'How to Make a Killing' provides fun viewing

January had more quality films than usual, but February has not been so great. Into that chasm stepped "How to Make a Killing." It's far from fantastic, but it is entertaining. The action comedy is now only in theaters. The film begins with narration by Becket Redfellow (Glen Powell). To a priest. From a jail cell only hours before his scheduled execution. Father Morris (Adrian Lukis) is there to provide absolution, or maybe to just listen to anything Becket might have to say. He gets more than he bargained for. Becket's mother, Mary Redfellow (Nell Williams), was an heiress to one of the largest family fortunes in the world. She was seventh in line to inherit over $10 billion. Until she got pregnant at 18. Her father, Whitelaw Redfellow (Ed Harris), gave her the option of having an abortion or being kicked out of the family forever. Before his mother died while Becket was still a child, she told him all about how the oldest living relative in the family is entitled to the entire multi-billion-dollar fortune. She made him promise to do whatever it takes to get the life he deserves. Fast-forward many years and Becket is struggling to find his way in the world. When he loses his job at a men's clothing store he decides to take matters into his own hands. There are six Redfellows in front of Becket in the line of succession. Six people are in his way. They are the only obstacles separating him from the life he yearns for. All he has to do is take them out one by one while deflecting any suspicion away from himself. He ends up with a job at his uncle's financial firm and falls for his cousin's girlfriend, Ruth (Jessica Henwick). While this is all happening, he runs into an old girlfriend from middle school. Julia Steinway (Margaret Qualley) was the apple of his eye. But she has changed as an adult. She approaches Becket with a proposal, a demand really. Make her a sizable loan from his employer, or she will tell the police about his one-man killing spree. You have likely never heard of "How to Make a Killing." Even though Glen Powell is one of the most promising rising stars working in Hollywood today, the marketing strategy for this movie was atrocious. I watch many movies every year and constantly keep my eye on trailers for upcoming films, and I saw exactly one advertisement for this film before it opened. One. The marketing budget must have been miniscule. That explains why it only made $3.6 million at the box office in its opening weekend. Despite the lack of support from the studio, the movie turned out to be a success. Not financially, mind you, but in terms of quality. The film features a unique storyline that provides some fun entertainment. Sure, the cops would have to be pretty dumb to fail to notice six heirs to an incredible fortune biting the dust just after they meet their long-lost relative. Just let that go and enjoy the story. Even though it's a movie about a series of killings (a serial killer?), it's not intended to be taken seriously. The entire movie has a tongue-in-cheek feel. There's no real outrage at the multiple deaths. In fact, my only complaint about the film is that it's not goofy enough. The film is a comedy, but there just aren't enough laughs. It's more clever than funny. You'll smile a lot, but not necessarily laugh out loud. This is Glen Powell's kind of movie: just silly enough to be entertaining while providing a platform for him to showcase his natural charm and charisma. Margaret Qualley does so well in her role that I despised her character. And then there's Ed Harris. His role in the movie is small, but his performance isn't. He remains as intimidating a presence as ever, terrifying everyone. He's still got it. "How to Make a Killing" is about as farcical as you would expect from the plot description. It's a fun watch, though it could have been better with more humor. Grade: B+Rated R for language and some violence/bloody images.•••Bradley Griffith is a local attorney and longtime film buff.