Newsletter
  • Guides
  • Previews
    • Indie Games
    • PS4
    • PC
    • Xbox One
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Nintendo 3DS
    • PS Vita
    • PS3
    • Xbox 360
    • Wii U
  • Site Info
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Staff Directory
    • Join Our Team
    • Privacy Policy
      • Cookies Policy
    • RSS Feeds
    • Social Media
      • Youtube
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Twitch
      • Instagram
      • Tumblr
      • Linkedin
      • Pinterest
      • Discord
  • Discord
  • Store
  • Logitech G
  • green man gaming
  • Affiliates
    • GAMIVO.com
    • Logitech
    • Astro Gaming
    • Nord VPN
    • Best Buy
    • Namecheap Hosting
    • Blue Mic
    • Ultimate Ears
    • Jaybird
Saturday, June 3, 2023
BG
  • News
    • All
    • Esports
    • Interviews
    esports tournament dates 2023

    Don’t Miss These Major Esports Tournaments Coming in 2023!

    explore a new world of esports - bet successfully on valorant matches!

    Explore a New Era of eSports: Bet Successfully on Valorant Matches

    betting on video games - 5 tops picks

    Betting on Video Games: 5 top picks

    Kristala Gets Exclusive Beta Demo

    esports betting featured image

    5 Secrets of Bankroll Management That You Don’t Know

    Wanted: Dead Enemies and Bosses Explained Video

    8 Minutes of New Atomic Heart Gameplay

    Chance to make money with valorant?

    Valorant, CS: GO, Dota 2 – Just Online Games or an Opportunity to Make Money on Bets?

    Amazon Luna Games Coming in February

    Trending Tags

    • Top Stories
    • PlayStation
    • Xbox
    • Nintendo
    • Retro Games
    • Mobile Games
    • Indie Games
    • Square Enix
    • Sony
    • Microsoft
    • PAX
    • EGX
    • Gamescom
    • Rockstar Games
    • Electronic Arts
    • Activision Blizzard
    • E3 Expo
  • Reviews
    • All
    • Flash Game Reviews
    • Google Stadia
    • Indie Game Reviews
    • Mobile Game Reviews
    • Nintendo 3DS Reviews
    • Nintendo Switch Reviews
    • PC Reviews
    • PS Vita Reviews
    • PS3 Reviews
    • PS4 Reviews
    • PS5 Reviews
    • Retro Game Reviews
    • Reviews RoundUP
    • Xbox 360 Reviews
    • Xbox One Reviews

    Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Nintendo Switch Review

    Atelier Ryza 3

    Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key Nintendo Switch Review

    No More Heroes 3 PS4 Review

    Neptunia: Sisters vs Sisters PS4 Review

    Wanted: Dead Review

    The Legend of Heroes Trails From Zero

    The Legend of Heroes: Trails From Zero PC Review

    Amnesia: Memories + Later x Crowd Review

    Dusk Diver 2 PS5 Review

    Yurukill: The Culmination Games

    Yurukill: The Calumniation Games Nintendo Switch Review

    Trending Tags

    • Resident Evil
    • Call of Duty
    • Final Fantasy
    • Destiny
    • Borderlands
    • Halo
    • The Elder Scrolls
    • Fortnite
    • PUBG
    • Bioshock
    • The Witcher
  • Opinion
    • All
    • Second Opinion
    7 Tips to Game in a Shared Space

    7 Tips to Game in a Shared Space (Without Irritating Each Other!)

    explore a new world of esports - bet successfully on valorant matches!

    Explore a New Era of eSports: Bet Successfully on Valorant Matches

    betting on video games - 5 tops picks

    Betting on Video Games: 5 top picks

    esports betting featured image

    5 Secrets of Bankroll Management That You Don’t Know

    Popular games featured image

    The increasing popularity of online casinos

    Manga Review: Summertime Rendering Volumes 2 & 3

    buying, szelling, and trading csgo skins

    What To Expect When Buying, Selling, & Trading CS: GO Skins

    What Are the Best Ways to Gear Up in Retail WOW?

