Okay, so I know it’s called something different, but Knives Out 2 is the easiest term to use. (Real name: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery). I don’t have a ton to say about this movie. It’s pretty much… adequately good. So let’s get into just how good. Worth a watch? Better than the first? Let’s find out!
Also, check out my review of Knives Out the first one, with a big mystery house and no sign of glass onions.
Impressive Scope of Characters
I’ll start with one way this movie actually is better than the 1st one. That’s the full cast of characters. Sure, Knives Out (1st one) has some really good characters, but most of them are pretty two-dimensional. This one manages the ensemble cast better and gives everyone a few defining traits. Or at least an important role in a scene.
Also in the first one, there were characters with similar personalities. Lots of rich people, mostly related. That’s kind of the whole point, but this movie took the opportunity to create a more diverse population. There aren’t really two characters who are extremely similar. Well, maybe there is, but for the most part not.
Entertaining… ish
The first movie was so entertaining and surprising, it was always gonna be hard to live up to expectations. And this movie really does try. It’s got some punch, it has a pretty good twist. But overall, the plot is worse. Just predictable, really.
Everything besides the twist feels like a photocopy of a photocopy of the least original murder mystery movie. Even the brilliant set pieces, color schemes, and cinematography can’t cover it up. Like everything else with this movie, it did try.
I could talk about some of the self-serving dialogue. There are other issues it shares with the original. But those are all pretty easy to overlook. Kinda like the “puke when you lie” thing from Knives Out original.
Overall
It’s a good movie. It’s enjoyable. It tries some things and pulls off some of them. No matter what, it’s absolutely worth a watch, chances are you’ll really enjoy it, and maybe it’ll get better with age, but I doubt it.
You will, however, have a blast if you can make it through the first half.
David Kummer 