Read Mixed User Reviews for Knives Out

4

djniceyApr 21, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As a murder-mystery, it doesn't come anywhere close to an Agatha Christie, or any of the other interesting whodunnits, there is one scene where one of the characters is watching Angela Lansbury in Murder, She Wrote on a TV and it just made me really cringe, there are other self-serving references where the writer/director shoves in political statements and other trite references, Rian Johnson is quite obviously his own biggest fan.

There isn't much suspense at all, the movie plays out pretty much exactly as you think it will, it becomes obvious from early on who-dunnit and the characters are all caricatures, none give a nuanced and interesting performance. Daniel Craig fails at an American drawl accent and this is a distraction throughout the whole movie. They should have cast an American or a decent voice actor, or had him have an English accent. Ana de Armas has a large amount of screen time and does well playing the part, as the central figure she carries the film and its straightforward plot. Her central plot contrivance, that she is sick every time she lies, isn't used in an interesting way, it merely provides a convenience for the "detectives" who do almost zero actual detective work after the initial interviews at the very start of the film that establish characters and motives. All of this is wasted as the cast never become plausible suspects, there are only ever two suspects and one becomes obvious in the second act. There is none of the subtlety or misdirection of the classic murder mysteries.

There are so many illogical plot holes and unnatural events that the film falls apart as a crime thriller, characters walk over, throw away, and destroy evidence in full view of the police, who say or do absolutely nothing about it. There are other inconsistencies, the hugest of which is the central overdose plot and a cover-up that wouldn't work as a cover-up after a post-mortem. Its watchable and entertaining enough to pass a couple of hours, but I wouldn't ever watch it a second time or rate it as a good murder mystery, as there is precious little mystery.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

JkatoJan 25, 2020

This movie is very over hyped, please please save your money, go see 1917 or the gentlemen, like i shouldve, wait for streaming or rent it if u must. I will say daniel craig was very good in this, but otherwise it was average.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

vaythandAug 2, 2020

A movie that mistakes being self-referential for cleverness, and a retreading of political caricatures as commentary. For a movie that pretends to be about moral ambiguity, the characters are decidedly put in the “good guy” or “bad guy”A movie that mistakes being self-referential for cleverness, and a retreading of political caricatures as commentary. For a movie that pretends to be about moral ambiguity, the characters are decidedly put in the “good guy” or “bad guy” baskets. By the time Daniel Craig’s character reveals his final deduction, which was the one time in the movie I had fun, it’s just not enough to justify the eye-rolling meandering up to that point. It does look pretty though.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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4

laymanpascalMar 26, 2021

Great actors, interesting ideas & visual nuances but somehow the character shots, dialogue and pacing left me just as emotionally indifferent as the Last Jedi. It's puzzling.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

BulgarianCriticDec 30, 2019

Yeah this was pretty ok to watch.Some of the scenes stretched out for too long but overall the acting was super(i mean from the entire cast can you expect anything less?)the mystery was alright and the comedy was ok.

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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4

ThemBakerBoysNov 29, 2019

I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that more wasn't done with this terrific cast. The movie does deliver on what it promises. It IS a murder mystery with a comedic slant. The problem is that it doesn't doing any one part of itI couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that more wasn't done with this terrific cast. The movie does deliver on what it promises. It IS a murder mystery with a comedic slant. The problem is that it doesn't doing any one part of it particularly well. It really isn't very funny and it really isn't that great a murder mystery. There are several red herrings designed to mislead the audience but we have seen so much of that in the past that it isn't very effective. You would not need to be an amazing detective to figure out the culprit by the midpoint of the movie. Jamie Lee Curtis can be hilariously funny when given the right material and here she and others are criminally under used. Much time is wasted on Ana De Armas who plays the nurse Marta. The camera lingers on her face for far too long and far to often. Combine that with Daniel Craig's painfully slow southern drawl, (which he does NOT nail) and I was often wishing the camera would follow what the more interesting characters were doing.
And of course, being Hollywood, they can't help themselves from bashing Trump, Trump voters, and conservatives in general. The couple in front of us walked out of the theater when things got particularly political about immigration and putting children in cages.
To sum up, very few laugh out loud moments, very little real suspense, some annoying accents and politics, a lot of wasted potential and the result is a movie that will only be remembered for being forgettable. Wait for it to show up on Netflix or something. Not worth theater dollars.… Expand

14 of 23 users found this helpful149

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4

MA2Nov 29, 2019

Once again, Rian Johnson proves himself to be a great director (particularly with visuals) but an absolutely awful writer who’s obsession with exploring social/political themes always comes at the cost of turning almost every plot point andOnce again, Rian Johnson proves himself to be a great director (particularly with visuals) but an absolutely awful writer who’s obsession with exploring social/political themes always comes at the cost of turning almost every plot point and character ark into MacGuffins. For the record, I actually agree with his politics so please don’t @ me. But good stories make for intelligent social commentary, not the other way around.

