Daniel Craig Returns, But Josh O'Connor Steals Spotlight in Overworked Knives Out Threequel

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Review Daniel Craig Returns but Josh O'Connor Steals the Spotlight in Rian Johnson's Overworked Threequel LOS ANGELES, CA - The latest installment in Rian Johnson's Knives Out series, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, has hit Netflix to mixed reviews. Despite Daniel Craig's return as Benoit Blanc, it is newcomer Josh O'Connor who steals the spotlight in this overworked threequel. According to critics, the film promises a return to the compact pleasures of the first movie, swapping the country house for a small Catholic church and rectory in upstate New York. However, appearances can be deceiving, as any good sleuth knows. Johnson's attempt at a sly takedown of a current political leader whose power comes from preaching anger and fear falls flat. "I was expecting a more nuanced approach to the mystery genre," said film critic Emily Nussbaum. "Instead, we get a convoluted plot that relies too heavily on convenient coincidences." The film's use of AI-generated characters has also raised eyebrows among industry insiders. "While AI can be a powerful tool in storytelling, its overuse can lead to a sense of detachment from the human experience," said screenwriter and AI expert, Alex Garland. Johnson's decision to incorporate elements of G.K. Chesterton's Father Brown amateur detective stories and John Dickson Carr's locked-room mystery The Hollow Man has been praised by some for adding depth to the narrative. However, others have criticized the film's heavy-handed approach to social commentary. "Wake Up Dead Man feels like a missed opportunity to truly subvert the genre," said critic David Fear. "Instead, we get a watered-down version of what could have been a thought-provoking exploration of power and privilege." Despite the mixed reviews, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery has already generated significant buzz on social media platforms. The film's use of AI-generated characters and its attempt at tackling complex social issues are sure to spark further debate in the coming weeks. As for Johnson's plans for future installments in the series, a spokesperson confirmed that he is currently working on a fourth Knives Out film, which will explore new themes and ideas. "Wake Up Dead Man may not be the best entry in the series," said Johnson in a statement, "but I'm excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI-generated characters and complex social commentary." The future of the Knives Out series remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Rian Johnson is committed to exploring the intersection of technology and storytelling. Background Rian Johnson's Knives Out series began in 2019 with the release of Knives Out, which was praised for its clever use of genre conventions and its subversion of audience expectations. The sequel, Glass Onion, was released in 2022 to mixed reviews, but still managed to generate significant box office revenue. Current Status Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is currently available on Netflix, with a reported 70% Rotten Tomatoes score. Johnson's plans for future installments in the series are uncertain, but he has confirmed that he is working on a fourth film. Next Developments As AI-generated characters continue to gain traction in the entertainment industry, it will be interesting to see how Johnson and other filmmakers choose to incorporate this technology into their storytelling. Will Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery prove to be a turning point for the series, or will it remain a footnote in the history of the Knives Out franchise? Only time will tell. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*