How to Make a Killing
- Gus Keller
- 6 hours ago
- 1 min read
How to Make a Killing struggles to synergize. Establishing clear external motivations, it builds off a catchy premise. Relevant themes surrounding money's dehumanizing nature are contemplated. Its dark, satirical (albeit muted) humor injects personality. After a sluggish beginning, the drama eventually yields internal conflicts as well as a thoughtful conclusion. Charisma plus moments of intensity are contributed through the acting performances. However, its story sputters (despite some twists) because the plot becomes thin, its emotions often feel impersonal, and the social commentary is blunt. Consequently, How to Make a Killing remains less than the sum of its parts.
How to Make a Killing has middling technicals. Its direction muddles its contrasting tones. Aside from occasional uses of figurative lighting, the cinematography isn't significant. Even with brisk montages inside a tight runtime, its editing loses momentum during the second half. Voiceovers, smash cuts, and symbolic emphasis are provided through the soundscape. Its production design moderately conveys generational classism. Fame, fit, and peripheral diversity are delivered via the cast. In addition to a small action sequence, its effects amount to intermittent stunts plus CGI touches. Overall, How to Make a Killing contains few obvious flaws but is rather forgettable.
Writing: 7/10
Direction: 5/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 6/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Production Design: 7/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 6/10
Overall Score: 6.6/10
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