A Geeky Guy's Guide to Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
I absolutely loved the first two movies in the Knives Out series. Not only did Knives Out bring my family and I a ton of joy, it rekindled the fun mystery genre. If it weren't for Knives out, I doubt we would have things like Only Murders in the Building or After Party.
While the original Knives Out is my favorite of the three movies due to the twists and turns, the casting and the fun dialogue, I did enjoy Glass Onion in a different way. While Knives out relied heavily on the mystery and those twist and turns, Glass Onion relied more on the characters, absurd situations and dialogue. They were both very good... but also very different.
With Wake Up Dead Man, Rian Johnson pulls off a very difficult trick. He has created a third very well done movie that is quite different from the other two. Although it is hard for me to say I would like any of them more than the original Knives Out, it is very easy for me to say Wake Up Dead Man is almost as good and is definitely my second favorite in the series. While Wake Up Dead Man shares the casting, humor, dialogue and mystery with the previous two (all with varying degrees) this one relies far more on the story of the characters. And they are some fascinating characters. I would have enjoyed this one even if it were just a straight up dramady without any twist and turns. The story was that good.
What really puts this one over the top for me is that it may very well be the best movie about organized religion I have ever seen. I know that may sound odd about a comedy/drama/mystery but it is true. I have never seen a movie handle both sides of organized religion better. Heck I don't think I have ever seen a movie deal with both sides of organized religion. Movies are usually "Religion is awesome" or "Religion sucks". I have never seen a film address both of those points of view.
To clarify, the two points of view I am referencing include the one that says organized religion is awesome because it creates a common bond and encourages kindness and love. The other point of view is that organized religion has been spoiled by humans and has become an excuse to exclude and hate. Wake Up Dead Man does an incredible job showing both of these. It also shows how they can be reconciled. The movie shows both the actions of a power hungry, selfish, hate-filled priest as well as those of a priest who uses his power to love, help, comfort and heal. I was shocked that a "popcorn movie" addressed this issue so masterfully. the movie is also an allegory for any type of abuse of power.
Even though it dealt with some very serious content, the movie always stayed fun. There was always a funny encounter, quirky character or mysterious reveal to ensure that you wouldn't mistake this fun movie for just a morality tale.
As always the casting and the acting is fantastic! Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc is by far my favorite character of his. He plays Blanc in such an over the top kind of way that it is impossible not to smile when he goes on a diatribe. Instead of listing all of the other perfect casting, I'm going to include the screenshot from IMBD. Rest assured, everyone knocks it out of the park in this movie.
If you liked either of the previous two Knives Out movies, I am confident you will love this one. Although I was lucky enough to catch it in the theater, I am confident it won't lose anything on the small screen. in fact, I can't wait to watch it again at home.
Didnt really like this one, i preferred the glass oninon one and the first one.
great review, i like how you explained the story and themes clearly, it made me more interested in the movie
I liked the first one as well and then not as much the second one. I will have to add this to our list. Did you watch Death and other details? That was a pretty good show but my wife found it tedious and annoying after the first few episodes. It might have been better suited to a movie like this.
I did not see that. My next watch is going to be the Residence.
We both really liked the residence. It was wacky at times, but so good.
I hadn't heard of those movies, but they sound very interesting because of the themes they address and the number of top-tier actors they feature
The first one is great. The second is kinda average.
I didn't remember the release date of this one, I'll add it to my list. Good hopes here.
Excellent, my friend! There are many more movies/series to watch when I have time, but based on your recommendations and comments, the first one, "Knives Out," is the best. Although, I'd really have to watch them to give a more accurate opinion. The most important thing is that if you recommend them, they must be very good—ideal for spending time with my wife, enjoying sitting at home during the Christmas holidays.
From here, I realized that Wake Up Dead Man is not just a mystery but a profound yet entertaining film that portrays the two aspects of organized religion and the abuse of power in a humane and balanced way.
Excellent analysis. You perfectly capture what makes this film work so well. I completely agree that Johnson’s ability to evolve the formula while maintaining quality is impressive. Your point about the characters being strong enough to carry a straight dramedy is spot-on—it speaks to the writing’s depth. It’s high praise to rank it so closely to the original, which many hold in such high regard. This review makes me even more eager to see it.
Mistery comedy? That sounds definitely something I've never watched
I didn't know those movies, but you brought me some curiosity 🤔
After what you're saying, I'm getting quite curious to see what's special about these two seasons and what lessons can be learned from them
I have it on my watchlist, I really like the cast and the premise is truly daring. Now that I think about it, I haven't seen any other film that addresses the topic of religion from two points of view, that's convinced me to watch it.