King of Knives opens up as a story about a mid life crisis. Frank (Gene Pope) works at an advertising agency. He drives a sports car, smokes marijuana, and is worried that he is too old to continue working. While that is part of the story, it is as much about family. Over the course of three chaotic days, Frank’s family must come to grips with a past they have been trying to avoid.
A running theme in King of Knives is how a crisis can occur at any time to anyone. This is seen in serious and comical situations. It is a wise decision by director Jon Delgado that brings a more grounded feel to the movie. King of Knives is about Frank’s family as their world falls apart around them. The movie has an odd tone. It starts off with the feel of a comedy. There are many moments that are laugh out loud funny.
The problem is when they clash with the more serious parts of the movie. It is a tricky thing to mix with drama with comedy. King of Knives is unable to get the balance down. The story haphazardly weaves between the two. Levity is brought to heavier moments and vice versa. It makes it hard for the audience to get a feel for the severity of what is happening.
That being said, the plot of King of Knives is a well told one. Much of what is happening is centered around an incident in the life of Frank’s family. The movie slowly unravels clues that give away what has happened. The payoff is a sad and satisfying one. The entire cast does a great job. Whether it is during the funnier moments or the the ones that require more emotion, the entire cast pulls it off nicely. There is a genuine interest in what is happening to them.
King of Knives is an engaging story about a family dealing with tragedy. It is the tried and true tale of a family that is trying to overcome past hardships. The writing is erratic at times. The constant fluctuating between comedy and drama leave the feel with a almost an almost lack of feeling. Thankfully, the excellent performances and story make it worth the time.
King of Knives will be available on digital December 1.
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