'How to Make a Killing': A Comedy of Errors and Entitlement

What's the Premise?

Glen Powell leads this film, which attempts to weave humor and thriller elements into a narrative centered on entitlement and greed. The setup is ripe: a man attempts to join the elite 1% by eliminating his estranged billionaire relatives. Unfortunately, the film falters under the weight of its aspirations.

A Conflict of Tone

From the outset, the film promises a light-hearted yet darkly comic experience. Yet as the body count rises, so too does a nagging feeling that the levity is far too forced. The characters remain echoes of their potential selves—there's style, but little substance. One might find oneself questioning whether the comedic elements are a façade for deeper societal critiques that never truly coalesce.

“The smile that Glen Powell wears is meant to be charming; it's deadening.”

Comparative Lens

The film draws upon the classic 1950 British film 'Kind Hearts and Coronets,' known for its biting humor and sharp narrative. Here's a hint of the lineage:

• **Kind Hearts and Coronets**: Adapted from Roy Horniman's novel, it brilliantly satirizes class and entitlement.
• **How to Make a Killing**: Tries to replicate this but stumbles due to its disjointed tone and characters.

The Characters: A Mixed Bag

At the center, we have Becket Redfellow, played by Powell. He's designed as a relatable everyman, yet the narrative decides to shortcut his development with a backdrop of wealth and privilege. He's surrounded by a varied cast, including Ed Harris and Topher Grace, who offer flashes of brilliance in otherwise tepid script moments.

Chasing the High Life

Becket's fixation on Julia (portrayed by Margaret Qualley) serves as a tantalizing plot point; she represents both aspiration and danger in a world where the social ladder is littered with corpses—physically and metaphorically. The romantic angle, instead of deepening the narrative, often feels like an afterthought, sadly sidelined by a lack of cohesive storytelling.

Missed Opportunities

More disturbing than the comedic misfires is the film's inability to deliver a compelling critique of capitalism and class struggles. Director John Patton Ford's previous work, 'Emily the Criminal,' offered a more ferocious examination of modern economic woes, making one wish for a similar edge here. This film, while visually engaging, fails to capture the anger and heart of our times.

Wrapping It Up: Should You Watch?

This film is a mixed bag, ultimately lacking the bite it needed to transform its clever premise into a truly resonant story. If you're a fan of Glen Powell or excited about dark comedies, you might catch some enjoyment. However, if you're looking for incisive commentary on privilege and morality, you might find yourself disappointed.

How to Make a Killing
Rated R for its depiction of serial murders. Movie runs for 1 hour 45 minutes and is now playing in theaters. Find Tickets.