Lamar Reviews - "Blink Twice" (Airdate 9.6.2024)

This is another movie that I went into cold. No expectations, just knowing that Channing Tatum does not look great in a beard, but it marks him as the villain of the movie. The film is the directorial debut of Tatum’s fiancé Zoe Kravitz who started writing this movie in 2017, and she has come out of the gate strong.

Channing Tatum plays Slater King a tech tycoon was forced to leave the helm of his company because he was accused of behavior unbecoming of a CEO and creating hostile work environments. He did the standard “I’m sorry video” and the apology circuit on all the morning news shows and afternoon talk shows. He bought a private island where he could get away and do the therapy so that he could come back and be a changed man. He generously started a foundation. At the annual gala he meets Frida, played by Naomi Ackie. Frida is obsessed with meeting Slater and gets a job as a waitress at the Gala, along with her best friend and roommate Jess, played by Alia Shawkat. Frida has brought evening gowns for her and Jess so they can sneak into the V.I.P section.

She manages to meet Slater, and he spends the evening talking to her. Frida manages to get an invite for both her and Jess to fly on the private jet to his island with his friends. Those friends include Slater’s right-hand man Vic, played by Christian Slater, a professional chef, played by Simon rex, actor Tom, played by Haley Joel Osment, tech-wiz Lucas, played by Levon Hawke, and a few more beautiful women. The island truly is a paradise, except for the huge yellow snakes they are constantly killing. Once everyone arrives all cell phones are confiscated. That is the first Red Flag that says something is not quite right. All the women find perfect fitting clothes in their rooms, and they all are dressed exactly alike. Another Red Flag. They spend the days lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails. Evenings are Michelin-star Dinners. 

Late nights are partying with every drug you can imagine. Mornings are for hangover brunches. Rinse and repeat over and over. Something is not right.

The movie is 1 hour 42 minutes, Rated R for strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use and language, with some sexual references.

Zoe Kravitz does a great job building up the tension, while holding her cards close to her vest. We know something is wrong, but we are just not sure what. One small clue at a time brings us closer and closer to the answer. When it hits, it hits.

Channing Tatum is a remarkably good villain. Christian Slater has some really funny moments at the most inappropriate times.

This is a Psychological Mystery Thriller that has lots of twists and turns.

My Score: 5 Ice Cold Budweisers