Written and Directed by Rian Johnson
Starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas and a slew of other sharp dressed people 
Running Time 2 hours, 10 minutes
MPAA Rating PG-13

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport 

In some families, when a relative kicks the bucket it can be quite thrilling.

With death comes the unveiling of the deceased’s final words. The reading of someone’s will is never short of excitement, as it is the former-breather’s last chance for remarks and jabs. Movies with a will at the center of a story are extremely enthralling to me. I find them to be wonderful research for my own afterlife planning. These films are a reminder that, even in death, one can still have fun. For my own reading, it will not be short of craziness for those that I leave behind. Of corpse, there will be an activity of sorts, maybe a scavenger hunt or a night spent in the woods, by candlelight I suppose. I worked hard for my loot and, therefore, those hoping to capitalize on my departure will need to pay the price before reaping the benefits. 

Rian Johnson’s latest flick, Knives Out is an old fashioned murder mystery that includes snazzy sweaters, witty remarks, colorful characters and meticulous production design. Being a fan of who-done-it style programs such as Murder She Wrote, Columbo and Nero Wolfe I found this flick to be right up my alley. The magnificent ensemble cast consisting of Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ana De Armas, Michael Shannon, Toni Colette, Don Johnson and more are a reminder that one can indeed have fun at the movies, even without spandex clad superheroes and spaceships flying through the stars.  

After the sudden passing of Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), like a pack of vultures the family descends upon his estate and await to hear of their undeserved treasure. However, upon arrival, not just the reading of the will awaits. There is also a muder investigation underfoot and everyone's a suspect. This isn’t the only surprise. Due to a last minute change by Thrombeyhis entire fortune is left to his nurse and caretaker, Marta Cabrera (Ana De Armas). This is shocking news to the Thrombey family and they, of corpse, will not go quietly. As the title literally suggests, the knives come out. 

Wills often bring out the worst traits in family members. They resort to manipulation, become conniving and are willing to throw one another under a bus just for a chance at the family jewels. There is more I could say about the awesomeness that is Rian’s film - like the fact that one of the main characters is unable to tell a lie and when she attempts falsity it causes her to puke. Or that one should never take their eyes off grandma, but here’s the thing: I don’t want to ruin it for you. This is a movie that everyone should make a point to see in the cinema because, not only is it a heck a lot of fun and extremely creative, but it is really well made too. So, instead of divulging any of the sacred details, instead I have curated a round up of some of my favorite flicks that are part of, in my opinion, one of the most magnificent genres: Wills ‘n Thrills! 

One Body Too Many

There are a lot of reasons I adore this 1944 flick. Namely, Bela Lugosi, which is what led me to watching this flick in the first place. Little did I know, it would become one of the most influential to me in terms of afterlife planning. It tells the story of an eccentric Scrooge McDuck type who has gone to the other side. The film opens with the reading of his will, in which the family members learn that they are to remain in the mansion until a glass-domed vault is built on the roof of the manor. This is where the recently departed shall sleep and the ability to look up at the stars. Of corpse, chaos ensues which includes poisioned coffee, murder and INSURANCE. Without this film, I would have never known of the possibility of a glass lidded coffin  that would allow me to look up at the stars from the comfort of my box or of the wonderful exciting life one can lead as an INSURANCE salesman. 

The Cat & The Canary

I only recently discovered the 1927 silent  flick, The Cat & The Canary. I viewed it for my podcast Cinematic Crypt during the month of October in which I celebrated the radness of spooky silent films. This movie tells the story of another eccentric millionaire (are you catching a pattern here) named Cyrus West. After he passes away, he deems that his will shall not be read for twenty years! Prior to midnight of the twentieth year, his relatives descend to his derelict mansion located on a spooky hill surrounded by fog to find out who the heir of his fortune shall be. This movie is very inspiring to me and not just for the ideas it brings for my death day. It is shot utilizing basically just one location to tell the story - and the house essentially becomes a character too. 

Grand Budapest

This is my favorite movie from Wes Anderson and it is all due to the hotel. I absolutely love films that are set within a hotel. And this film nails it when it comes to production design, a wonderful cast, great script and even provides insight on estate planning. If this movie teaches you anything, it is that you should always check for a second will - especially behind prized portraits. 

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

This movie was a childhood staple in my family home. I believe someone made us a copy on VHS and we wore that thing out. I have to admit, though, this is much more fun watching as an adult - when you finally understanding the jokes and innuendos. Remember, it is PG though - so it is totally fine for the kids. More importantly, it is a great example of how to make the wildest will ever - disappearing, reappearing ink. What could possibly cause more mayhem than that?