KNIVES OUT
4 out of 5 stars
Rian Johnson‘s marvelous, modern-day murder mystery is diverting and devious with a social conscience that’s razor sharp. Remarkably revived and retooled, this old-timey genre has some new tricks up its sleeve courtesy of Johnson and his adoration for films that have come before it. And the heaps of fun he has fooling us at every turn is indeed noteworthy. As for the audience, it’s why we’ve shown up in the first place – we want to know who the killer is!
The twists and turns will get you spinning as clues begin to connect the dots. Knives Out is a grand guessing game that’s well-played and the players are top-notch. The exceptional ensemble are out for blood, and the laughs are right behind the suspicions. Daniel Craig is stellar as the inspector with a Southern drawl who has no choice but to cut through the lies to get to the truth. Playing an entitled asshole is the furthest thing from Captain America, which is why Chris Evans is pitch-perfect as the black sheep of a desperate, grabby family whose money has been cut off.
The biggest praise is saved for Ana de Armas in her breakout role as an immigrant nurse who knows more than she wants to say. Yet, telling the smallest of lies makes her vomit, so sticking to the truth is far less messy. Her character is one to not take lightly as she represents individuals that are misunderstood, underestimated and ignored. It’s one of many relishing reveals that make this quick-witted, wonderfully wicked whodunit a must see.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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