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Knives out

What I liked: The house. Someone comments that the guy practically lives in a clue board, which appears to be true. There are an absurd number of rooms, all of which can conveniently eavesdrop on each other, and every piece of decor reminds you that this is the location of an absurd, over the top murder mystery. My personal favorite was the multitude of crystal skulls tucked into the background (eat your heart out Indian Jones), the ridiculous knife circle thing, and the creepy pictures. Nana. We don't know how old she is. We don't know how with it she is. But we do know she is amazing. The car chase. If you have read my other reviews you know that I am a sucker for a good car chase. I like them all from Fast and Furious parachuting out of a plane to the Italian Job mini coopers in the subway. This one had great elements and unexpected elements and I thought it was great, not least of all because I was decidedly unimpressed with James Bond's driving. That the main character is physically incapable of lying. Handy trait for the investigators that. Singing in the car. Yep, that happened. The plot. Like every good murder mystery, every character has a motive, the plot take unexpected and odd twists, and we get helpful detective exposition along the way. The way all of these are delivered are entertaining, surprising, all tie together nicely if you're paying attention. It is only January 4th, so I can safely say that this is my favorite movie of the year, so far. 

What I didn't: The whole family is intentionally unlikeable and they do a great job of it. I do wish the police detective got more screen time, he was very funny when he was around. I feel like several people fell for the third of the classic blunders behind getting involved in a land war in Asia and challenging a Sicilian. Note to self, next time I'm being investigated for a crime don't do that. Also in the event I have to start a fire, I don't think next to a liquid nitrogen tank would be the best location.

Who should watch this? People who like absurd mysteries; people contemplating committing murder, being murdered, framing someone else for murder, investigating a murder, or writing about a murder; people looking for ideas for creative and unnerving decor. There is some strong language, so bear that in mind.

Would I watch it again? Yes and I want my own crystal skull.
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