How to Make a Killing
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How to Make a Killing is playing in theaters at the time of review. Rated R. Common Sense says 15+
Disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family, blue-collar Becket Redfellow (Glen Powell) will stop at nothing to reclaim his inheritance, no matter how many relatives stand in his way,
STORY: D
Been there, done that.
A poor guy feels cheated out of fortune. Poor guy takes matters into his own hands. It’s ground that’s been well covered before, and for good reason. Despite the many similar films that came before, the idea still has plenty of juice.
Unfortunately, the filmmakers left their juicer at home. The film doesn’t seem interested in doing anything new or exciting with its fertile premise.
PEOPLE: C
Been there, done that - Pt. 2
I’m still high on Glen Powell and Margaret Qualley. They’re two of our most impressive, intriguing, up-and-coming actors.
How to Make a Killing doesn’t take advantage of their presence. It doesn’t push them in any new direction. That misstep feels lazy, as if the studio (director? agent?) thinks that just slapping their names on the poster is enough to make the film cool.
On a brighter note, the frontrunner for best cameo of the year is officially Topher Grace. His brief appearance as a sleazy televangelist sizzles with more moxie and chaos than the rest of the movie combined.
FILM NERD STUFF: D-
Cinema’s many tools go unused.
A question every critic is taught to ask in their consideration of a movie is, “Did this need to be a movie?”
Nestled at the core of that question is the idea that a movie should use its unique elements (cinematography, editing, set design, sound, etc.) to tell its story. If it’s not using the tools that define the medium, then what is it doing?
The movie’s overreliance on voiceover is a fatal flow. By having Powell describe what’s happening, the film’s cinematic elements don’t need to do the work. The result is a dull story.
ONE BIG LESSON: D
Money’s ok. But it’s not the only thing.
From the trailer, the movie may look like its mission is to convince you that money is the devil and won’t deliver happiness. Actually, the movie is very pro-money, even pro-capitalism. It draws the line at prioritizing obscene wealth over every other aspect of your life.
Go out and earn a buck. Just don’t forget why you’re doing it and who you’re doing it for.
FINAL COMMENTS:
I’m grading on a curve. This movie has so much potential. It’s got a great idea. It’s got a great cast. It should have been so much more.
I don’t think anyone phoned it in. These are all talented professionals doing capable work. But it feels like everyone except Topher Grace misunderstood the assignment.
FINAL GRADE: D
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