It's crazy that it has been 3 years since Knives Out came out. Not only did this rejuvenate the murder mystery sub-genre back into modern films. It also reignited Rian Johnson's career after what he did as director for the extremely divisive Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
It gave me great reassurance that Johnson is a genuinely talented filmmaker with the right material. So when I heard that a sequel was in the works, I was very excited to see if the momentum can continue and it wasn't just a novelty comeback for the modern whodunnit's.
It certainly sucks you in straight away with a frenetic and intriguing opening. Then we get you're expected set-up of of a murder mystery and the gags and engaging characters pretty much guarantees your investment for the rest of the film.
I liked how certain information is revealed. There are non-linear moments, flashbacks, reveals that change their meaning and importance later on and it builds up to a satisfying climax.
The cast for this film may not be stacked with classic stars like in the original. But this impressive ensemble is an interesting mixture of stars that are established, rising and ones that some may have not seen for quite a while. Daniel Craig does another great job as Benoit Blanc. That awkward accent remains consistent and entertaining and his Bond experience is put to good use. His is definitely this generations Hercule Poirot.
Janelle Monae makes great use of how her character is used and by the end of it has many memorable moments and solid chemistry with Craig. Ed Norton is having a great time with his role and it was great seeing Kate Hudson given something worth our time for once and be in a role that isn't in a rom-com.
Dave Bautista continues to extend his character range, Kathryn Hahn continues to be nothing but fantastic and there are also some fun cameos to surprise you all.
Like its predecessor, the production design as a character in itself and gives clues hidden in plain sight that will be rewarding on multiple viewings.
I honestly did not have complaints with this one. So it's all about personal taste now whether how much I liked it.
For me, just like Knives Out this was a really enjoyable watch that kept you highly engaged throughout with many unexpected twists and turns, a solid amount of comedy and a narrative that mixes in the old school and the new style of the whodunnit' genre.
While there are obvious similarities with Knives Out in terms of the basic structure, there is plenty of aspects that makes stand on its own. I can see many having this as their favourite of the two. The pacing is solid, the imagery is pleasing and there's cool sub-plots that I can see being more memorable the more times you watch it.
I love that this has become not just a franchise, but a successful one. I am aware that a third one is already in production and I am certainly excited for of what Johnson has in mind.
Rating: 8/10
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