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Blades of Story

James Bond, in the ballroom, with the pistol.

Captain America, in the cloak room, with the shield.

Sonny Crockett, in the kitchen, with the alligator.

The obvious "Clue" puns just write themselves - even with just a tiny slice of the many actors delivering great performances in "Knives Out," the latest feature from director Rian Johnson ("Star Wars: The Last Jedi"). Fresh off (allegedly) ruining "Star Wars," Johnson has crafted a delightful film that continues 2019's streak of excellent non-super heroic, non-sequel content.

As a great modern whodunit, Knives Out will inevitably call "Clue" to mind for many filmgoers. But this film goes above and beyond that 80's cult classic's satirical approach to the genre. "Knives Out" is also self-aware and willing to smirk at itself - along with a few characters who seem in on that vibe, to great effect. At the same time, "Knives Out" possesses a seriousness that gives its world a weight and feel that makes this film so engaging and interesting to witness. It doesn't hurt to have a world-class group of actors delivering the keen and cagey dialogue by Johnson, who in addition to directing also penned the script.

The premise is familiar: paterfamilias Harlan Thrombey, played by a glint-eyed Christopher Plummer ("All the Money in the World"), has met an untimely demise. His myriad of scions, children and grandchildren alike, are all unsympathetic and terrible - SUSPECTS ALL AROUND. Marta Cabrera, played by Ana de Armas ("Blade Runner 2049") in what I hope is a breakout role, is the in-home nurse for the recently deceased Elder Thrombey-ALSO A SUSPECT! But it's Daniel Craig ("Logan Lucky") as honey-dipped southern Detective Benoit Blanc who easily steals the show from his esteemed castmates. Never too far from the center of the action in any given scene, he is the key to unlocking the mystery behind Thrombey's death.

Special mention also for Chris Evans ("Avengers: Endgame"), playing Thrombey's eldest grandson Ransom, in a role that reminds that us how great he can be even without that vibranium shield. "Knives Out" truly is an ensemble effort, with every main player given something interesting and important to do. Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Don Johnson, and Michael Shannon all deliver excellent and complex turns as spoiled and entitled brats deluded as to their place in the world. Some of the smaller roles here don't have as much to do, but there isn't a bad performance in the lot.

Taking note of these performances requires that we acknowledge the film's exceptional writing and directing. Johnson has penned a tight story, with twists and dead-ends aplenty; even the most jaded viewers may find themselves smiling with surprise by the beginning of the rolling credits. That truly is refreshing and enjoyable in the low-to-no stakes game of tentpole filmmaking that's dominating today's box office. Johnson has delivered an interesting and detailed micro- verse - the Thrombey mansion is a visual feast - and populates it with people we enjoy disliking. He then proceeds to toy with our senses and expectations about who-actually-dunit!

"Knives Out's" cinematography excels at bringing the audience into the nooks and crannies of both the space itself and characters that occupy it. The film has some limitations; the earlier nod to smaller roles feeling a bit simple is noticeable, especially when drawn against the main performances. One character - no spoilers as to which one - is mainly there to be the target of some horrible and hilarious jokes, but not much else. There are also a few scenes where the action leaves the Thrombey mansion and the mood shifts in an odd way. But the story never loses its sense of gravity and levity. The pacing overall is sound and the action never drags, despite the film's 130-minute runtime.

I would not be at all surprised if "Knives Out" ends up netting a few nominations for its performances, writing, and production design; it really is an exceptionally well-made movie. I'd call it one of the best and most satisfying I've seen in 2019. Once you've finished carving up the turkey, put your blades away and go see "Knives Out."

Note: I've been informed that my Clue board game references are off-target.  To clarify, I last played it in 1989.