In 2019 film fans, including yours truly, had a delightful time viewing "Knives Out", which featured now former James Bond actor Daniel Craig as master detective Benoit Blanc in a tale of mystery and deception. The film featured an all star cast in the vein of "Clue", and was a hit, leading to various film award recognitions. With the success of the first film, a sequel was bound to follow, and one is now showing in the form of "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery", again featuring Craig as Blanc. The new case revolves around a tech billionaire named Miles Bron (Edward Norton), who during the COVID-19 pandemic decides to host a muder mystery weekend at his mansion on his private island in Greece. Bron sends a mysterious box to various acquaintances which contains an invitation to the event. Those invited include the following: Claire Debella (Kathhryn Hahn), the governor of Connecticut; Lionel Toussanit (Lelslie Odom, Jr.), the head scientist for Mile's company; Birdie Jay (Kate Hudson), a fashion designer and former model; Duke Cody (Dave Bautista), a streamer and men's rights activist; Whiskey (Madelyn Cline), Duke's girlfriend and social media assistant; Peg (Jessica Henwick), Birdie's assistant; and ousted CEO to Bron's company, Cassandra "Andi" Brand (Janelle Monae). Once the group arrives on the island, Bron is shocked to see Blanc with the group as he wasn't invited. Bron agrees to let Blanc stay, and during his stay, the detective sees several shocking occurrences among those present before Bron even begins the murder mystery event. The island also is home to a large glass dome which Bron reveals is powered by an object called "Klear", which is a hydrogen-based alternative fuel that will be launched by his company in a week despite Claire and Lionel expressing safety concerns. Meanwhile, as the murder mystery begins, a surprise real murder takes place leaving those on the island in a state of chaos. I will not reveal which character is murdered and which character is supposedly murdered less to spoil the fun. To further complicate matters, Bron has "something" on everyone in the group, and is holding that as leverage against them should matters go bad for the billionaire. Let me just say as usual, Blanc is on top of all the happenings and once again brings down the villain of the story. The story ends on a satisfying note, and I'm sure we have not seen the last of Detective Blanc, as writer and director Rian Johnson ("Star Wars: The Last Jedi") has expressed the desire for multiple films featuring the Louisiana detective. Craig once again shines in the role, and while it's not as jarringly funny to hear the British actor speaking in a Cajuin accent, it's still funny. The supporting cast is great, with Norton perfectly cast as the self obsessed billionaire who feels untouchable. Another standout among the cast is Hudson, who brings shades of her mom Goldie Hawn's often sweet, but airheaded characters to the role of Birdie. With a wonderful cast, sharp writing, and an extoic location, "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" is a film I highly recommend for fans of Craig and of the first film. Let's all hope this isn't the last time we see the sass and wit of Detetive Benoit Blanc. Now playing on Netflix. (Rated PG-13)
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