The Accountant

You may or may not be glad to hear that The Accountant does, indeed, feature a scene with Ben Affleck's titular character doing some accounting. However, don't be fooled by its innocent-sounding title.

We're in thriller territory here with Affleck's character a Layer Cake-esque mysterious enigma processing the accounts for shady criminals and organisations and being paid in stolen art and comic books for the privilege.

He's being watched by JK Simmons' CIA officer and takes on a 'safer' sounding case from his mystery M-esque 'contact' but, of course, this leads to intrigue, mystery, twists and, ultimately, murder.

I won't give anything away because there's actually some really nice twists and turns in here but there are a fair few plot details that slip the net. It may leave you head-scratching afterwards and a second watch to uncover its intricacies but, with thought, it doesn't make the most sense.

The cast is terrific and everyone is on top form. Anna Kendrick slots seamlessly into her up and coming accountant role akin to her performance in Up In The Air. JK Simmons adds yet more nuances to his usual shtick, John Bernthal tends to play the same sort of character but adds emotional depth here and Affleck plays the autistic lead character with aplomb.

A thoroughly enjoyable and thrilling action-er. Probably not one to add to any award-winning lists but perfect cinema fodder or Friday night entertainment.

4 stars ****