A Disappointing Turn: Examining “Wake Up Dead Man”
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In a few days, a few theaters will have what many are calling “Knives Out 3” from Rian Johnson.
The Shifting Identity of the Series
However, “Wake Up Dead Man” isn’t officially titled as a “Knives Out” movie in the same way “Glass Onion” was. While marketing materials may suggest a direct connection, the film’s opening and closing title cards make no explicit mention of the original movie that launched this series.
A Decline in Quality
This isn’t entirely surprising.The original “Knives Out” was brimming with charm and cleverness. In contrast, “Glass Onion” felt overstuffed with celebrities and lacked a compelling narrative. It felt like a project given a large budget with little direction.
“Wake Up Dead Man”: A Missed Opportunity
Now comes “Wake Up, Dead Man,” which has garnered positive reviews from many bloggers on Rotten Tomatoes. Unluckily, I cannot share their enthusiasm. despite a standout performance from Glenn Close – a true acting masterclass – the movie feels more akin to a lengthy episode of “Grantchester,” the PBS-imported English series featuring a young priest solving crimes. (And even that show felt less preoccupied with religious themes than this one.)
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