JEANNE’S REVIEW

Bob Odenkirk stars as Ulysses, the interim sheriff in a small town in Minnesota called Normal. Unfortunately for Ulysses, Normal is anything but. In the most recent collaboration between Odenkirk, writer Derek Kolstad and producer Mark Provissiero, NORMAL is a dark comedy, action thriller reminiscent of a classic Hollywood Western.

Ulysses lands in this quaint blip on the map of Minnesota in the dead of winter after the untimely demise of the previous sheriff. Everyone is friendly and supportive, especially the mayor (Henry Winkler), who welcomes Ulysses with open arms. It’s a short term gig --- the election for a new sheriff is imminent. All is going swimmingly until a bank robbery reveals the truth about what is really going on in Normal.

Directed by Ben Wheatley, NORMAL is about as violent as they come. David is not a fan, but, as I have been known to opine --- what does he know? I happen to enjoy ultraviolence to the point of absurdity --- especially when dark humor is involved.

Odenkirk is absolutely perfect for the role of Ulysses --- it was written just for him by Kolstad after they hatched the idea for the premise. His ability to communicate multiple emotions without saying a word serves him well here as the fish-out-of-water in a small town where everyone is in on the secret except him.

Winkler was the collaborators’ dream choice for the mayor --- and he doesn’t disappoint. He plays his usual loveable self --- until he’s not. He has a town to run and nothing --- seriously nothing --- will get in his way. Lena Headey has a small but pivotal role as Moira, the town hottie who has her own little secret --- and takes no prisoners.

NORMAL is definitely not for everyone. But if you don’t mind watching people get shot, blown up, beheaded, etc., etc. --- and you happen to be an Odenkirk fan --- then don’t miss this quirky little film.

Opinion: See It Now!

DAVID’S REVIEW

NORMAL is fashioned after classic Hollywood Westerns. A small Minnesota town called Normal needs an interim sheriff and Bob Odenkirk fills the bill. Henry Winkler plays the mayor of said town and he is quite taken with the new sheriff.

A bank robbery and a massive snowstorm help uncover the massive secret the people of Normal, including the mayor, have been keeping. When it all comes to light, Ulysses and the deceased sheriff’s daughter battle the residents to save the day.

The violence is not merely over the top, it’s actually cringe worthy. People meet their demise in the most graphic ways --- blown up, stabbed in the neck with a knitting needle, gunned down, beheaded, hanged --- which I didn’t find particularly entertaining. Jeanne, however, found it all quite amusing. Not sure what’s wrong with her, but I digress ---

Veteran British actress Lena Headey also stars as Moira, a woman of mystery who ends up to be kind of a femme fatale. Written by Derek Kolstad and directed by Ben Wheatley, NORMAL is the perfect vehicle for Odenkirk and his many talents. Despite that, I believe the violence will be too much for most moviegoers.

Opinion: Don’t Bother!