Knives Out (2019)

Knives Out is a brilliantly political, funny and well-plotted story that pays homage to the whodunnit without pastiching it and is probably Johnson's best film yet. The critic singles out the thoughtful exploration of inherited wealth and snobbery, anchored by Ana de Armas.

The critic praises Rian Johnson's inventive and witty comedy-thriller as a crowd-pleasing revival of the whodunnit genre. They single out the kinetic energy and puzzle-solving pleasures delivered by Daniel Craig's eccentric detective.

Johnson delivers a riotous, star-packed homage to the classic whodunnit that moves at a breathless pace while airing dirty laundry on class and politics. The critic notes some one-note characters but highlights the satisfying finale and final twist.

Johnson’s modern riff on the Agatha Christie whodunnit is called gloriously entertaining, with Craig’s Columbo-like Blanc singled out as a delightfully curious highlight. The critic praises the strong ensemble turns, especially from de Armas and Evans, and the contemporary social commentary woven into the twists.

Rian Johnson dusts off the Agatha Christie whodunit with a sleek, cleverly machined puzzle box that entertains through twists and an all-star cast. The critic praises the director’s obvious pleasure in the genre and the film’s exacting construction over its surprises.

The film is a celebration of murder mysteries that puts on a nifty impression of one, with a smartly executed finale that is oddly touching. The critic singles out the rampant cleverness, twists and the human story emerging amid the swagger.

The film is described as a self-reflexive parody and summation of the whodunnit genre packed with clever twists, flashbacks and genre conventions. While splendidly cast and entertaining as a puzzle, it is criticised for being overly theatrical and stagey with little emotional engagement.

The film is a retro pleasure with murder, skulduggery and clever plotting, often deliriously fun despite overly lacquered dialogue. The critic singles out the unexpected Trumpian comeuppance theme and Ana de Armas's central role.

The critic finds it comfy and enjoyable with terrific actors who relish the material and rich white bigots getting their comeuppance. He singles out the high style, self-conscious writing, and confusing final revelations as drawbacks.

The critic calls it a sly, wry and nimble modern homage to classic murder mysteries that is exactly as fun as hoped. Johnson is praised for updating the genre while retaining its tropes, with standout performances from the ensemble and a sharp political subtext.

Rian Johnson’s magnificently crafted tale is ingenious and irresistible, a criminally good time that weaponizes the pleasures of the classical detective story while delivering an eat-the-rich buffet of schadenfreude. The critic singles out the airtight plotting, comic high jinks, and Ana de Armas’s evolution into a commanding truth-teller.

Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” is one of the most purely entertaining films in years, a cinematic magic trick that keeps viewers guessing while delivering scathing social commentary on class and America in 2019. The critic singles out the ingenious whodunit structure and Ana de Armas’s central performance for praise.

The critic finds Rian Johnson's whodunnit an entertaining, humorous country-house mystery with strong performances, especially Daniel Craig as the eccentric detective Benoit Blanc, and notes its social satire on class and family dysfunction, though it lacks some of the expected narrative twists.

The critic calls it a delicious throwback to the all-star whodunit and a juicy comedy thriller that is a treat from start to finish. He singles out the ingeniously plotted script, the crackerjack ensemble cast, and the subversive class commentary.

Rian Johnson pays crowd-pleasing tribute to classic whodunits with a wondrously convoluted case and an over-the-top ensemble, treating the brain teaser as comedy. The critic praises the intricate plotting and the way the film makes a statement about wealth and entitlement without the usual cheese.

The critic calls it one of the funniest films of the year, praising the complex whodunit, subversive humor, and standout performances from the all-star cast including Daniel Craig and Ana de Armas. They note its theatrical style and appeal as a welcome original studio comedy.

The critic describes the film as a deliriously funny and endlessly entertaining whodunit with clever twists, an homage to classic mysteries, and a superb ensemble cast having a great time. They single out Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc and Ana de Armas's Marta as highlights in a giddy, twist-filled experience.

The critic praises the film's gleeful fun and excellent ensemble cast, especially Daniel Craig's detective Benoit Blanc, while noting it feels slightly too long. They highlight the witty script rooted in classic mysteries and the sheer entertainment value as standout elements.

The critic finds it a perfectly entertaining whodunnit but ultimately disappointing, noting that the promising ensemble and ambitious mystery tropes aren't fully utilized. The all-star cast and mansion setting receive praise but are underused.

The critic calls Knives Out a supremely entertaining whodunit that blends Agatha Christie mystery, Hitchcock thriller, and broad comedy with perfect precision into a remarkable whole. They single out the impeccably constructed script and the star-studded ensemble's performances for praise.

The critic calls it one of 2019's sharpest films and an absolute blast thanks to Rian Johnson's surehanded writing and direction. The standout ensemble cast, led by Ana de Armas and Daniel Craig, is singled out for bringing fresh energy to the whodunit.