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Josh O'Connor was the real star of this one. Although, Benoit Blanc was always leading the storyline with a few bread crumbs, it made for a true Scooby-Doo crime caper. O'Connor's portrayal of a guilt-driven priest was unorthodox and heart wrenching, in the best way possible, and put up against Blanc's atheist beliefs creates an iconic pair that leaves you kneeling at the altar.

Rian Johnson's pop culture knowledge never ceases to amaze me, the way he blends the dialogue, double dutching between Gen-Z talking points and politically correct references of today's generation are balance beam exercises. Everyone loves a little innuendo here and there.

The Phantom of the Opera will never hit the same for me after this one. Daniel Craig's comedic timing is definitely punched up in this film, ah ah I say Foghorn Leghorn would be proud. And if you don't get that punchline you're probably standing in Josh O'Connor's. Now that's a punny paragraph.

I believe that Josh Brolin could get under anyone's skin! Oh boy, does he do it here and with perfection. The cast is great as usual especially Glenn Close. Although, it left me wanting more chemistry from the chaotic, cauldron of culprits. It just speaks to how great the original Knives Out cast was, and I still believe that to be the best film out of the 3, but Wake Up Dead Man is definitely a hard 2nd place.

The story is less complex and more local as opposed to the Glass Onion whose intentions were to peal back the layers. A grounded, small town mystery where the franchise began its roots. But make no mistake, this is no easy case, for trouble is afoot when a Dead Man Awakes.

First off, I love a modern gothic horror adaptation, this just made my list of Halloween yearly rewatches along with Nosteratu (2024). There's just something about the visuals of rain flooded cathedral rooftops and blood flowing down cobblestone streets that gives you a faint touch of anxiety that you'll catch the plague while sitting in your theater's recliner.

But I digress, Oscar Isaac is brilliant, no surprise there, from Drive to Ex Machina, his villain arc continues to grow like the hump on Igor's back. I look forward to his next role as usual.

I have to admit, having never seen Euphoria, I didn't know how Jacob Elordi would play out but the dude's got range! He really brought the character to life, killed it, then brought it back to life again.

Mia Goth, great mother of Pearl! I found myself falling in line behind all of the other characters in the film that fell in love with her. She never misses.

Christoph Waltz... need I say more?

Guillermo del Toro delivers once again! The visuals and storytelling kept me engaged, even when scenes would slow down, the emotion picked up. And this film is brutal! The creature does not hold back, he was put together to rip others apart.

Go to the theater to see this one while you can! Every shot is masterfully framed and the grandiose set pieces require eyes to be feasted upon the big screen.