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How to Make a Killing review – one man on a bloody quest for his inheritance is a remake too far
| United Kingdom | politics | ✓ Verified - theguardian.com

How to Make a Killing review – one man on a bloody quest for his inheritance is a remake too far

#remake #inheritance #violence #film review #criticism

📌 Key Takeaways

  • The film is a remake that fails to justify its existence.
  • It follows a man's violent pursuit of his inheritance.
  • The review criticizes the film as unnecessary and poorly executed.
  • The title suggests a focus on themes of greed and violence.

📖 Full Retelling

<p>Glen Powell tries his best as a desperate serial killer in this update of Kind Hearts and Coronets, but it’s a mere pretender to the original’s throne </p><p>Remaking <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/aug/18/kind-hearts-and-coronets-review">Robert Hamer’s 1949 British classic Kind Hearts and Coronets</a> – the greatest Ealing Studios comedy and, in my own fevered opinion, the greatest film of all time – needs the <a href="https://www.theguardian.c

🏷️ Themes

Film Criticism, Remake Failure

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

This review matters because it critiques a film remake that fails to live up to its original, affecting both audiences and the film industry. It highlights the ongoing debate about Hollywood's reliance on remakes versus original content, which influences what movies get made and funded. For viewers, it serves as a warning about potentially disappointing entertainment choices and wasted time. The review also reflects broader cultural conversations about artistic integrity versus commercial recycling in cinema.

Context & Background

  • Film remakes have been common in Hollywood for decades, with varying degrees of critical and commercial success
  • The original 'How to Make a Killing' was likely a thriller or crime film given the 'bloody quest' description in the title
  • There has been increasing criticism in recent years about Hollywood's over-reliance on sequels, reboots, and remakes rather than original storytelling
  • Film reviews significantly influence box office performance and streaming viewership, making them economically important to studios
  • The inheritance plot device is a classic trope in thriller and mystery genres, often used to drive character motivation

What Happens Next

The film will likely see reduced box office returns or streaming views following negative critical reception. The director and studio may face questions about their creative choices in future projects. This could contribute to ongoing industry discussions about the value and execution of remakes versus original films. Other filmmakers might reconsider similar remake projects currently in development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main criticism of this film remake?

The review suggests the remake fails to justify its existence, likely lacking the quality, originality, or impact of the original film. It appears to be criticized as an unnecessary addition to cinema that doesn't improve upon or meaningfully reinterpret the source material.

Why do studios continue making remakes despite criticism?

Studios often rely on remakes because they come with built-in audience recognition and lower marketing risks compared to completely original properties. Existing intellectual property provides a safer financial bet, even when critical reception is mixed or negative.

How does this review affect potential viewers?

Negative reviews like this one typically steer audiences away from the film, potentially saving them time and money. They provide valuable consumer guidance in an entertainment landscape with overwhelming choices, helping viewers make informed decisions about what to watch.

What makes a successful film remake?

Successful remakes typically either significantly update the original for contemporary audiences or offer a fresh artistic interpretation while maintaining the core appeal. They should justify their existence by adding new value rather than simply recreating what already exists.

How common are negative reviews of film remakes?

Negative reviews of remakes are quite common, as critics often compare them unfavorably to beloved originals. The 'unnecessary remake' critique has become a frequent theme in film criticism as Hollywood produces more reboots and reimaginings.

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Original Source
Review How to Make a Killing review – one man on a bloody quest for his inheritance is a remake too far Glen Powell tries his best as a desperate serial killer in this update of Kind Hearts and Coronets, but it’s a mere pretender to the original’s throne R emaking Robert Hamer’s 1949 British classic Kind Hearts and Coronets – the greatest Ealing Studios comedy and, in my own fevered opinion, the greatest film of all time – needs the chutzpah of Cecilia Giménez , the amateur Spanish artist who “restored” a painting of Christ and left him looking like a gibbon. This remake isn’t actually quite as gibbony as it could have been. But as with the Coen Brothers’ uneasy version of Ealing’s The Ladykillers , or indeed Todd Phillips’ heavy-handed remake of Hamer’s School for Scoundrels , the question is: why do it at all, especially when the new American setting means losing the all-important element of class-consciousness and class shame? The original starred Dennis Price as Louis, an Edwardian draper’s assistant who is distant heir to a dukedom, and who is living in genteel poverty because his late mother was cruelly rejected by her snobbish family for marrying beneath her – for love, in fact. Louis vengefully sets out to murder all the family members that stand between him and the coronet – and all of them are expertly played by Alec Guinness, a Fregoli nightmare in which all Louis’s enemies are the same entitled monster. Joan Greenwood plays Sibella, the cynical minx whose snobbish cruelties trigger Louis’s plan, and Valerie Hobson is Edith, the refined widow of one of his victims with whom he falls in love. This new version directed by John Patton Ford, of Aubrey Plaza thriller Emily the Criminal , transplants the action to the present-day US, and Glen Powell plays a young man with the bizarrely Wasp name of Becket Redfellow, excluded from the clan and keen on serial-killing his way to control of the family estate. Margaret Qualley is the slinky Sibella figure and Jessic...
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