this film and as a result, the audience does too.
4 out of 5 stars
