Suspense...

Rating: 7/10 (25 May 2020)

Disc-laimer: Suspense, was a factor, not just for the who-dunnit on screen, but regarding when the DVD would arrive. Our "short wait" was a couple of months, I know first world problems....but my sons had heard about it and were looking forward to seeing it...and sometimes too long in that anticipatory state is a form of death.
Anyways like "Murder on the Orient Express" (pick a version) it features a star-studded cast, and encourages its actors (like the characters they portray) to take things a little too far. The film, perhaps like many family gatherings, does feel a bit crowded. By the way, LaKeith Stanfield fans this is NOT the film you are dying to see.
Anyways, like most mysteries, it gets reverse-engineered with lego-like precision on shots and plot. My intuition tells me there is a definite type of mind, for whom this works exceptionally... and I think my immediate family lacks that gene. Smells like Intelligent Design Spirit if you know what I mean.
Which is not to say we didn't enjoy the film. One can admire the craft, and enjoy the romp (and even appreciate the not-so-subtle Matthew 5:5 message) without falling head over heels for a film.
Like we did for Rian Johnson's debut "Brick" which is sharper than "Knives" and highly recommended if you've not seen it.