Normal (2025)

Everybody in Normal, Minnesota is a little too rich, a little too polite and a little too well armed, and the movie takes its sweet time admitting why. Bob Odenkirk plays Ulysses, a fill-in sheriff who notices every red flag and politely ignores it, and the slow first act is mostly nuisance complaints. Once two hapless robbers hit the bank, it becomes a shooting gallery, with half the town chasing him through a blizzard. Odenkirk is the reason to watch. He’s gruff and funny and seems a little embarrassed to be this good at fighting. Henry Winkler is a hoot as the smug mayor, and Lena Headey makes the bartender Moira more interesting than the script does. The premise is familiar and the action is cranked to cartoon levels, which is either the point or the problem. It made $6.1 million worldwide on a reported $20M. A 6.4 because Odenkirk is great and the rest is loud, silly fun. $2,574 says you drive through a small town this month and count the fancy cars outside the diner.

What works: Odenkirk is gruff, funny and totally convincing in a fight, and Winkler and Headey make great foils.

What doesn’t: The slow opening and familiar premise drag, and the over-the-top action gets numbing well before the finale.

Who it’s for: Nobody fans who want more Odenkirk mayhem, this time in a snowstorm.