- Originality: Whodunits are not exactly a dime a dozen, so it’s reassuring when one comes along that is original and not in some way based on an Agatha Christie novel. This film uses some of the common tropes, but it also is completely unique in a number of ways all thanks to Rian Johnson’s refusal to create something less than a create mystery. [4.5]
- Performances: To speak about the great actors in this film could take a long time, but all of the performances go above and beyond what’s necessary. Daniel Craig is a perfect caricature, Chris Evans is malicious and witty, but Ana de Armas has the star-making turn and she steals every scene she’s in with her purity and unflinching commitment to what’s right. [4.5]
- Technicality: Rian Johnson is a master of getting the most out of every scene, whether it’s the actors or the set or any other small moments that tell the story. From his earliest films to now he has relied on his camera to tell the story and there isn’t a prop or scene wasted here as he catches all of it with his lens. He isn’t the most technically innovative, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. [4.0]
- Rewatchability: This will likely be one that I revisit more regularly than other murder mysteries. There is so much to the dialogue and the plotting that deserves to be appreciated on multiple viewings. I wanted to watch this film immediately after watching it the first time and that desire to venture back into this world hasn’t faded since the first thought. [5.0]
Total – [18.0/20.0]
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