The cast are brilliant though so that’s something!… Expand

13 of 22 users found this helpful139

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6

Brent_MarchantDec 1, 2019

Despite a number of fine supporting performances (especially Jamie Lee Curtis and Toni Collette) and excellent production values, this overlong, overwritten whodunnit grows tiresome as it goes along, especially in its extended concluding bigDespite a number of fine supporting performances (especially Jamie Lee Curtis and Toni Collette) and excellent production values, this overlong, overwritten whodunnit grows tiresome as it goes along, especially in its extended concluding big reveal sequence (at which point you might not really care what the answer is). As a film that seeks to be both funny and compelling, it often seems to try too hard to be what it aspires to be, carrying an air of smugness about itself as it does so. What's more, a number of characters are seriously underused, and the script for what should be a timeless sort of tale is tarnished by discussions of contemporary topics that ground it in the present, diluting what should be one of the picture's chief defining characteristics. But the biggest issue is a big, gaping, vacuous question that's left unresolved at film's end, one that's sure to leave astute viewers scratching their heads. While the end product is far from awful, it certainly could have been a lot better. Wait for home media on this one.… Expand

11 of 19 users found this helpful118

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6

BeardedYodaDec 3, 2019

Despite the fact that the acting is spectacular, there are certain points in the story that I found confusing and strange. One reoccurring plot point in particular seemed ridiculous and out of place even though the movie leans on it for theDespite the fact that the acting is spectacular, there are certain points in the story that I found confusing and strange. One reoccurring plot point in particular seemed ridiculous and out of place even though the movie leans on it for the story to work.… Expand

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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5

swingJan 7, 2020

Kept my attention in spurts, but one of the dumbest movies of the year. Tried to make it like Clue, the board game. But was silly from start to finish. I did like Marta, the Paraguay nurse. She was adorable.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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5

TyranianMar 19, 2020

Vaguely entertaining but full of obnoxious characters and tedious plotting.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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5

jcasetnlFeb 29, 2020

Engaging and funny at times, but works too hard to set up its contrivances on the one hand, and then takes furious short cuts on the other. Such as a car chase where the main character can't be going more than 50 mph and claims she's flooringEngaging and funny at times, but works too hard to set up its contrivances on the one hand, and then takes furious short cuts on the other. Such as a car chase where the main character can't be going more than 50 mph and claims she's flooring it, and then fakes out all the police by simply hitting the brakes. Mistakes like this, or like the cheap gimmick of the main character throwing up whenever she tells a lie, are so far into silly territory that it gnaws at the credibility of what is in many respects a meticulously crafted murder mystery.

The other problem is at some point the twists start to feel a bit too predictable and rote, and the reveals start to lose impact. At some point, to earn its due, Knives Out had to fool the audience and it just never really does. Most of the supporting cast is quickly off the suspect list and the only thing that makes us still care about them is the actors' performances (which are generally quite good). No, the problem with Knives Out is solely in the writing.

Also Knives very cheaply injects politics as a way to turn the vilification of the antagonists up to 11 and ennoble the protagonist. It's pretty stunning how tacked on and lazy it's done here. With the film's "critics insurance" paid, I'm not surprised at it being rated more highly than it probably deserves. Watch the over 40 years old Blazing Saddles if you want to see a movie that does it right.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

mixoticFeb 7, 2020

It was fine, it not somewhat predictable. It held my attention, but I didn't walk away continuing to think about the movie. The dramatic overacting by the cast made it seems like they were trying to make something that felt like the originalIt was fine, it not somewhat predictable. It held my attention, but I didn't walk away continuing to think about the movie. The dramatic overacting by the cast made it seems like they were trying to make something that felt like the original Clue! movie, but it did't really hit the mark.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

MoniMarcoMay 22, 2020

Came in with big expectations after seeing the actors involved, and I got to say, there is nothing impressive about this movie, except for the fact that they managed to get so many high caliber actors together on one set. A lot of hiddenCame in with big expectations after seeing the actors involved, and I got to say, there is nothing impressive about this movie, except for the fact that they managed to get so many high caliber actors together on one set. A lot of hidden advertising. Very basic plot. And caricature characters with a lack of depth.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

zacharyhasDec 26, 2019

A decent whodunnit with a stellar cast of characters. I had some issues with the film overall but it's very much worth a watch, I don't think it has as much bite as Rian Johnson's previous works such a Looper, Brick or The Last Jedi

