Nobody Review

History proves that three-letter intelligence organizations aren’t the most friendly and when the man who works for them finally lets go, pain ensues. Nobody stars Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell or “Nobody” who follows the basic out for blood on a Russian crime lord. However, viewers can find enjoyment within the action scenes, music, and referenced themes. 

The action in this movie is simply incredible and it’s something that should be expected from producer David Leitch who is known for John Wick, Atomic Blonde, and the upcoming Kate. Also, John Wick writer Derek Kolstad wrote the movie and with that kind of behind-the-scenes power, the only thing that could lead to failure is bad actors. 58-year-old Odenkirk not only displays his acting range with his comedic, tragedy, and seriousness (like how he’s already done in the Breaking Bad Universe) but also the physical feats an actor can go; Odenkirk did his own stunts. It also helps that the actors Odenkirk threw down with were goons so that left the door open to have actually trained martial artists take on Odenkirk. From the excellent bus fight, car chase, much work was put into this film and it is all made possible by Leitch and Odenkirk who is also a producer of the film. Fun fact, the film was inspired by Odenkirk’s own experience as he explained on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” where he essentially explains that he was robbed and he just needed to let off some steam. 

Where there are great action scenes, there is great music and Nobody takes advantage of it. Although John Wick established the whole gritty action and electric theme music, Nobody takes its turn with some easy listening to rock and roll; and it helps enrich the story and action alike. The film opens with “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” by Nina Simone, which attempts to show Hutch is not who he seems. This culminates with a song about embracing oneself (Hutch’s Nobody side) as “I’ve Gotta Be Me” by Steve Lawrence plays right before one of the most thought-out and impactful action sequences in the movie. Personal favorites “The Impossible Dream” by Andy Williams plays during a cinematic action/signing montage and Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar plays during a car chase which was also really well done when it came to action, yet again the viewer can tell a lot of commitment was made with the action sequences. Overall music plays an important role in the film and although not everyone will be a fan of it, it has a purpose towards storytelling. 

  Despite the simple premise, the movie takes certain steps, or at least hints toward larger things such as Hutch’s mental challenges which are also shown through the film’s music pieces;  Hutch’s relationship with his father and adoptive brother; other themes and concepts which were hinted at in the film but will not be spoiled it is not to be said, “And that is why Nobody is a classic.” The film can be seen as mediocre at best with its easy-to-glance-over motions and lacking “breathing room” between scenes. 

To be more critical, the villain although portrayed excellently by Russian actor Aleksey Serebryakov, is just a basic Russian mob leader. Also, the feeling of something being at stake in the movie may get lost in all the brutality and blood but make no mistake, Nobody sets the groundwork for a future; hopefully a more in-depth one for family man Hutch Mansell. Another hope is that maybe Nobody is a piece of the neo-noir action thriller franchise John Wick is yet to be decided but has been teased at by Nobody’s director Ilya Naishuller. 

Overall, Nobody gets the job done and provides an easy-going or possible franchise starter in this Bob Odenkirk lead action thriller. Nobody was a pleasure to watch; hard-hitting and gritty action as Odenkirk takes as many hits as everybody else but Nobody always wins. If I were to grade the film, I’d give it an 8/10 for all its efforts listed above. 

Nobody is in theaters now starring Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, Aleksey Serebryakov, Christopher Lloyd, and RZA. The film will be available to stream on April 16th (probably at a price of 20 dollars) and is rated R for violence and language.