Bob Odenkirk's 2026 Action Movie, 'Normal', is a Must-Watch on HBO Max
Bob Odenkirk's career has been a testament to his versatility as an actor, and his late-career action endeavors have been nothing short of impressive. His 2026 film, 'Normal', is a must-watch for fans of action and mystery-thriller, and it's available to stream on HBO Max right now. What makes 'Normal' stand out is its unique blend of styles, a neo-Western tone, and Ben Wheatley's unique sensibility, which sets it apart from the typical John Wick clone.
Odenkirk plays a world-weary sheriff who's forced to contend with a small-town conspiracy. The film's director, Ben Wheatley, brings something entirely new to the table by adding an extra layer of black comedy to proceedings, making 'Normal' a truly original and entertaining watch.
One of the big wildcards in 'Normal' is Derek Kolstad, the writer of the 'John Wick' franchise. Kolstad's script is clever enough to land as satire while also making for a cheerfully gonzo midnight movie. Odenkirk's everyman aura and apparent lack of action bonafides add to the film's charm, making it more than just another action B-movie.
Critics have been impressed by the film's unusual combination of styles, with a 77% 'Certified Fresh' rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 162 reviews. The Financial Times' Danny Leigh described the script as 'clever enough to land as satire' while also making for 'a cheerfully gonzo midnight movie'. The Times' Kevin Maher praised Wheatley for 'never losing sight of the sheriff's humanity', and the San Francisco Chronicle's G. Allen Johnson went as far as to write, 'Liam Neeson, eat your heart out'.
'Normal' is available on HBO Max as of August 14, 2026, and it's well worth a watch. The movie is fresh enough that 'Nobody' fans won't feel like they're watching the same film over again, and it's a must-watch for fans of action and mystery-thriller.