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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5

UncleWillardFeb 9, 2020

Not sure what the raves are all about. This was a pretty boring and by the numbers whodunit. I half expected everyone to be guilty a la Agatha Christy. I thought I had missed some brilliance but no amount of spoiler-filled explanations shedNot sure what the raves are all about. This was a pretty boring and by the numbers whodunit. I half expected everyone to be guilty a la Agatha Christy. I thought I had missed some brilliance but no amount of spoiler-filled explanations shed new light. I got it and it wasn't shocking or.complex in the slightest. I guess, like Parasite, its a lesson in classism? Poor people.good, rich people bad? Way to go movies! That's like the third movie this year that fooled me into watching them and being thoroughly underwhelmed.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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6

Voodoo123Apr 11, 2020

The fantastic cast and impressive production quality of knives out are wasted away on the sub par 'who dunnit' plot with a weak sauce screenplay. There was nothing of substance to be found here and so I felt my time was ultimately wasted.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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5

ZZBEARDec 22, 2019

meh, not a complete waste of time like his Starwars floater but still an just an OK meh smirk movie.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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6

AxeTFeb 11, 2020

Intricate and involving mystery exactly in the Agatha Christie tradition with a great all star cast, but too convoluted in the end. Most critically there's a small but fatal flaw in the plot. And the political commentary injection overIntricate and involving mystery exactly in the Agatha Christie tradition with a great all star cast, but too convoluted in the end. Most critically there's a small but fatal flaw in the plot. And the political commentary injection over family debating is one thing, but the surveillance VHS tape lesson is just too much personal nerd obsession for a discerning audience (and is the exact same luddite nerd move Tarantino made with his little lecture on film gauge formats in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" which has nothing to do with story and everything to do with filmmaker silly self indulgence).… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

thatpowerFeb 25, 2020

Amazing movie ruined by a terrible ending. Disappointing but still watchable due to the first 90 minutes being extremely good.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

logan_Feb 16, 2020

It is a movie that happened ... With an ensemble cast of fun character performances, the narrative followed the least interesting among them. Despite my enjoyment of particular performances from Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collete, and JaedenIt is a movie that happened ... With an ensemble cast of fun character performances, the narrative followed the least interesting among them. Despite my enjoyment of particular performances from Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collete, and Jaeden Martell, I am torn on if the were actually good or just marginally better than their lackluster costars such as Chris Evans and Ana de Armas. The return to the ensemble mystery in "Knives Out" was refreshing from Rian Johnson and I wait with bated breath for "Knives Out II" and other classic mysteries to come out in the future.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

Mark12181Mar 7, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I liked the cast and set up and I would’ve rated this movie a lot higher if weren’t for two detractions. The biggest being the set up of the apparent murder suicide. The nurse accidentally gives her patient 100mg of morphine through an IV and he miraculously stays conscious for at least 10 minutes while they figure out a plan and execute it. The next criticism is a continuation of the first, the lady is a nurse therefore she would easily know something is in fact a miss since the guy stays conscious after the so called massive overdose. The movie is built upon this flimsy premise. That out of the way I did enjoy the ending as I didn’t see it coming. The only other complaint was that the movie starts out rather slow.going… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

Mauro_LanariDec 27, 2019

(Mauro Lanari)
The now inevitable anti-Trumpian added disvalue of the WASP family and Captain America against a Latin American (Ecuador? Paraguay?) with an undocumented immigrant mother, hidden in a story worthy of Agatha Christie and in a(Mauro Lanari)
The now inevitable anti-Trumpian added disvalue of the WASP family and Captain America against a Latin American (Ecuador? Paraguay?) with an undocumented immigrant mother, hidden in a story worthy of Agatha Christie and in a bubbly direction worthy of Guy Ritchie or of Bekmambetov's "Wanted" (2008).… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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6

Stream2BigScreeJan 28, 2020

Knives Out… Sharp and Full of Holes

S2S: What is Thanksgiving without families coming together, airing their drama and disdain and a little bit of MURDER! Yes, Knives Out provides us with not a movie that reminds of morals behind the season,Knives Out… Sharp and Full of Holes

S2S: What is Thanksgiving without families coming together, airing their drama and disdain and a little bit of MURDER! Yes, Knives Out provides us with not a movie that reminds of morals behind the season, giving thanks, loving family, and fun and games like Mafia and WHO DONE IT?!

