As a life long fan of the late great Agatha Christie how could I resist a classic whodunnit on my weekly cinephile trip to Chapter.
And despite the Rotten Tomato reviews lobbed at this crime caper, I absolutely loved every minute of the fab film Knives Out.
In my view, it certainly is a witty, cine-literate and devilishly entertaining fun flick with a absolutely stellar cast.
Let’s be honest, what’s not to love about a movie that spotlights the marvellous murder mystery genre.
And pays homage to the Queen of Crime’s characters I adore – from Miss Marple and the other less celebrated sleuths of her books.
I’m not so keen on that fussy Belgian bloke with the ridiculous ‘tache though.
But that is who the Knives Out lead character Benoit Blanc brings to mind most.
Blanc, perfectly portrayed by none other than Daniel Craig, is an inquisitive and debonair private detective mysteriously hired to solve a murder mystery.
A renowned crime novelist is found dead at his estate, complete with obligatory country house, just after his 85th birthday.
But is it murder or is it suicide? Tweed-suited Blanc is covertly hired by a secret paymaster to detect the truth behind the dastardly deed.
The spotlight falls on all the feuding family members, of course. These are played superbly by a stellar cast that includes Chris Evans, Lakeith Stanfield, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette and Michael Shannon.
There then follows a tale full of twists and turns told with some style, a few little laughs, and some bits of sneaked in social commentary – the latter of which Agatha was not adverse to doing too as we know.
Until in true murder mystery style all is revealed at the end…with a sting in the tail.
Craig plays the cracking old school crime cop excellently reminding me of why, pre Bond, I lovingly lauded him as one the best actors of my generation
He first caught my eye in our Friends in the North, the 1996 TV series that followed the lives of four friends as they grow from their teens into middle age.
His outstanding performance as the troubled Geordie Peacock was certainly his breakthrough role.
Layer Cake, Enduring Love, The Jacket and the scores of other roles so diverse and different quickly built his reputation.
Then came his bold move with Bond.
The jury’s still out on that one for me but he certainly got me interested in the Fleming franchise again.
Mind you the much maligned but, in my view, dishily-dimpled Timothy Dalton is my most fave and fanciable Bond, so I what do I know.
Daniel Craig brought me back to James but it’s seeing him in this type of role that makes me remember the remarkable actor he can be.
It’s not a physical thing, as I think he looks like a potato if truth be told.
It’s that, in my view, portraying quirky characters is where he really shines.
Benoit Blanc is as suave as the sleuths of Christie in a film packed tight with murder mystery staples, and homage to the great wordsmiths of that genre.
No spoilers from me though.
Mr Craig in the Library with a sharp script.
That’s my only Clue..do!
Speak soon.
Mrs SVJ
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
Gig Girl Reviews is where she shows that the world is wider than just our town by writing about the gigs, the films, the theatre, the exhibitions, and all things arty – all through the eyes of a local girl done good.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.