How To Make A Killing Review: A Disappointing Modern Retelling of a Classic
In How To Make A Killing, director John Patton Ford attempts to resurrect the spirit of the 1949 Ealing comedy masterpiece, Kind Hearts And Coronets, but the result is a clumsy and uninspired modern American adaptation that fails to capture the original's brilliance. Clocking in at 105 minutes, this film stars Glen Powell as a conniving murderer aiming to inherit a fortune by eliminating seven relatives ahead of him in line, yet it struggles to find its footing as a comedy, thriller, or any cohesive genre.
A Lacklustre Script and Missed Opportunities
Ford's previous work, Emily The Criminal from 2022, showcased a filmmaker with genuine talent through its pulsating thriller narrative. However, How To Make A Killing reveals a stark contrast, with a script that is light on wit, tension, and fun. The story unfolds in flashback, following Becket Redfellow (Powell) as he recounts his life to a priest while awaiting execution on Death Row. His mother, shunned by her billionaire father after becoming pregnant out of wedlock, raised him in working-class New Jersey, instilling in him a drive to achieve "the right kind of life." This sets the stage for his murderous mission, executed through sneaky means like poisoned teeth-whitener, but the narrative lacks the cleverness and charm of its predecessor.
Strong Cast Unable to Salvage the Film
The film boasts a decent cast, led by Glen Powell and Margaret Qualley, who plays a scarlet-lipsticked femme fatale named Julia. Both actors put in valiant efforts to inject life and death into the lacklustre material, but their performances are ultimately undermined by the film's direction and writing. Powell, known for his roles in romantic comedies, brings a handsome presence but fails to convey the depth needed for such a complex character. Qualley, meanwhile, adds an enigmatic flair, yet her character's flirtatious interest in Becket feels underdeveloped and predictable.
Comparison to the Original Highlights Shortcomings
Where Kind Hearts And Coronets excelled with Alec Guinness playing all eight doomed relatives, showcasing unparalleled inventiveness, How To Make A Killing shows none of that creativity. Instead, it meanders between genres—comedy, thriller, neo-noir, melodrama—without committing to any, resulting in a disjointed experience. The final twist, which should provide a rewarding payoff, falls flat and feels unoriginal, leaving viewers questioning the film's purpose.
Critical Perspectives and Overall Verdict
Critics have noted that Powell's role mirrors Dennis Price's in the original, but the sheer familiarity of the plot limits enjoyment. While there are moments of fun, such as Becket's complications in liking one victim and romancing another's girlfriend, these are too few to save the film. As one reviewer put it, if this is meant to be a staple for rainy Sunday afternoons in the future, it will likely be forgotten. In the end, How To Make A Killing is a dud that fails to honour its classic inspiration, offering little beyond a handsome cast and a predictable storyline.