TF: I hear you there. Rian Johnson’s Knives Out is mainly style over substance. It is like Johnson decided to write and direct a less serious, contemporary version of Murder on the Orient Express, which had a remake in 2017. You may hear a lot of comparisons to that movie. Knives Out’s plot is both familiar and convoluted; but, it doesn’t mean it is not worthy of a viewing.

S2S: Knives Out is described by Lionsgate as “When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is mysteriously enlisted 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 Harlan’s untimely death.” After that I can’t give much more without dropping a spoiler. But this puts us in a perfect position to discuss.

S2S: Knives Out is jammed packed with a star-studded ensemble. Jamie Lee Curtis, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans who all do a really solid job portraying their individual characters. Sidenote: each individual character couldn’t get anymore stereotypical or carbon copy to previous mystery movies. Daniel Craig’s southern drawl was quite amazing, even if offensive to the Colonel. Throughout the movie, the cast gave moments of convincing and captivating performances. Especially, the relative newcomer to the acting world Ana de Armas, who played Marta, had times where she wasn’t put in the shadow of the other looming superstars in the cast. Interestingly enough, another star cast could’ve done this movie and it wouldn’t be the same at all. Either way, the cast/movie has charm and is entertaining.

TF: I agree that the cast is star-studded and these actors are clearly having a great time playing these characters. I love Daniel Craig in this role. It feels rare that we see him stretch like this and it’s fun. However, I do think his Benoit Blanc is somehow both too broad and not broad enough. I was getting Inspector Clouseau vibes, but I wanted more daffy antics. Also, Christopher Plummer, Chris Evans and Jamie Lee Curtis are sinking their teeth into these mysterious Thrombey family members. Michael Shannon, as Harlan’s son benefiting from nepotism, and Toni Collette, as a scheming daughter-in-law, are chewing scenery left and right. There’s consistent great energy when these actors are on the screen.

S2S: Unfortunately, the cast doesn’t wholly save this movie. There are so many plot holes in the script or the editing that we left the theater saying, “just pretend like that made sense” or “they forgot all about that”. It’s almost like it was a donut with hole in the middle, another donut. The storyline in itself is not original but the way the story is told saves that in a way. It felt as if I was being read one of Harlan’s books, which is great but it felt as long as one of Harlan’s books as well. This movie drug on way too long. I felt okay checking my phone because I knew the end was imminent even though the biggest secret and reveal wasn’t complete.

TF: Yes, but don’t leave out the set design. The production design of the house is outstanding. Everywhere you look, there are knick-knacks and interesting set pieces. A huge portrait of Christopher Plummer as Harlan looms over a room in the house as the patriarch’s presence does in the family. The structure of the home itself is a marvel. Lastly, I will mention that at times the music is very gripping. There are some strings striking at one point that were accenting tension. These parts of the production really help things come together.

TF: But you’re right the real problem is that ultimately the mystery isn’t great. The plot points are kind of obvious and then become convoluted, if you try to unpack it. Knives Out feels maybe 20 minutes too long. There’s so much going on in order to build to the conclusion that the movie loses some steam along the way. I wanted more comedy than mystery since the mystery wasn’t very mysterious.

S2S: With that said, Knives Out is clever and entertaining at times, but isn’t worth the time in the theater. The movie may be worth matinee money but ultimately this is a perfect FX or Netflix movie. Something you watch once and then can leave on in the background. TF: Knives Out is fun and has some smart moments. This cast is the reason to stick with the movie to the end. The real question is does the cast do enough to elevate the middling plot. I would be on board for another Benoit Blanc movie in the future.… Expand

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4

BratzkiSoBJan 1, 2023

Hard to see what the appeal is after the simple fact of the ensemble cast. I think the hype is more about a beloved new director than the results here. Acting is on point for what they were attempting but all in all it’s just a whimsicalHard to see what the appeal is after the simple fact of the ensemble cast. I think the hype is more about a beloved new director than the results here. Acting is on point for what they were attempting but all in all it’s just a whimsical flick with nothing at all interesting. Glass Onion was much worse, probably a Zero. I think with some time these rave reviewers will embarrassingly look back at this movie in the same vein as Cannonball Run.… Expand

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5

samcharlot123Feb 19, 2023

I really did not like this movie. Ana De Armas is easy on the eyes, but even her beauty couldn't save this film. I felt so bored watching it. It felt like it was trying to be Clue(1985) and just didn't hold up in my opinion.

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