BLOOD MONEY (2017) **

Lucky McKee is one of my favorite modern horror directors.  Sure, he may make a misstep or two (like All Cheerleaders Die), but then again, so does anyone.  He teamed up with John Cusack for this flick and it’s an interesting pairing.  When Cusack is on his A game (which is becoming increasingly erratic nowadays), he can bring a weird vibe to just about any project he chooses.  That vibe alone is not enough to save Blood Money.

Three friends go out into the woods for some rafting and camping.  They happen to find eight million in cash hanging out in the wilderness and decide to take it for themselves.  Cusack is the thief who comes looking for the loot and is fully prepared to kill anyone who gets in his way. 

This is a routine thriller in just about every regard.  There is at least one interesting wrinkle revolving around one character who does a complete 180 and becomes a conniving, money-hungry charlatan.  That’s the sole memorable turn in an otherwise predictable plot.

Another problem is that it’s hard to muster any sympathy or enthusiasm for the characters.  The younger cast members are all fine, although they aren’t especially exemplary.  Cusack stands out because of the matter-of-fact way he portrays his character, but even then, he’s not exactly the kind of guy you love to hate.  

McKee’s horror background comes in handy during one scene in which a character who was presumed dead suddenly reappears.  Other than that, it’s a rather workmanlike directorial effort.  It’s not bad or anything, but the prolonged tunnel sequence in the third act is so darkly lit that it’s hard to tell what the hell is going on for most of it.  

Overall, there isn’t a whole lot wrong with Blood Money.  It’s just that it never quite grabs you the way a good thriller should.  It’s especially disappointing if you’re a fan of McKee.  As far as Cusack’s DTV efforts go, you can definitely do worse.

AKA:  Misfortune.