Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

Has a scrumptious classic dinner party-whodunit feel, with a compelling first act full of subtle clues that let you know something’s afoot, and then a second act where the other foot (in a shoe) drops and the layers are peeled back. The humour is excellent (“Please tell me you did not think sweatshops are where they make sweatpants”), the drama less so; Andi’s glass ceiling-and-other-objects-shattering arc is effective but the others are never likeable enough to justify how they tagged along.

7

The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

Intrepid reporter Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock’s ancestor. (IMDb)

An incredibly fun film: the treasure-hunt adventure plot is well-crafted without being too complicated, the action is excellent (see the wild goose-I mean falcon chase through Bagghar), the animation makes full use of its creative power (see the delightful transitions and Haddock’s recollection), and there’s just the right amount of great comedy (see Thompson and Thomson of course, but Haddock is hilarious too: “I lit a wee fire” “In a boat?!”) added to the suspense (see the ship escape).

8/10 (Great)

 

Knives Out (2019)

A detective investigates the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family. (IMDb)

An engaging and hilarious whodunnit with one of its biggest twists being an early reveal and a shift in the point of tension that works wonderfully well and adds a good heaping of heart to the already whip-smart script (see the knife line tie-in at the end, the return of the mug in one of the best final shots I’ve ever seen). The final twist is well-drawn but a little drawn-out, but that’s the only misstep in this marvelously decorated, cleverly edited, and perfectly acted mystery/family drama.

9/10 (Amazing)

 

Logan Lucky (2017)

Two brothers attempt to pull off a heist during a NASCAR race in North Carolina. (IMDb)

Strangely slow-paced for a heist flick, and maybe a little meandering, but as it sinks in you realize that’s part of its unique, down-to-earth charm. The pace provides time to invest in the cast of quirky, blue-collar characters (steady Clyde and hard-luck, hard-working Jimmy have a great dynamic) and the heist is still lots of fun (the jail stand-off was a highlight). It may not have the flash and pop of a Rihanna hit, but it’s got the staying power and folksy warmth of a John Denver classic.

7.5/10 (Really Good)

 

Spectre (2015)

A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE. (IMDb)

A great long-take opening scene (starting with a masked Bond was brilliant) gives way to a mediocre story: A half-hazard clue-hopping mystery centered on a lame villain (Bond’s escapes from the chair and the building were way too easy for him) and a vague evil conspiracy (tying together the previous villains felt contrived). On the other hand, the action is excellent, the visuals are nice, and the politically rebellious antics of M, Q, and Moneypenny add some flavour to Bond’s solo missions.

6.5/10 (Alright)

Skyfall (2012)

Bond’s loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. Whilst MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. (IMDb)

The issue of Bond’s fallibility this time around could have been constructed better, but it certainly was a welcome change, and an amazing final showdown featuring teamwork, of all things–with two elderly people yet–adds further freshness. Also praiseworthy is the sinister score and opening credits, Bardem’s uniquely creepy baddie, and the beautiful cinematography (the scenes at Skyfall are especially gorgeous). The politics-turned-personal centered on M provides a nice underlying plot too.

8/10 (Great)

Quantum of Solace (2008)

James Bond descends into mystery as he tries to stop a mysterious organization from eliminating a country’s most valuable resource. All the while, he still tries to seek revenge over the death of his love. (IMDb)

The variety of gorgeously-shot exotic locales aren’t enough to spice up the repetitive action-movie plot (get a lead, follow it with a stolen vehicle, kill the guy) with yet another conveniently good-looking female accomplice and stereotypical foreign villain. Bond’s charm is replaced by a distinct coldness this time around, but as it’s only unpacked once (see the oil-covered girl in the hotel scene) it comes off as dry and dull more than deep. Consequently, it’s an insufficient substitution.

6.5/10 (Alright)

Casino Royale (2006)

Armed with a licence to kill, Secret Agent James Bond sets out on his first mission as 007 and must defeat a weapons dealer in a high stakes game of poker at Casino Royale, but things are not what they seem. (IMDb)

Craig’s Bond has enough athleticism (see the fabulous opening chase sequence), smarts (“How the hell does he know these things?”), and devil-may-care charm (see his valet impersonation) to make most of this film a really fun watch. Only his female-related exploits fail to entertain, moving from eye-rolling alpha male smoothness (though surprisingly it’s Mathis who takes the misogyny cake with his mansplaining of poker) to unwanted and unwarranted romance that really drags out the film’s ending.

7.5/10 (Really Good)