The real mystery to be solved in Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out movie is why this thing needs a 145 minute runtime.
The plot mechanics of the film are solid, but at 145 minutes, it really needs characters fleshed out better than what we have in the film. Outside of Josh O’Connors priest character, we don’t really get much perspective from the majority of the supporting characters. Very few characters in this are fleshed out well enough and those who are given that are really only those who are crucial to the plot reveal. It makes it a bit difficult to buy into most of them as suspects.
There’s also very little in the way of misdirects or incorrect pathways followed.
It’s entertaining enough, but I’ve never understood the reverence people have for these Knives Out films. They just feel like an exercise in Rian Johnson being clever.
And just as a heads-up to Australian ABW subscribers… Check out a new animated show debuting this Tuesday on HBO Max. It’s called Common Side Effects and is a comedy-thriller of sorts based on the idea of pharmaceutical companies trying to stop a guy who has discovered a drug that can cure everything. It debuted in the US earlier this year and will be making it onto quite a few end of year best-of lists.
(Speaking of, I’m planning to run my best of the year lists throughout the week)
Returning TV
Veronika (s02), Percy Jackson & The Olympians (s02), Tales of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (s02), Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (s02), Blood Coast (s02)
New TV
The War Between The Land and The Sea — BBC
Top cast: Russell Tovey, Russell Tovey, Jemma Redgrave
What it’s about: When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war.
Man vs Baby — Netflix
Top cast: Rowan Atkinson
What it’s about: After a disastrous experience housesitting a high-tech mansion hampered by an inconvenient insect, Trevor Bingley is now looking after a luxurious London penthouse, with another unlikely, un-asked-for companion.
Taylor Swift: The End of an Era — Disney+
Top cast: Taylor Swift
What it’s about: Fans can relive the glory with a six-part documentary series “The End of an Era,” which showcases the inner workings of the tour as well as Swift’s personal thoughts throughout it.
City of Shadows — Netflix
Top cast: Isak Férriz, Verónica Echegui
What it’s about: When Barcelona awakens to a body hanging in flames from one of Gaudí’s most iconic buildings, a disgraced detective must come back to catch the killer.
The Revenge Club — Paramount+
Top cast: Martin Compston and Aimée-Ffion Edwards
What it’s about: The Revenge Club is a drama about six divorce support group members who shift from seeking healing to plotting revenge.
Had I Not Seen The Sun — Netflix
Top cast: Tseng Jing-hua, Moon Lee
What it’s about: When a notorious serial killer gets interviewed by a young woman for a film, his past reveals a deep web of trauma and heartbreak tied to his first love.
New Movies
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery — Netflix
Top cast: Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin
What it’s about: When young priest Jud Duplenticy is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.
Merv — Prime Video
Top cast: Zooey Deschanel, Charlie Cox, Patricia Heaton, Chris Redd
What it’s about: When their beloved dog Merv loses his spark after their split, Anna and Russ are forced into the world’s most awkward co-parenting arrangement.
Lost In The Spotlight — Netflix
Top cast: Vino G. Bastian, Dea Panendra, Agus Kuncoro
What it’s about: Just as he lands a prestigious role, a famous actor mysteriously loses his ability to act, sparking a journey of self-discovery amid public pressure.
[No trailer available]
That’s the newsletter for this week.
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