This Week’s Movie: “Nobody” - A Review
As part of my weekly movie ritual, I recently watched “Nobody.”
Judging by the title, I initially expected a gritty drama about someone struggling at the bottom of society. What I got instead was an action-packed, wish-fulfillment fantasy about a retired badass unleashing his dormant skills.
The Mild-Mannered Mask
Hutch Mansell appears to be the epitome of an ordinary suburbanite. He’s stuck in a monotonous routine, seemingly timid and unremarkable. He doesn’t even stand up to burglars in his own home. His family doesn’t respect him, and he blends into the background as just another middle-aged man.
The Auditor’s Secret Past
But beneath the surface lies a deadly secret. Years ago, Mansell worked for a shadowy government organization as an “auditor.” However, this wasn’t your typical accounting job. He was tasked with hunting down and eliminating traitors within the organization, with extreme prejudice.
After one too many assignments, he had an epiphany and chose to retire, seeking a normal life. But the suppressed memories and adrenaline of his past continue to haunt him. Eventually, he snaps and unleashes his pent-up skills, brutally taking down a group of thugs on a bus in a spectacularly choreographed fight scene.
The Russian Mob Trope
Unbeknownst to him, one of the thugs he assaulted was the brother of a powerful Russian mob boss. Predictably, the story escalates into a showdown between Mansell and the entire Russian mafia. It seems Hollywood still loves casting Russians as the go-to villains.
The film portrays the villains as ruthless and brutal, while glorifying the protagonist as a cool and righteous hero. He single-handedly takes on the Russian mob’s headquarters, which feels like a modern-day anti-Russian propaganda piece. No matter how many opponents or weapons they have, they are no match for one American. The plot is completely unrealistic.
Adding to the absurdity, Mansell’s elderly father, who spends his days passively watching TV in a retirement home, suddenly transforms into a super-soldier when the Russians attack, effortlessly dispatching two mobsters. Are we really supposed to believe the Russian mob is this incompetent?
Final Thoughts
Despite having to work this weekend, I managed to squeeze in this movie. It’s a mindless action flick that’s entertaining enough. However, I can’t help but criticize the current state of American cinema. If Hollywood continues to rely on tired tropes and outdated thinking, its market share will only continue to decline.