How to Make a Killing

Comedies, and more to the point, dark comedies can be a unique way to tell a story, however if not polished as much as would be needed, can end up as a letdown, as with the case of "How to Make a Killing".This film's trailer was funny in that it came across as a premise of: get them before they get you. This wasn't actually the premise which created a plot that became confusing.

Disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family, blue-collar Becket Redfellow (Glen Powell) will stop at nothing to reclaim his inheritance, no matter how many relatives stand in his way. Becket feels that since he is a member of the family, whether certain people realize that or not, he still feels that he is entitled once that time occurs, even though this family including Taylor Fedfellow (Raff Law), Steven Redfellow (Topher Grace), Cassandra Redfellow (Bianca Amato), Noah Redfellow (Zach Woods), and even the patriarch, Whitelaw Redfellow (Ed Harris) adamantly stand in his way. Couple that with his life-long friend, Julia (Margaret Qualley) and her husband Lyle (James Frecheville) end up attempting to blackmail him. 

Others to round out the cast are Bill Camp as Warren Redfellow, Jessica Henwick as Ruth, Phumi Tau as FBI Agent Megan Pinfield, Stevel Marc as FBI Agent Brad Matthews, Nell Williams as Mary Redfellow and Adrian Lukis as Father Morris

This was directed with grit and intensity by John Patton Ford ("Emily the Criminal" '22) plus a short. This was a bit stiff in its staging, otherwise it was executed with decent pacing. It was also a bit disjointed in the approach of the character development, all in all, the direction was decent. It was also written by John Patton Ford ("Emily the Criminal" '22, "Metal Man" (TV movie) '23) plus a short. This is where the actual issues ensued whereas the script ended up being a bit disjointed in the fluidity of this screenplay, not to mention it did not have, what I thought, the same premise that the trailer seemed to be laying out. I thought, and still think would be a better idea, it would be that these family members were so vigilant in protecting their 23 billion-dollar inheritance, that if anyone made any inroads in challenging them of this, there would be a 'war'. However, it became a situation where, even though these rich, conceited family members were obnoxious, they really, on the most part, had no idea who Becket was, especially the younger, more entitled ones. So, Becket being 'low on the totem pole', for inheritance, they had to go. It was truly difficult to feel sorry for just about any one character in this, whether they were family or not. And with this, the film truly was remiss in pulling its audience in. It definitely had some redeeming sequences in this: the dark humor, the acting and simply watching them 'go at it' with each other, Ford is definitely not a natural, and with that,just wasn't quite ready for prime time.

If you're looking for more of a comedic film, this isn't that sort of film. It's not a fratfall type movie, however humorous. It has a great ensemble cast and effective acting. It certainly is a good way to go watch something to get away from all the trials and troubles going on in the world today.

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                      Rated: R                                             106mins.