Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) Movie Review

“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” by Rian Johnson is a sequel to his 2019 hit film “Knives Out”. The movie has some hidden gems that are best experienced by watching the film without any prior knowledge. The film is a larger and flashier production with a longer running time and a bigger ensemble cast, but it does not surpass its predecessor. The film suffers from a repetitive midsection, and some supporting actors are underdeveloped despite some meaty and meaningful performances by Janelle Monáe, Kate Hudson, and Daniel Craig. The film benefits from watching it with an enthusiastic audience, and it is recommended to watch it before spoilers leak out.

The story revolves around Miles Bron, a billionaire tech bro who invites his tight-knit clique of "The Disruptors" for a weekend vacation. Miles plans a murder mystery game for the group that reveals the group's secrets. Among the guests are Birdie, a model-turned-influencer who keeps getting in trouble for her racist tweets; Claire, a married mom and no-nonsense politician; Duke Cody, a brash men's rights YouTuber; Whiskey, his girlfriend; and Lionel, Miles' beleaguered scientist. Benoit Blanc, the intrepid detective, is also invited. However, things take a turn when Andi Brand, Miles’ ex-partner, shows up, sending a jolt through the group and putting Blanc on high alert.

The film explores how extreme wealth can corrupt, but the idea is not new, making it predictable. Janelle Monáe's performance stands out, providing much-needed emotional heft and depth to the story. The film remains visually stunning, thanks to Steve Yedlin's cinematography and Jenny Eagan's costume design. The movie's plot is complicated but fun to follow, and Edward Norton's performance provides some comic relief. Ultimately, the film suffers from a repetitive midsection, and some of the characters feel underdeveloped. However, it is still an entertaining film to watch, especially with an enthusiastic audience.

for the film itself: flashy and impressive on the outside, but somewhat hollow at its core. Johnson’s ambition to expand and top his previous success with “Knives Out” is admirable, but it ultimately leads to a bloated and convoluted storyline that loses some of the charm and wit of its predecessor.

In conclusion, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” has its share of entertaining moments and strong performances, but it falls short of the original film’s brilliance. The elaborate production design, clever details, and celebrity cameos keep the film engaging, but the convoluted plot and underdeveloped supporting characters hinder its success. If you’re a fan of the first film, you may still find some enjoyment in “Glass Onion,” but it’s unlikely to live up to your expectations.

But despite its flaws, "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" is still a worthy sequel to the original film. It may not surpass the original, but it offers plenty of enjoyable moments and some standout performances from the talented cast. If you're a fan of the first movie, you'll likely find enough to enjoy here to make it worth your while. And if you haven't seen the first movie yet, it's definitely worth checking out before diving into this one.

In conclusion, "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" is a fun, twisty whodunit that provides plenty of laughs and some surprising moments. It may not be quite as sharp or suspenseful as the original film, but it still offers plenty of entertainment value for fans of the genre. And with a talented cast and some impressive production design, it's a movie that's worth checking out.