Review of Knives Out (2019) by Cinemacrush — 29 Dec 2019

We've seen this before, many times. It was once called Clue, then it was done again quite brilliantly for it's time by Lumet. It was called Murder on the Orient Express that time around. This time, Rian Johnson gives you what he normally has to offer.

Something pro looking for the people that just can't do the new-wave of cinema. This is a great film for people that don't like when movies just end (and need something bluntly climactic), getting annoyed at the open endings of 'No Country For Old Men', 'There Will Be Blood', any Spring Breakers, etc etc.

.. It might be stylized to the tune of a 2019 film, but just as in 'Brick', Johnson cannot for the life of him decide what kind of reality this takes place in. Is it ours? One might get the feeling that it's meant to be a hyper-realistic play on our reality with a little Hollywood action spice.

Not a bad recipe if you do it right. Johnson does not do it right. This film, just like 'Brick' creates a reality that is surely having an identity crisis. Good angular editing with some imagery that is more so eye grabbing than it is specifically profound.

Michael Shannon I feel is held back by the script. And Daniel Craig really could have pulled off something great if it wasn't so flat as a whole. I feel bad at the great work put in by some of these amazing actors, all falling flat on such a script.

- Another relic re-birthed for a new generation. You might see it up for some hokey awards like the Oscars or Globes, ones that are televised and who's purpose is to rake in ratings (money). Alas it is too two dimensional to be winning things at Cannes or big time fests.

This will be one of those films that will be on weekend non-cable channels all the time, in about 10 years. This is the type of movie I say might not be a waste of money, but it certainly won't cut the test of time.

Go to Lumet for than.