“Normal” (2025) starring Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler and Lena Headey / Z-View

Normal (2025)

Director: Ben Wheatley

Screenplay:  Derek Kolstad, Bob Odenkirk.

Stars:  Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler, Lena Headey.

Tagline: Small town. Big secret.

The Plot…

Ulysses Richardson, the interim sheriff of Normal, Minnesota, has an easy gig.  Normal is a small, quiet town full of friendly people.

That all changes when two bumbling crooks try to rob the town’s only bank.  Ulysses goes into the bank to talk the thieves into giving up.  Meanwhile the Mayor, the deputies and many of the townfolk have lined up outside.  They’re armed to the teeth and out for blood.

Inside, Ulysses and the two crooks are shocked.  The vault contains waaaaay more money and gold bars than the small town bank should have.  Way more.

The Mayor informs Ulysses that the goods in the bank belong to a Japanese Yakuza crime syndicate.  The town safeguards the syndicate’s goods and the townfolk get a monthly check.  If Ulysses kills the two robbers, they’ll make him the permanent sheriff and he’ll get paid too.  If Ulysses refuses, the citizens of Normal will kill the Ulysses and the robbers.

Ulysses refuses.

Oh, and the crooks tripped the alarm that notified the crime cartel of the robbery.  A squad of angry Yakuza are on their way now.

Things are about to get crazy.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Normal is the third film that Derek Kolstad has written or co-written to star Bob Odenkirk.  The others were Nobody and Nobody 2.

If you’re looking for an over-the-top actionfest that doesn’t worry to much about anything but delivering fun and thrills, then give Normal a go.

Normal (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars.