Johnson's Whodunnit Knives Out Mixes Vintage Mystery with Contemporary Flair

Written and directed by Rian Johnson, Knives Out boasts an all-star cast, and witty premise. Yep, you read that correctly, Knives Out isn't just flash and fun; there's a mystery at the heart of if all that's almost too much fun watching unfold. Be advised, Ro and Joi free admit to being biased in favor of a good whodunnit with a quirky detective. 

The morning after his 85th birthday, famed crime writer Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead in an apparent suicide in his study. The family gathered to celebrate his life must now remain to mourn.

Linda (Jaime Lee Curtis) Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) Richard (Don Johnson), Walter (Michael Shannon), and Jacob (Jaeden Martell) in Rian Johnson's Knives Out

But, someone believes Thrombey didn't take his own life. Just as the police move to wrap up their investigation, world-renowned private investigator Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) enters the picture charged by an anonymous employer with discovering the truth. 

Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) in Rian Johnson's Knives Out

Rian Johnson's Whodunnit Asks All The Right Questions

In recent past, Agatha Christie-style mysteries and/or Hitchcock worthy films have fallen short of the mark for a variety of reasons. On one level, getting the look and feel of a good cozy mystery but fall short when it comes to finding the right pace and plot points. With just the right amount of Clue-sensibility - without feeling derivative - Knives Out makes smart decisions and trusts its talent to elevate an already solid story into great entertainment. 

Listen to Ro and Joi chat about Knives Out and see why they both think this should be your post-holiday family outing. 

Thinking About a Day At the Moveis? See 21 Bridges and Queen and Slim 

If you need a reason to check out 21 Bridges, besides supporting Chadwick Boseman in all things, Ro shares her thoughts (21:40.0) about this throwback crime action flick. 21 Bridges leverages a ticking clock, chase scenes, and dirty cops into a satisfying tale about a righteous man with a badge. 21 Bridges is a gritty with just enough mayhem to keep things enjoyably hectic. 

Listen to Joi's bid for checking out Queen and Slim (be sure to catch Kriss and Brandon's review) in theaters [25:30.1].

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