MOVIE THEATER REVIEW: “Knives Out” stars Daniel Craig (Spectre, Defiance [2008]), Ana de Armas (Blade Runner 2049, No Time to Die), Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween [1978], Freaky Friday [2003]), Michael Shannon (Midnight Special, The Shape of Water), Chris Evans (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Snowpiercer), Don Johnson (Django Unchained, Miami Vice [TV series]), Toni Collette (Little Miss Sunshine, Hereditary), LaKeith Stanfield (Selma, Sorry to Bother You), Kathrine Langford (Love Simon, 13 Reasons Why [TV series]), Jaeden Martell (St. Vincent, It [2017]), Riki Lindhome (The Lego Batman Movie, The Last House on the Left), Edi Patterson (Vice Principals [TV series], Between Two Ferns: The Movie), Frank Oz (Star Wars: Episode III- Revenge of the Sith, Sesame Street [TV series]), and Christopher Plummer (A Beautiful Mind, All the Money in the World). It is written and directed by Rian Johnson (Star Wars: Episode VIII- The Last Jedi, Looper). Benoit Blanc (Craig), a detective, investigates the eccentric, off-kilter family of Harlan Thrombey (Plummer), who recently committed suicide.

There’s been a murder, I do declare. A murder indeed. Wait, how often does this happen? Are murder capers even bankable anymore in Hollywood? Clearly not, with the lack of murder mysteries being churned out of the box office as of late. But here we are, with “Knives Out,” a comedy by Rian Johnson. (I saw this flick two weeks ago, so bear with me on my recollection and thoughts). Who doesn’t love seeing a bunch of rich people going at each others’ throats in a big mansion? Especially when those rich people are a collection of immensely talented actors working in the industry, including Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Chris Evans, and Christopher Plummer. The film really harkens back to old school filmmaking, by utilizing star power to drive a caper built around deception and plot twists. However, in this feature, Johnson goes a slightly different route from your usual murder-mystery structure. Sure, it has some predictable elements built into it, but the overall experience is rather refreshing and joyful, considering how there aren’t many movies being made like it nowadays. The style of the movie pulls from quippy editing and dialogue techniques made to create a smooth pacing and deliver comedy to its maximum potential. I was surprised at how much I laughed at this; really, I wasn’t expecting much after seeing some of the trailers. However, Johnson has proved me wrong. This is a highly entertaining feature that capitalizes on its talent and weaves itself through fun plot elements. I loved the use of differing viewpoints in flashbacks, as well as the non-linear structure of the movie in general. Almost everyone who acted in this played a different kind of role than they usual would, making for a new experience in and of itself. Craig had a Mississippi drawl, Collette played a dumb blonde, and Shannon was rather awkward/weak. I got a kick out of it and walked out of the theater satisfied. Really, “Knives Out” is the kind of flick you should see if you’re looking to chill and have fun. It’s not a heavy drama nor is it a throwaway sequel or action piece. It’s a nice, witty standalone that is hard to come by in modern Hollywood, and I think others should pay attention to it. Does that mean it’s flat-out spectacular? No. As I said, there is predictability value to it, and some characters are weaker developed than others. However, the movie doesn’t disappoint in the entertainment area. If you’re looking to just watch something for kicks, I’d recommend this one to you. “Knives Out” is a well-put-together movie that knows what it’s doing and takes its genre in stride. You won’t be let down. FINAL SCORE: 88%= Juicy Popcorn

Here is the trailer: