See How They Run is enjoyable. It will remind viewers of better films, but it's still perfectly proficient. Its actual mystery and reveal aren't particularly original or clever, but they're decent and offer space for defined characters, sharp dialogue, tight structure, and consistent setup/payoff. Plus, the meta aspects distance the film from its tropes and provide a differentiating quality. The humor is occasionally spotty but generally succeeds. Also, the acting supplies solid theatrics, timing, characterization, and chemistry. Overall, See How They Run is just serious and complex enough to balance self-aware humor with genuine puzzles.
Technically, See How They Run is playful. Its jazzy music establishes retro moods, suspense, characters, and dramatics. Its sound adds voiceovers, stings, emphasis, and smash cuts. The efficient editing utilizes split screens, freeze frames, inserts, intercuts, jump cuts, and tempo changes. Meanwhile, the visuals employ deliberate motion, color, overheads, symmetry, framing, angles, focus, and lighting. Together, these mediums inject freshness into the common plot. Furthermore, there are supportive effects, a deep cast, and era-specific production designs. Overall, See How They Run isn't groundbreaking, but it satisfyingly blends genres, tones, and filmmaking into a fun style.
Writing: 6/10
Direction: 7/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 7.4/10
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