"Knives Out" Movie Review

Some families support one another and are always ready to help in times of trouble. The Thrombeys are not that family. In truth, the Thrombeys are rather combative on a good day. Harlan, the head of the family, is a rich man due to being one of the best mystery/crime writers of all time. His family all expect a cut of the inheritance for their own reasons. When Harlan is found dead, the family assumes it was suicide due to the nature of the death. Acclaimed Detective Benoit Blanc thinks otherwise, however. Blanc believes Harlan was murdered. The investigation deepens at every turn, eventually pitting the family against each other.

There's not one thing I disliked about the film. It's not your traditional whodunnit and takes the genre into a whole new direction. Within the first 20 minutes, we get the reveal of one person believing they're guilty and most of the film is an attempt at figuring out who the blackmailer is. But then the film takes several grand twists instead of going the predictable route. The drama the film weaved within the family was brilliant. You truly never knew who to trust or what lengths each one was willing to go to to get their way. Rian Johnson, in my book at least, has just redeemed himself as both a writer and a director.

The cast was exceptional. From Jamie Lee Curtis to Chris Evans to Daniel Craig, it was a cast of legendary proportions and each one was fully convincing in their role. Daniel Craig once again plays a Southern gentleman with an accent slightly different from his Logan Lucky performance but still Southern enough to pass for a true Kentuckian. Chris Evans' role was also a great callback to his Fierce People performance, slithering back into the spoiled rich boy persona. Michael Shannon especially had that character development that made you uncomfortable in a way.

I also loved the testament and statement the film made as far as money goes. Certainly, the film touched base on what money can do to a person, especially a person that's never had to be without it. It's really true what PT Barnum said: "Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant."

In conclusion, do not miss this film. It's one of the great modern mystery films and certainly will keep you entertained for a couple hours and talking about it for days after. I give the film a 4 out of 4.