    Chance to make money with valorant?

    Valorant, CS: GO, Dota 2 – Just Online Games or an Opportunity to Make Money on Bets?

    Trending Tags

    • Is It A Classic?
    • Remember When
    • Do We Even Care Anymore?
    • Humpday Haikus
    • Top Series
    • Thirsty Thursday
    • Aging Gamer
    • On The Way To E3
  • Podcasts
    • All
    • The BagoCast
    • TSR BagoCast

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – The Future of Game Journalism

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Social Media & Esports

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Politics in Video Games Games

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Content Creators vs Game Journalist 2

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Titan Fall and Apex: Legends Hacked

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Content Creators vs Game Journalist

    BagoCast EP: 12 – Code Vein and the DLC

    Debate/Discussion: Bad Video Games That We Love

    Discussion/Debate: Is Bioware Gone?

    Trending Tags

    • Film Fallout
    • 8Bit Proof
    • Gaming Historia
    • Bago Anime Cast
    • Gamers In Beta
    • Gamers Unscripted
  • Videos

    So, You Wanna Play Junker Queen?

    Matchpoint Tennis Championships Live Review

    Void Slayer – Review

    The IDEAL Spider-Man VR Game

    Crunchyroll Panel Full Video @ Anime Frontier

    BPM: Bullets Per Minute – Shooting to The Beat (Review)

    She Will Punish Them – Warning: Mature Content (Early Access Review)

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – The Future of Game Journalism

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Social Media & Esports

  • Geek Culture
    • All
    • Anime and Manga
    • Anime/Manga Review
    • Collectibles
    • Comic Books
    • Cosplay
    • Movies
    • Tech
    • TV Shows

    RiotPWR Gaming Controller RP1950 Is Future Proof

    Manga Review: Summertime Rendering Volumes 2 & 3

    Pwnage Releases New Info On Stormbreaker, The Magnesium Alloy Gaming Mouse

    Eminence in Shadow Mobile RPG Gets New Trailer, Available Now

    Crunchyroll Announces Anime Frontier Panels and Premieres

    Crunchyroll Announces Hell’s Paradise, The Ancient Magus’ Bride S2, and More Upcoming Anime

    The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie Gets New Key Visual, Tickets Now on Sale

    Crunchyroll Rich Presence Now Available on Discord

    Udon Entertainment Announces Persona 4 Arena & Ultimax Manga Coming 2023

    Trending Tags

    • Movie Reviews
    • Movie News
    • TV News
    • TV Episode Review
    • Episode Guide
    • Competitive Gaming
    • Tech News
    • Tech Review
    • Anime and Manga News
    • Anime and Manga Review
    • Comic Book News
    • Comic Book Review
  • Forum
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • All
    • Esports
    • Interviews
    esports tournament dates 2023

    Don’t Miss These Major Esports Tournaments Coming in 2023!

    explore a new world of esports - bet successfully on valorant matches!

    Explore a New Era of eSports: Bet Successfully on Valorant Matches

    betting on video games - 5 tops picks

    Betting on Video Games: 5 top picks

    Kristala Gets Exclusive Beta Demo

    esports betting featured image

    5 Secrets of Bankroll Management That You Don’t Know

    Wanted: Dead Enemies and Bosses Explained Video

    8 Minutes of New Atomic Heart Gameplay

    Chance to make money with valorant?

    Valorant, CS: GO, Dota 2 – Just Online Games or an Opportunity to Make Money on Bets?

