Tag: Toni Collette

Movie Review – ‘Knives Out’ – Delivered On-Time

Written and Directed by Rian Johnson
Cast: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, Christopher Plummer, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, Riki Lindhome, Edi Patterson, Frank Oz, K Callan, Noah Segan, M. Emmet Walsh, Marlene Forte
Soundtrack: Nathan Johnson

It wasn’t that long ago (you know, like two years) that my relationship with Rian Johnson (as a movie fan) was rather uncomplicated. I thought he was a fine writer/director who had vision; someone who made quality, interesting films.

Then, The Last Jedi happened, and, well, let’s just say that was hard for me to reconcile as both a fan of Johnson’s previous work and classic Star Wars.

As painful as that may have been, however, I always believed, nay, knew, that whatever Rian Johnson’s next movie was would be a good one (and I expect a similar rebound effort from Sam Mendes after the SPECTRE debacle).

Despite some trailer fatigue going in (I think Lionsgate was just excited to have a legitimately good general audience movie for the first time in a while), I have to say, Knives Out delivers as a modern take on the classic murder mystery genre.

Similar to Parasite, I wouldn’t say the story is totally mind-blowing, but it does go in ways I didn’t expect, which is satisfying unto itself.

The ensemble cast of top-flight actors is a joy to behold, and in particular it’s wonderful to see Christopher Plummer still having fun at the age of 89 (and still able to play a slightly younger man, I might add).

It’s also interesting that while Knives Out isn’t a Thanksgiving story (like Blood Rage), the family dynamics certainly seem appropriate to the holiday (may your own Thanksgivings never be as stressful).

Also, I have to give credit to the production for actually shooting a Massachusetts-set movie in Massachusetts, and not somewhere down south or, Heaven forbid, California. As someone who’s spent a fair share of time up there, it’s nice to see that authenticity.

Really though, whether you’re an average movie-goer, or someone like me who’s seen every episode of Agatha Christie’s Poirot (or A&E’s classic, A Nero Wolfe Mystery), Knives Out is a quality piece of entertainment for almost any audience.

So, when you get tired of seeing your family this holiday season, go sneak away and see this one. You won’t regret it.

Rating: ★★★★☆

P.S.
Rian, I know you’re still bitter, I probably would be to, but not all of us who didn’t love The Last Jedi are childish alt-right trolls, okay?

Movie Review – ‘Hereditary’ – A Family Affair

Written and Directed by Ari Aster
Cast: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, Gabriel Byrne, Ann Dowd
Soundtrack: Colin Stetson

People sometimes ask me if I enjoy watching scary movies.

At home, alone?  Not so much; it often becomes a little too personal.

In a theater, with people?  That’s what I like.  I feel secure in the collective experience, and, if I’m being honest, I really enjoy seeing and hearing other people’s frightened reactions.

So, with that said, I can tell you that Hereditary is absolutely worthy of a theatrical viewing.  It’s deeply dark and disturbing, but I also kind of loved it, if for no other reason than how well it’s executed.

In fact, I think it might be a work of genius, but I also don’t want to hype it up too much.  Still though, it’s an incredible debut feature from writer/director Ari Aster, one that draws on classic horror from decades gone by while still feeling fresh and modern (though not always in ways I appreciated).  It’s already being compared to The Exorcist, which, in terms of cultural impact, isn’t really fair, but if we’re strictly talking tone and taking the subject matter seriously, then, yes, it’s an equitable comparison.

Hereditary also doesn’t just rely on loud noises to merely startle the audience, as so many contemporary horror films do.  There were maybe two or three moments where I said to myself, “That’s a little bit of a cheap scare,” or, “That’s a bit cliched,” but by and large the movie simply presents its horror elements without waving its arms, which I welcome.

As strong as it is, however, I’d be absolutely remiss if I didn’t at least mention Toni Collette, who is, without question, the star of the film.  It’s not exactly the kind of role you envy, playing a mother dealing with tremendous grief and suffering in addition to things beyond, but she throws herself so much into her performance that you can’t help but respect it.  It really ties everything together.

If I have any nitpicks though, it’s that, for one, sometimes the camera movements feel a little too fancy for their own good (although I’m not sure I’d say that if I saw the film a second time), and there are certain little story elements that I wish were a little more timeless rather than 2018 all up in your face, but none of these criticisms kill the movie.

So, if you think you can stomach it, I heartily recommend Hereditary, but make no mistake, this is not a crossover event a la A Quiet Place.  This is down and dirty psychological horror; not for everyone.  But, if you don’t mind that sort of thing, you’ll have quite a time.

Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Rating: ★★★★☆