X
GO

HERALD ARTICLES
FEATURED MOVIE REVIEW: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Linda Oppelt
/ Categories: Arts & Culture

FEATURED MOVIE REVIEW: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

By John Mulderig/OSV News

NEW YORK. Comedies that fall flat and films that fail to engage viewers’ intellect are so common that the 2019 release of “Knives Out” was nothing short of a delight. The comic whodunit was by turns intriguing and amusing.

Three years and a global pandemic later, returning writer-director Rian Johnson serves up a sequel, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (PG-13, Netflix). The good news is that, overall, the movie proves a worthy successor to its sparkling precursor. Less welcome is the fact that language issues throughout and a needless momentary nod in the direction of prevailing mores make this follow-up fit only for adults.

At the center of the action once again stands Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), the deeply Southern, presumably Cajun detective. Acknowledged as the world’s greatest sleuth, Blanc has nonetheless been in something of a decline for lack of a challenging case with which to grapple — fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes will recognize the pattern.

Blanc’s boredom is alleviated once he finds himself on the Greek island that serves as the retreat of eccentric billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton). There, the mogul plans to stage his own fake murder so that the motley coterie of old friends he annually assembles can spend an entertaining weekend solving the crime.

Thus we’re introduced to a variety of vivid characters who knew Bron before his rise to wealth and fame. They include rough-grained politician Claire Debella (Kathryn Hahn), and researcher Lionel Toussaint (Leslie Odom Jr.) — both of whom are doggedly refusing to endorse Bron’s latest “breakthrough.” Also on board is the hilariously ditzy model-turned-designer Birdie Jay (Kate Hudson) and muddleheaded social influencer Duke Cody (Dave Bautista).

Present for less obvious reasons is Cassandra “Andi” Brand (Janelle Monáe), Bron’s ex-business partner, who accuses him of betraying and ruining her. Andi’s addition to the mix is just one reason Blanc fears that his host’s proposed game may go awry. In fact, it’s not long before the stakes are raised dramatically when a real homicide is committed.

As long-standing conflicts among the ensemble of guests are brought to light, Johnson successfully relies on his previous recipe, mixing humor with the elements of a thriller to enjoyable effect. Yet even some grown-ups may be put off by the more vulgar ingredients, both verbal and visual, on which he draws.

Additionally, there’s a brief scene suggesting that Blanc is in a homosexual relationship. Like his Louisiana origins, this aspect of his backstory is left vague, at least on screen. Within the context of the film itself, there’s nothing to indicate that Blanc and the other man are anything more than “Odd Couple” style roommates. At any event, it’s a fleeting interlude in what is otherwise a sophisticated, rollicking — though perhaps overly earthy — piece of entertainment.

Look for: Mostly urbane wit along the path of a search for justice.

Look out for: Off-color jokes and sexual content, including implied same-sex cohabitation, a bedroom scene and partial nudity, drug use, about a half-dozen profanities, frequent mild swearing, at least one rough term, pervasive crude language and obscene gestures.

The Catholic Moviegoer’s guidance is M — suitable for mature viewers.

Formerly a staff member for Catholic News Service, John Mulderig has been reviewing visual media from a Catholic perspective for 15 years. His column is syndicated by OSVNews.

Previous Article Jay Barnwell, Director of Stewardship for Our Lady of the Pines Parish, dies at age 74
Next Article Bishop Golka's Reflection on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Print
232 Rate this article:
No rating

Linda OppeltLinda Oppelt

Other posts by Linda Oppelt
Contact author
Please login or register to post comments.

Contact author

x
HERALD HEADLINES

THE BISHOP'S CROZIER: Contemplating the Incarnation

By Bishop James R. Golka

Bishop James R. Golka 0 353 Article rating: No rating

And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only-begotten Son from the Father. -John 1:14

On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Mass readings shift from the ministry of St. John the Baptist to the narrative of the birth of Jesus. This coming weekend we “prepare for landing” and brace ourselves for the amazing and scandalizing birth of Our Lord.

Council for Black Catholics celebrates St. Martin de Porres feast day

By Aisha C. Young

Linda Oppelt 0 274 Article rating: 5.0

COLORADO SPRINGS. The Colorado Springs Council for Black Catholics celebrated their annual St. Martin de Porres Mass and dinner on Nov. 5 at St. Joseph Parish in Colorado Springs. The event is held each year in November to correspond with National Black Catholic History Month and St. Martin’s feast day on Nov. 2.

Tips for Catholic gift-giving this Christmas

by William J. Dagendesh

William Dagendesh 0 296 Article rating: 5.0

COLORADO SPRINGS. Christmas is the time of year when people exchange presents as a reminder of the gifts brought to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus.

Since Jesus’ arrival more than 2,000 years ago, people have given gifts to re-confirm or establish their connection with others. Offering a gift to someone we care about allows us to communicate our feelings and appreciation for them.

St. Gabriel students benefit from innovative lunch program

By Shelley McGrail

Linda Oppelt 0 356 Article rating: 5.0

COLORADO SPRINGS. Who says school lunches are boring and bland? Not the kids at the new St. Gabriel Classical Academy (SGCA), which opened its doors to preschool through fifth grade this year at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish.

Hot chicken barbecue sandwiches, carnitas tacos, and homestyle macaroni and cheese are among their favorites, along with vegetarian options and delicious fresh vegetables and fruits. Partnering with Skills Academy, students receive freshly prepared, farm-to-table meals four days a week.

RSS
First567810121314Last