    Amazon Luna Games Coming in February

    Trending Tags

    • Top Stories
    • PlayStation
    • Xbox
    • Nintendo
    • Retro Games
    • Mobile Games
    • Indie Games
    • Square Enix
    • Sony
    • Microsoft
    • PAX
    • EGX
    • Gamescom
    • Rockstar Games
    • Electronic Arts
    • Activision Blizzard
    • E3 Expo
  • Reviews
    • All
    • Flash Game Reviews
    • Google Stadia
    • Indie Game Reviews
    • Mobile Game Reviews
    • Nintendo 3DS Reviews
    • Nintendo Switch Reviews
    • PC Reviews
    • PS Vita Reviews
    • PS3 Reviews
    • PS4 Reviews
    • PS5 Reviews
    • Retro Game Reviews
    • Reviews RoundUP
    • Xbox 360 Reviews
    • Xbox One Reviews

    Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly Nintendo Switch Review

    Atelier Ryza 3

    Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key Nintendo Switch Review

    No More Heroes 3 PS4 Review

    Neptunia: Sisters vs Sisters PS4 Review

    Wanted: Dead Review

    The Legend of Heroes Trails From Zero

    The Legend of Heroes: Trails From Zero PC Review

    Amnesia: Memories + Later x Crowd Review

    Dusk Diver 2 PS5 Review

    Yurukill: The Culmination Games

    Yurukill: The Calumniation Games Nintendo Switch Review

    Trending Tags

    • Resident Evil
    • Call of Duty
    • Final Fantasy
    • Destiny
    • Borderlands
    • Halo
    • The Elder Scrolls
    • Fortnite
    • PUBG
    • Bioshock
    • The Witcher
  • Opinion
    • All
    • Second Opinion
    7 Tips to Game in a Shared Space

    7 Tips to Game in a Shared Space (Without Irritating Each Other!)

    explore a new world of esports - bet successfully on valorant matches!

    Explore a New Era of eSports: Bet Successfully on Valorant Matches

    betting on video games - 5 tops picks

    Betting on Video Games: 5 top picks

    esports betting featured image

    5 Secrets of Bankroll Management That You Don’t Know

    Popular games featured image

    The increasing popularity of online casinos

    Manga Review: Summertime Rendering Volumes 2 & 3

    buying, szelling, and trading csgo skins

    What To Expect When Buying, Selling, & Trading CS: GO Skins

    What Are the Best Ways to Gear Up in Retail WOW?

    Chance to make money with valorant?

    Valorant, CS: GO, Dota 2 – Just Online Games or an Opportunity to Make Money on Bets?

    Trending Tags

    • Is It A Classic?
    • Remember When
    • Do We Even Care Anymore?
    • Humpday Haikus
    • Top Series
    • Thirsty Thursday
    • Aging Gamer
    • On The Way To E3
  • Podcasts
    • All
    • The BagoCast
    • TSR BagoCast

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – The Future of Game Journalism

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Social Media & Esports

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Politics in Video Games Games

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Content Creators vs Game Journalist 2

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Titan Fall and Apex: Legends Hacked

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Content Creators vs Game Journalist

    BagoCast EP: 12 – Code Vein and the DLC

    Debate/Discussion: Bad Video Games That We Love

    Discussion/Debate: Is Bioware Gone?

    Trending Tags

    • Film Fallout
    • 8Bit Proof
    • Gaming Historia
    • Bago Anime Cast
    • Gamers In Beta
    • Gamers Unscripted
  • Videos

    So, You Wanna Play Junker Queen?

    Matchpoint Tennis Championships Live Review

    Void Slayer – Review

    The IDEAL Spider-Man VR Game

    Crunchyroll Panel Full Video @ Anime Frontier

    BPM: Bullets Per Minute – Shooting to The Beat (Review)

    She Will Punish Them – Warning: Mature Content (Early Access Review)

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – The Future of Game Journalism

    Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – Social Media & Esports

  • Geek Culture
    • All
    • Anime and Manga
    • Anime/Manga Review
    • Collectibles
    • Comic Books
    • Cosplay
    • Movies
    • Tech
    • TV Shows

    RiotPWR Gaming Controller RP1950 Is Future Proof

    Manga Review: Summertime Rendering Volumes 2 & 3

    Pwnage Releases New Info On Stormbreaker, The Magnesium Alloy Gaming Mouse

    Eminence in Shadow Mobile RPG Gets New Trailer, Available Now

    Crunchyroll Announces Anime Frontier Panels and Premieres

    Crunchyroll Announces Hell’s Paradise, The Ancient Magus’ Bride S2, and More Upcoming Anime

