Ben Wheatley’s Normal is a tightly executed shoot-‘em up, blow-‘em up, and beat-’em-up that delivers exactly what you came for. It’s the kind of movie that knows precisely what lane it’s driving in and floors it from the moment it gets going. Think Fargo meets John Wick, and you’re in the right, very entertaining ballpark. The film even sneaks in a handful of clever twists (no spoilers here) and a couple of legitimate surprises to keep things lively. But make no mistake, this is an over-the-top, blood-splattered action fest once the bullets start flying. To be fair though, it does take a moment to rev its engines. The opening stretch is a bit sleepy, almost deceptively calm - but once Wheatley slams on the gas, the movie never lets off the pedal. The shift from quiet small-town oddness to full-throttle chaos is part of the fun of course. And yes, Bob Odenkirk has fully cemented himself as Hollywood’s most unlikely action hero. He’s officially gone full Liam Neeson in the “middle-aged man who absolutely will wreck you” career arc. And, honestly? It suits him. Odenkirk’s everyman charm makes him instantly likable, but it’s his grounded, believable physicality that sells the mayhem. He plays damaged, determined, and deeply human better than most, and you can’t help rooting for him every step (and punch) of the way. From a production standpoint, Normal benefits enormously from its snowy, wintry setting. The stark landscapes give the film a nice sense of isolation, turning the small town into something mysterious and slightly off-kilter. In fact, the town itself feels like an extra character. Sure, this probably won’t be a movie people dissect for years to come. In fact, by the time the credits roll, it’s likely to drift into “fun but forgettable” territory. But that doesn’t mean the ride isn’t absolutely worth it. For its runtime, Normal is a blast - stylish, relentless, and, most importantly, a good time.