Review: Knives Out
Do you suspect foul play?
Private investigator Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) has been called in to assist Detective Elliott (Lakeith Stanfield) in the mysterious death of Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) while nearly his entire family is in the house. Elliott is ready to label it as a suicide, but Blanc was sent on this case anonymously and suspects there's more to the story. Everyone is a suspect.
I've always loved director Rian Johnson's movies. Brick remains in top 5 of all time and of course I loved his last outing, The Last Jedi. I've been anticipating this since it was announced and it thankfully lived up to all of the hype.
I've read more "whodunits" then I have watched films about them. This is like a modern Agatha Christie novel only funnier. The script was smart, it kept you guessing and it had plenty of smaller things thrown in that came back later. I had a few cocktails before watching this so I wasn't trying too hard to guess who I thought was responsible for his death. I was happy to just be along for the ride.
This is a great ensemble cast but there are two standouts: Daniel Craig, and Ana de Armas, who plays Marta, Harlan's nurse. After seeing Craig in Logan Lucky I wished he would do more comedy and I got everything I could've asked for her. He's truly hysterical. Ana is the heart of the film and the one character we spend the most time with. I think she gives a wonderful performance too. The only highly credited actor that doesn't have as much to do is Jaeden Martell, but he's the butt of so many jokes that it's worth it.
It does end up being a bit predictable in parts but the entire film was such a joy to watch that it doesn't dampen it too much. Knives Out feels truly unique as you don't quite see films like this getting made anymore.
Recommended: Yes
Grade: A
Memorable Quote: "Like that little nazi boy masturbating in the bathroom." - Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig)
I really loved this movie! So much fun and I was pleased to see Craig had comedic talent as well. I'm not sure I've seen him in any comedies to be honest. This is a movie I'll probably end up buying once it's released.
ReplyDeleteThe only other one I've seen where he was funny was Logan Lucky. This is a far better movie than that was.
DeleteDaniel Craig has gone from someone I felt pretty meh about to someone I adore. I wish he would take on more roles like this one and his one in Logan Lucky!
ReplyDeleteThat quote though, brilliant. Our screening had a lot of laughter but that line in particular made us all lose it!
Same! I don't care too much for him but I've been loving his comedic turn.
DeleteThat line was a hit at my screening too!
I wish Craig wasn't tied to that fanchise of his. He could have given us so many awesome performances instead
ReplyDeleteOh I know, I look forward to what he does post-Bond.
DeleteI'm going to try and see this film this coming Sunday as I do love what Rian Johnson does.
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it! I think you will.
DeleteJust saw this today, first time I've been to the theatre since Rocketman!...not my plan but that's how things go, and I really enjoyed the film.
ReplyDeleteCraig and the girl were very good and she had a lovely chemistry with Christopher Plummer, their scenes together had a nice feeling to them.
As far as the others, all made their contributions work well but considering what those performers are capable of I felt they were underused, particularly Toni Collette and Jamie Lee Curtis. Don Johnson was better than I expected but Good God the man has had too much Botox or whatever! Nobody at his age has a forehead with no lines!! It distracted me but he played his part well. And as always Chris Evans was a droll delight.
Mention should also be made about the stylish costume design and the amazing production design. Aside from the knife hanging which was of course front and center the rest of the house added a great deal to scenes without ever becoming the focus of them.
Yes! I love the costumes and the production design. Everything looked wonderful. I'm glad you liked this too!
DeleteBravo. It's hard not to like a movie that is having this much fun. I could be wrong, but I imagine it was a ton of fun being on that set.
ReplyDeleteIt had to be. I bet the entire atmosphere of it was wonderful.
DeleteOh man, I can't wait to see this. I am tempted to find it online and see it on my computer or something, but I hope I can resist and watch it on the big screen (in my country, it comes out on the 24th of January, I think)
ReplyDeleteThat's so far away! At least it will be worth the wait if you don't find it sooner.
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