    The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie Gets New Key Visual, Tickets Now on Sale

    Crunchyroll Rich Presence Now Available on Discord

    Udon Entertainment Announces Persona 4 Arena & Ultimax Manga Coming 2023

    Trending Tags

    • Movie Reviews
    • Movie News
    • TV News
    • TV Episode Review
    • Episode Guide
    • Competitive Gaming
    • Tech News
    • Tech Review
    • Anime and Manga News
    • Anime and Manga Review
    • Comic Book News
    • Comic Book Review
  • Forum
No Result
View All Result
BagoGames
No Result
View All Result

BagoGames > Articles > Geek Culture > Movies > “Knives Out” Review: A Wicked Romp of Murder Most Foul

“Knives Out” Review: A Wicked Romp of Murder Most Foul

An all-star murder mystery with dagger-sharp wit

Mark McPherson by Mark McPherson
4 years ago
in Geek Culture, Movies
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
KO_04703.dng

KO_04703.dng

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Rian Johnson’s Knives Out is by far the most playful mystery I’ve seen this decade, skillfully walking the line between ode and original. It tinkers with the mechanics of the genre, finding just the right twists to exploit and quirks to insert. The script stirs together brilliantly vicious characters, all playing nasty enough for everyone to be a suspect. The theme plays with the current climate of heated politics with an eat-the-rich vibe throughout. But, more importantly, it’s just so damn fun.

Who Killed Harlan?

The morning after his birthday, famed crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead in his study. Suicide? That’s what the initial report says but there’s more to this story that suggests murder. That is what private eye Benoit Blanc thinks, played by Daniel Craig with a brilliant bayou accent. He has reason enough to believe someone in the house that fateful night may be the murderer. Everyone has a motive.

RelatedStories

RiotPWR Gaming Controller RP1950 Is Future Proof

Manga Review: Summertime Rendering Volumes 2 & 3

The brash and cackling Ransom Thrombey (Chris Evans) is bitter about being kicked out of the will but also enjoys his family going nuts on each other. Linda Drysdale (Jamie Lee Curtis) is very dismayed by the whole situation she’d rather not talk about it. Walt Thrombey (Michael Shannon) is really hoping he’ll take ownage of Harlan’s book empire in the will, desperate that he can hold onto that wealth. Joni Thrombey (Toni Collette) is a new-age stuffy liberal who perfectly clashes with dated conservative values of Richard Drysdale (Don Johnson). And Harlan’s caregiver of Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas) seems suspiciously silent after the murder.

An Eccentric Ensemble

Who committed the murder will not be revealed here (obviously). What I can reveal is the remarkable work of the cast at play. Armed with a devilishly sharp script, every character is a hoot to follow with cunning chemistry. Consider how Craig takes a rather darkly delight in solving the case, giving off a mild unease among the suspects. He’s having too much fun in a role where he boasts a Southern drawl. Evans plays against his usual likable persona as the smirking antagonizer of his crumbling family. When they all seem to snipe with vicious words, he can one-up any line.

Michael Shannon also has an amazing ability to seem like both a frustrated figure and an intimidating presence. Consider a scene where he tries to boast about his power by marching forward with his cane, though he’s armed with little financially. Don Johnson is almost too good as that bloated and bearded dad who just can’t wait to make his MAGA dinner speech. Though Toni Collette shines in her contention, she’s also hilarious in her glee. Consider her first meeting with Blanc where she speaks of how he knows him; “I read a tweet about a New Yorker article about you. You’re famous!”

Sharp Story

Rian Johnson has written a script that is equal parts witty and blunt. This is mostly present in the dialogue that balances between being amusingly intelligent to savagely scathing. Craig will at one point equate solving this case to the structure of a donut with donut holes. Curtis will speak with aggravation towards the police about the murder of her father with quiet anger. And Evans will flat-out tell his family to “Eat shit.”

