'Greedy People' Reviews: "This unique comedic crime thriller starts off deceptively sunny and quirky, only to plunge into much darker territory as it unfolds"

        On August 23, 2024, Lionsgate releases 'Greedy People', which has earned predominantly positive reviews from critics, currently holding at 70% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the film, "Residents of a small island town navigate a murder and the discovery of a million dollars, a series of increasingly bad decisions upend the once peaceful community." The ensemble cast includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lily James, Simon Rex, Uzo Aduba, Himesh Patel, Tim Blake Nelson, and Joey Lauren Adams. But what did the critics say?

        Matt Donato of Collider writes, "Greedy People is somewhat tonally amiss, but not long enough for the experience to self-destruct. It's a fine working backward whodunit from the inside out." Continuing, "Patel crushes as the anxious straight man, Gordon-Levitt's obnoxious metalhead keeps us on our toes, and James lets curiosity get the better of Paige. Then there are the supporting roles, like Tim Blake Nelson's shrimp-peddling Wallace Chetlo — the deceased's husband — or Simon Rex's handsy masseuse. Jim Gaffigan and José María Yazpik play hired killers with territory boundary issues. Uzo Aduba grounds tension as the leading officer who could spoil Will and Terry's quickly unraveling scheme. Actors fall into rhythm as Providence's inhabitants start pointing blame in all directions, tiptoeing around traps, or stumbling into them with catastrophic results. Given the sheer number of roles, I'd argue that some characters got short-changed screen time — but what's available is a hoot."

       Cody Dericks of Next Best Picture notes, "Pitch-black humor and a grim tone can be perversely enjoyable, but it’s mostly tiring here." Adding, "The cast list boasts an impressive array of respectable actors, all delivering fantastic performances, regardless of their screen time. Patel leads the film with a likable, often pitiable energy, which is necessary to keep the audience invested in his story despite his quick turn into disrepute. James is right by his side, and even when she’s not fully aware of Will’s misdeeds, Paige’s steadfastness and willingness to trust him is made fully understandable by James’ natural magnetism. She has been one of our most reliably charming actors for years, and here, her screen presence makes her the heart of the movie. She’s the true brains of her household, and James brings depth to what seems, at first, like a fairly shallow character, previewing just how involved in the plot she will eventually become without fully showing her hand too early."

        Frank Scheck of Hollywood Reporter was less impressed, stating, "Unfortunately, the proceedings become increasingly tiresome the more the characters are killed off, with the result that despite an impressive cast, the film comes to feel like a Coen Brothers rip-off." Adding, "Despite the hard-working efforts of its impressively game ensemble, Greedy People fails to fulfill its considerable ambitions. It lives up to its title by greedily attempting to have its comic cake and eat its violence, too"

       Louisa Moore of Screen Zealots says, "This is one of the few recent films I’ve seen that actually surprised me at least a half dozen times. This unique comedic crime thriller starts off deceptively sunny and quirky, only to plunge into much darker territory as it unfolds."

Photo by Isaac Moore on Unsplash

'Blink Twice' Reviews: "This concocted blend of societal commentary and genre makes “Blink Twice” a must-watch for those looking for a good time at the movies with some substance to their storytelling."

         On August 23, 2024, Amazon MGM Studios releases 'Blink Twice', which has received predominantly positive reviews from critics, currently holding fresh at 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the film, a millionaire in the technology industry (Channing Tatum) invites a cocktail waitress (Naomi Ackie) to his private island. What starts off as paradise soon becomes her nightmare. The ensemble cast includes Simon Rex, Geena Davis, Christian Slater, and Kyle MacLachlan. Read the full review round-up below. 

        Matt Neglia of Next Best Picture writes, "This concocted blend of societal commentary and genre makes “Blink Twice” a must-watch for those looking for a good time at the movies with some substance to their storytelling." Continuing, "Although the side characters are not given equal balance, Ackie and Tatum make a meal out of their roles, bringing audiences along for the ride in different ways. Ackie’s portrayal of Frida as a strong anchor, providing her with strength and a sense of awareness, makes her more intelligent and resilient than most characters in similar situations. She’s not a helpless victim but a beacon of hope in a perilous situation, endearing her to the audience and making her very easy to root for as she slowly pieces together what is really happening on the island. Tatum, who is also a co-producer on the film and Kravitz’s real-life fiance, is given one of his best roles to date as a wealthy billionaire who seems only to be concerned with everyone having a good time on his island while he attempts to rehabilitate his image with the public. As the film progresses, we see a more sinister side emerge of a man completely detached from reality, and Tatum plays it flawlessly, further showcasing his range in what has been an exciting time in his ever-evolving career."

       BJ Colangelo of Slashfilm notes, "Blink Twice" often plays like the Tether (as in Jordan Peele's "Us") of Rian Johnson's "Glass Onion," the crooked funhouse mirror reflection of a movie audiences feel like they can predict from the start, but Kravitz's narrative voice is so strong, she's practically screaming not to be underestimated. When "Blink Twice" revealed its true face, an uncontrollable gasp was pulled from deep within me. This isn't just a bold creative swing, it's a disorienting, rage-filled foot kicking down the door of expectation and commandeering all expectations. For as dark as the story becomes, the film still has such a twisted sense of humor that feels right at home with Kravitz's sensibilities and social commentary. The pacing might be frustrating for some, and the intensely bleak material might be too much to handle, but that's precisely what makes "Blink Twice" so interesting. Nothing about the film plays it safe, and it's very clear that Kravitz refused to go anywhere other than the jugular."

        Emmanuel Noisette of The Movie Blog praises the film, stating, "As the story intensifies, Ackie’s portrayal becomes increasingly relatable, drawing the audience into her character’s emotional turmoil. Channing Tatum also delivers what may be his best performance to date. His charm and allure are palpable, making his character’s darker side all the more impactful. Tatum convincingly embodies the kind of person who can draw others into his orbit, only to reveal a more unsettling truth beneath the surface." Adding, "While Blink Twice is undoubtedly compelling, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing, especially in the first half, may feel slow for some viewers. The story takes its time to build, which is necessary for the eventual payoff, but could be a test of patience for those expecting a faster-paced thriller. However, the wait is undeniably worth it, as the film’s third act delivers in spades."

       Mae Abdulbaki of Screen Rant says, "For a first-time feature filmmaker, Zoë Kravitz has a sharp and clear creative vision, and is able to execute it with immense precision." Concluding, "Blink Twice has everything going for it, but it’s bolstered further by an emotionally effective and layered performance by Ackie, who grounds the film as the waves of the story move around and through her. She is a force to be reckoned with, bringing levels of pain, confusion, excitement and determination that make us fear for her life and root for her at the same time. Ackie is perfect as Frida, giving an awards-worthy performance. In her character exists a sharp reality that this could happen to any woman, making her situation all the more harrowing."

Photo by Simon Ray on Unsplash