For fans of Justin Long and his rein of being killed off in cruel and unusual ways in film, It’s A Wonderful Knife, breathes new life into a mesh of horror sub-genres that are among some of my favorites. According to early critics, many are already disappointed in director Tyler MacIntyre’s film about a small town’s ability to stop a psychotic killer. The main crux of the complaints stems from the title’s predictable nature and generic storyline. However, I disagree.
It’s A Wonderful Knife takes everything we love about MacIntyre’s slasher-centric likable killers and writer Michael Kennedy’s bloody time loop crush in “Freaky“. Conceptually, the perfect platform for both filmmakers, It’s A Wonderful Life draws on the idea of what life might be like if you wish you hadn’t been born. Throw in the fact that a serial killer is on the loose and circumstances for all involved can really change.
Time Loop Horror Movies You Need to Watch
It’s A Wonderful Knife opens with Henry Waters (Justin Long.) Complete with fake tan and blonde streaks, Waters is the typical self-absorbed, loudly-spoken real estate mogul of Angel Falls. Making no secret of the fact his family will eventually acquire any land or homes he needs to turn the town into his vision. Roger Evans is the first to go in a brutal slaying as one obstacle between Waters’ aims of building Waters Cover, a retail empire. A white-robed killer, almost like the angel version of the iconic Scream killer, kills Roger quickly moving on to his young granddaughter.
In what will be remembered by horror fans and Justin Long fans alike, Winnie Carruthers (Jane Widdop) finds herself in a scuffle with the angelic murderer and takes to add to the tally of electrifying death scenes for the talented actor. But what if Winnie hadn’t come to her brother’s rescue? Instead, she wishes a wish. What if Winnie Carruthers had never been born?
“It’s a Wonderful Life,” has been the inspiration of dozens of media and cinema. Screenwriter Michael Kennedy has found a way to look at this story from a unique perspective. The film quickly changes tack from its integral slasher roots and flashes forward to one year later. Winnie knocks on the door of her family home to discover her father David, (portrayed by Joel McHale), is still mourning the death of his only son. Winnie’s yearning for a life without her in it has resulted in reshaping the township. Suddenly no one knows her and everything she once knew is emphatically changed.
Who Killed Everyone?
Performances are excellent across the board, inclusive of the generalized “fodder” characters and supporting cast. It’s a Wonderful Knife undertakes character development set by the same bar as the movie it was inspired by. There is definitely a wide concentration of the stereotypical type of person employed in the film, however, none feel haphazard. Instead, each has a clear purpose which elevates the title as a whole to a lovely blood-spattered place.
I’d have to say, that It’s a Wonderful Knife feels full of effort in detailing, casting, plot, and more. Even the costume that was chosen for the main highlight of the savage and indiscriminate exterminator with a knife, is white. Mix that with constant blood spray and I daresay, the people on set must have some good tips for cleaning stains out of things.
It’s a Wonderful Knife Release Date
Overall, It’s A Wonderful Knife is an extremely fun and covertly clever Christmas horror movie that will sit nicely on my yearly Christmas playlist. This is a movie that will easily become an iconic Christmas horror movie classic. You can watch the movie on Shudder from December 1st, 2023. For more ways to watch, check Justwatch.com.
It’s a Wonderful Knife is rated
This title and more on the Mother of Movies website were provided as a screener for review purposes.
It’s a Wonderful Knife Cast
The cast includes these awesome people: Jane Widdop, Joel McHale, Justin Long, Jess McLeod, and, Katherine Isabelle.
4.5 Christmas Happy Death Days out of 5
For another great slasher movie that features in a franchise, please watch Final Destination and Final Destination 2.
It’s a Wonderful Knife Movie Trailer