But what should be noted, without revealing the mystery, is that politics come into play. Johnson makes no attempts to hide his story away from the troubling online discourse or the political tensions on immigration. Both play prominent roles and those hoping the film will be an escapist vacuum may be dismayed. Those willing to let the film run with the current, however, will be stunned to discover an astute and brilliant mystery.

Yes, it wants you to harp on eating the rich, a theme most vocal in this year’s movie scene. Although there are plenty of great films on this subject (Ready or Not), this one is perhaps the most playful on the matter. The politics shape the story but doesn’t veer off course from the twisty mystery at hand, always devoted to the genre.

Conclusion

Although Knives Out does showcase many odes to the murder mystery, including blatant nods to Murder She Wrote, it still has enough teeth to be a darkly comedic mystery all its own. There are enough clues and twists to keep the audience guessing and surprised throughout. The cast brings their A-game, especially for actors that shine in only a handful of scenes, such as Plummer having a ball. As both an atmospheric murder mystery and a biting jab at the times, this is a genuinely entertaining picture that is sure to go down as the most notable of modern whodunnits. I know that film genre hasn’t exactly been prolific in the 21st-century but it has certainly set the bar high.

The Review

Knives Out

8 Score

A brilliantly sharp and savage murder mystery that both plays with the genre and weaves its own originality.

PROS

  • Fantastic Cast
  • Fast-paced and Smart Editing
  • Engaging and Twisty Mystery

CONS

  • Winks a Little Much at the Genre
  • Overt Politics Perhaps Too On-The-Nose

Review Breakdown

  • Final Score 0
Tags: KnivesOutMovie Reviews
ShareTweetShare


Previous Post

7 Films Inspired by Cult Computer Games

Next Post

“The Irishman” Review: A Slow-Burn Scorsese Masterpiece

Subscribe
Connect with
Login
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of
guest
The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us to keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser cookies for the next time I comment.

I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
guest
The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us to keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser cookies for the next time I comment.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

BAGOGAMES WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Get this week's top news, reviews, guides, videos and opinion for your favorite games, movies, TV and tech in your email every Friday.

Don't worry, we don't spam.

NEW ON BAGOGAMES

esports tournament dates 2023
Esports

Don’t Miss These Major Esports Tournaments Coming in 2023!

by Trevor Kincaid
2 weeks ago
7 Tips to Game in a Shared Space
Opinion

7 Tips to Game in a Shared Space (Without Irritating Each Other!)

by Trevor Kincaid
2 weeks ago
explore a new world of esports - bet successfully on valorant matches!
Esports

Explore a New Era of eSports: Bet Successfully on Valorant Matches

by Trevor Kincaid
3 weeks ago

LATEST PODCASTS & VIDEOS

Currently Playing

Void Slayer – Review

Void Slayer – Review

Game Reviews

The IDEAL Spider-Man VR Game

Opinion

BPM: Bullets Per Minute – Shooting to The Beat (Review)

Game Reviews

She Will Punish Them – Warning: Mature Content (Early Access Review)

Game Reviews

Bagocast: Interview with Upper Echelon Gamers – The Future of Game Journalism

Opinion

FOLLOW US

BagoGames

BagoGames.com © 2023 BagoGames LLC. All rights reserved.

Navigate Site

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Staff Directory
  • Join Our Team
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter
  • RSS Feeds
  • Discord Server
  • BG Store
  • OpenCritic
  • green man gaming
  • Logitech G
  • GAMIVO.com
  • ASTRO Gaming
  • Logitech
  • Namecheap Hosting
  • Nord VPN
  • Best Buy
  • Blue Mic
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Guides

Follow Us

  • Login
  • Sign Up
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Opinion
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Geek Culture
  • Previews
  • Guides
  • Short Videos
  • Forum
  • Site Info
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Join Our Team
    • Staff Directory
    • Privacy Policy
    • Newsletter
    • RSS Feeds

BagoGames.com © 2023 BagoGames LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
wpDiscuz