Knives Out (2019)



Movie Title: Knives Out

Year Released: 2019

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 2h 10min

Genre: Mystery, Drama

Director: Rian Johnson

Writer: Rian Johnson

Starring: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Lakeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, Christopher Plummer, Noah Segan, Edi Patterson, Riki Lindhorne, K Callan, Frank Oz

Review: When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) dies just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) arrives at his estate to investigate. From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Thrombey's untimely demise.

Knives Out is one of the most critically-acclaimed films to hit the big screen at the end of 2019, and quite frankly, it deserves all of the accolades it has received. I absolutely loved this movie for several reasons, but most importantly because I thought it had some of the best writing I've seen in a long time. Coming off the contentious Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, Rian Johnson has proved that when tasked with writing an original story that isn't part of a global mega-saga, he really is one of the best in the business. Knives Out is a good, ol' fashioned whodunnit murder mystery with an intricately developed plot that will keep you captivated throughout the entire film. My favorite part of this film is that every major, minor, or super subtle detail pays off in one way or another. Johnson isn't trying to confuse you or insult your intelligence. He's trying to keep you engaged and immersed in the shenanigans surrounding Harlan Thrombey's death. This film provokes thought, and is truly a movie-watching experience, as you attempt to crack the case along with Benoit Blanc, Detective Lieutenant Elliott (Lakeith Stanfield), and Trooper Wagner (Noah Segan).

This film also boasts an incredible ensemble cast that certainly keeps things interesting. Craig is fantastic as the clever, witty lead detective. Don Johnson is absolutely hilarious as the son-in-law to the late Thrombey patriarch. I also thought both Chris Evans and Ana de Armas were great as a spoiled playboy and Harlan's sympathetic nurse respectively.

Couple the brilliant cast with Rian Johnson's brilliant script, throw in the right dose of cleverness, wit, and comedy, and what you have is a recipe for a successful movie. This is the most pure fun that I've had at the movies in a long time, and I highly recommend this classic, yet innovative murder mystery!

Stars (out of 4):
       

Fun Fact: Despite playing his mother in the film, K Callan is actually 6 years younger than Christopher Plummer.



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