35
‘Knox Goes Away’ Review: Michael Keaton Is a Hitman With Dementia in Neo-Noir Misfire
(www.hollywoodreporter.com)
This is the best summary I could come up with:
Michael Keaton, who also directed the film, plays John Knox, a contract killer diagnosed with a rare disease causing full-onset dementia within a matter of weeks.
The first hints of Knox’s medical condition are presented when he sits down for a meal at a diner with his partner in killing (Ray McKinnon, making a strong impression in his brief screen time) and orders a cup of coffee even though he already has one.
The grim official diagnosis prompts Knox to start wrapping up his affairs, including arranging to launder his ill-gotten gains through a helpful fence (Dennis Dugan).
Investigating both Knox’s and his son’s killings is a tough-as-nails female detective (an enjoyable Suzy Nakamura), who demonstrates her macho bona fides by asking a smiling male colleague, “You just get a hand job?”
The actor, who previously directed 2008’s The Merry Gentleman (in which he played a suicidal hitman, leaving you to wonder about his taste in material), does a technically competent job, employing a variety of stylistic tricks, including blackouts and other visual effects, to illustrate his character’s growing confusion.
Al Pacino, in a supporting role as Xavier, Knox’s elderly mentor who likes to eat Chinese food in the bathtub, has the right idea, infusing his entertaining turn with a twinkling humor that lets you know he’s in on the joke.
The original article contains 630 words, the summary contains 221 words. Saved 65%. I'm a bot and I'm open source!