Directed by Rian Johnson
Starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including brief violence, some strong language, sexual references, and drug material
Writer and director Rian Johnson is back to form after his divisive Star Wars film, “The Last Jedi”, with “Knives Out”. “Knives Out” is a whodunit film starring Daniel Craig as a private detective, Benoit Blanc, who is tasked with solving the mystery of what or who really killed novelist Harlan Thrombey (played by Christopher Plummer). Along the way, Detective Blanc’s investigation, along with Harlan’s nurse, Marta (played by Ana de Armas), goes through wild twists and turns.
I am a sucker for classic whodunits, even if they can be predictable at times. But “Knives Out” is a mystery film for the first act of the film, but soon enough the truth is revealed. The rest of the film is the mystery for the characters, but some it is a cover-up. Not that this direction that is taken is bad, but a classic whodunit should be having the audiences guessing on who did the crime. But I can certainly appreciate Johnson’s direction on the film and his screenplay as well. The film in the second and third act goes through so many twists and turns that is almost unexpected.
In addition to Johnson’s writing and directing, the A list cast that is displayed on the screen are great for the lines they are given. This film features such actors such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, and Don Johnson and are quite well, unfortunately their role is very limited. I certainly enjoyed their presence on screen and the despicable characters they played. I also had fun watching Daniel Craig a private detective who is determined to get to the bottom of the case. His southern drawl was part amusing and part distracting, only because we all know he has his English accent. But his southern accent was excellent and proves Craig knows how to put on a good performance when given the right script.
Other highlights of the film include the production design. A good majority of the film takes place in the Thrombey mansion. Each room that is featured in the house looks amazing and is well designed. But one disadvantage of the film is how long it feels. The film is about two hours, which is average for a film run time, but the film feels dragged at times. But thinking back on the film, which scene would be best left on the cutting room floor? There is no scene in particular, but there could have been multiple scenes that could have been shortened.
Overall, “Knives Out” is an enjoyable mystery that takes the audience through twists and turns. The A list cast in the film give great performance, in particular Daniel Craig who does his best Francis Underwood impersonation. “Knives Out” is a fun film that audiences will enjoy and not expect the surprises it has in store.
3/4
Edward's Film Reviews 