The Stream: This definitely needed more LOLs.

The Big Screen: Glen Powell has found his niche.

The Final Bill: A fun premise and Glen Powell make this dark comedy worth watching despite the lack of laughs.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: John Patton Ford
Writers: John Patton Ford
Stars: Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley, Bill Camp, Jessica Henwick, Ed Harris, Topher Grace, Zach Woods, Raff Law
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Rating: R for language and some violence/bloody images.
Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes
Production Companies: A24, StudioCanal, Blueprint Pictures
Platform: In theaters February 20, 2026
Notable Trailers: Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, Undertone, Reminders of Him, The Bride!, The Drama

What’s up, Streamers! We are living in the era of the rise of Glen Powell. It’s like he’s in mid-career Tom Cruise mode, where his choices are accessible yet diverse. His latest release, How to Make a Killing, feels like something 1990’s Tom Cruise would have gotten before he got mired in action-hero mode. In How to Make a Killing, Beckett Redfellow (Powell), whose mother was disowned by her obscenely wealthy family, seeks to reclaim his inheritance through dubious means. A childhood friend (Margaret Qualley), who has unclear motives herself, goads Beckett along. When Beckett’s fortunes begin to turnaround, he has to decide when enough is enough. Family tragedy hijinks ensue.

How to Make a Killing has an excellent premise that has so much potential to be clever and funny, and it delivers for the most part. The writer/director, John Patton Ford, has put together a cast that is well-calibrated to make this story come to life. The movie is immediately engaging, and it has enough intrigue (“How is Beckett going to pull this off?”) to keep the audience on the edge of its seat. Furthermore, it is very well-edited as this movie is just long enough and there doesn’t seem to be any wasted moments. It’s quite a feat how Patton Ford is able to make this movie come together. I only wish that the movie was funnier. Of course, there are funny moments, which are aided by some clever edits; but, overall, I didn’t laugh out loud as much as I wanted to. It really is more like “hmm, that was funny…” rather than actual laughs. Nevertheless, the movie is charming enough to overcome the lack of real “comedy” in its dark comedy.

Speaking of charm, Glen Powell. Need I say more? Okay… he’s a charm machine. It seems like this dark comedy mode is his niche. Yes, he can do romantic lead or matinee idol, but he really soars in comedic mode. He plays Beckett as smart, unassuming, and a little dangerous. He’s excellent. The rest of the cast is pretty good too. I’m not a Margaret Qualley fan, which actually works for her character. Also, Bill Camp and Ed Harris make lasting impressions in small roles.

Ultimately, How to Make a Killing is a clever and engaging dark comedy. It has a strong and intriguing premise that is supported by great editing and an excellent performance by Glen Powell. Grab a big box of popcorn and head to the theater, but don’t get any smart ideas.