Knives Out – Review

Knives Out – Budget of $40 million – 2 hours and 10 minutes

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After having a horrifying nightmare of discovering her boss’s dead body, Marta wakes up to a phone call from Detective Lieutenant Elliot.  He has a few more questions to ask her about Harlan Thrombey’s suicide.  At the Thrombey estate, the patrol officers mistake her for the help.  Meg, Harlan’s granddaughter, fiercely stands up for Marta.  Elliot and Trooper Wagner sit each family member, Marta, and Fran down to talk about what happened last week.  Each person recounts what they were doing and what they saw at Harlan’s 85th birthday party.

• Marta: Harlan’s nurse, played a game of Go and left at midnight (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  She can’t lie without getting physically ill
• Fran: Harlan’s housekeeper, talked to everyone about everything
• Linda Thrombey-Drysdale: Harlan’s eldest child, who built a company from the ground up, woke up several times the night of the suicide.
• Richard Drysdale: Married to Linda, was seen having a private conversation with Harlan before the party
• Ransom Thrombey-Drysdale: Linda and Richard’s son, Harlan’s grandson, left the party early after a conversation with Harlan
• Walter “Walt” Thrombey: Harlan’s son, seen having an argument with his father at the party
• Donna Thrombey: Walt’s wife, tried to keep the fighting at bay during a political argument
• Jacob Thrombey: Walt and Donna’s son, Harlan’s grandson, heard 2 people arguing the night of the party
• Joni Thrombey: married the late Neil Thrombey, the caterers saw her talking to Harlan before the party
• Meg Thrombey: Neil and Joni’s daughter, Harlan’s granddaughter, she has a big heart for Marta and Fran

During each interview, the all notice a man sitting in the back of the room.  It’s private investigator Benoit Blanc.  One day, an envelope was slipped under his door.  It had a newspaper clipping on Harlan’s suicide and money.  Blanc doesn’t know who hired him but when he gets the alibi’s he knows why.  He suspects foul play and will get to the bottom of it.  It will take mud, security tapes, and Watson (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).

This ‘whodunit’ will throw you for a loop.  It laughs at the fun in dysfunctional families while giving you clues to solve the crime.  Several family members have a reason to kill Harlan but they all had a reason for him to live as well.  The element that makes this movie so special is that you aren’t just figuring out who, you are figuring out how.  You will be 100% engaged and while peeling back the onion of this family’s dynamic.  This movie touches on the current political climate without being mean-spirited to opposing sides.  It touches on class, inheritance, and nepotism.  It has something for everyone.  It even makes fun of itself for being Clue (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  You will want to see this movie twice.  It is comedic and mystery gold.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars

I don’t know why I said that – Richard

My presence will only be ornamental – Blanc

They are not our books, they’re my books – Harlan

He needed a friend – Marta

Who’s gonna open a clock – Meg

CSI, KFC? – Ransom

Liberal snowflake – Jacob

You had to play his game – Linda

The man lives in the game of clue – Elliot

She can’t be a murder. Have you seen her Insta? She’s an influencer -Trooper

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Disney’s Frozen 2 – Review

Disney’s Frozen 2 – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 43 minutes

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When they were children, Anna and Elsa were too rambunctious to go to sleep.  So, their father, King Agnarr tells them the true story of the Enchanted Forest.  When Agnarr was a young prince, his father – King Runeard – decide to broker a peace treaty between Arendelle and the magical tribe of Northuldra by building a dam.  The two sides were getting along until a fight started in the Enchanted Forest.  The fight angered the elemental spirits – fire, earth, air, and water.  The elemental spirits closed the Enchanted Forest with a mist.  No one could get in the forest and the surviving members of the fight couldn’t get out.  However, Agnarr was saved and released from the mist by an unknown force.  He woke up the King of Arendelle.   Still excited by the awesome story, Anna and Elsa’s mother – Queen Iduna – sings them to sleep with a haunting lullaby.  Today, Queen Elsa and Princess Anna are beloved by Arendelle.  Elsa is enjoying today but Olaf is worried about tomorrow and its changes.  Also, Kristoff is asking Sven’s advice about proposing to Anna.  Queen Elsa hears a voice in the distance and sings back.  In a split second, all of the water and fire are gone from Arendelle.  Then the winds start the push everyone way.  Queen Elsa remembers the Elemental Spirits.  Fire, Wind, and Water are awake.  It is only a matter of time before Earth is next.  They warn everyone to run.  Queen Elsa saves the town but still hears the voice.  Kristoff calls the trolls to help.  Grand Pabbie tells Elsa and Anna they have to appease the Elemental Spirits by learning the truth of Arendelle’s history and what really broke the treaty.  Elsa wants to go to the Enchanted Forest on her own but Anna refuses.  Anna is determined to be by Elsa’s side every step of the way.  And Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven will be right by their side.  Inside the Enchanted Forest, there are a plethora of discoveries.  First, Anna will discover her power through the darkness.  Next, Elsa will discover the truth behind her powers. Third, Kristoff will discover is true north.  Olaf will discover the good in changes.  And, Sven will discover his voice.  In the end, can Anna and Elsa sacrifice their home to unleash the truth and fix the past?

The sequel to Frozen offers new characters like Ryder, Nokk, Gale, the Earth Giants, and a firey salamander but remains true to its origins (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  Be warned, it is necessary to see Frozen before seeing the sequel.  Olaf’s recap, while entertaining, is not complete.  Parents, be prepared to laugh more than your children.  The animators inserted a 90s inspired music video that will give parents nostalgia.  However, kids will still get a sense of wonder as the elements come to life.  You are transported to another world where magic is possible.  Unlike most Disney movies, there is no real villain.  True to life, each character has an internal struggle to overcome.  Sometimes our greatest villain is from within.  If you can, see this movie in 3D and/or IMAX.  And stay to the end for another laughable recap.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

I don’t think Olaf should be allowed to rearrange – Princess Anna

One hour. You got me like this for 1 hour – Sven

Did you know turtles can breathe out of their butts – Olaf

It’s so cold – Queen Elsa

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