Movie Review: The Thursday Murder Club

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With a strong ensemble, familiar atmosphere, and intriguing murder enigma, this enjoyable, humorous, and captivating whodunit is hard to resist.

As a cinephile diving into the world of Richard Osman’s “The Thursday Murder Club,” I find myself in an affluent retirement home, where a close-knit group gathers weekly to crack open cold case murders. Recently, our ranks have expanded with a new member, and we soon uncover an unsettling truth: our idyllic haven might be razed for a modern development. But the calm is shattered when a genuine murder rips through our community. It’s time for the Thursday Murder Club to tap into our collective wisdom and cunning to unravel this mystery, before it’s too late.

Similar to the movie “Quartet,” “The Thursday Murder Club” capitalizes on the current resurgence of murder mysteries, inspired by films such as “Knives Out” and “Murder Mystery.” This leads to an engaging tale about a band of amateur detectives whose pastime transforms into something far greater than mere discussion. Their detective skills are pushed to their limits as they strive to serve justice and support their ineffective local police force.

One thing that immediately stands out about this Chris Columbus film is its impressive collection of seasoned actors, led by Helen Mirren who lends an air of authority having portrayed a queen and earned recognition for her work in the award-winning series “Prime Suspect”. Joining her are Pierce Brosnan known for his roles in unconventional comedies, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, Jonathan Pryce, David Tennant, and Richard E. Grant. Notably, Celia Imrie steps in for the late Maggie Smith in this production. The ensemble’s combined experience in both drama and comedy adds an extra level of polish and stardom to this entertaining crime drama, which pays homage to shows like “Columbo” and “Inspector Morse”. Throughout the film, the tone remains playful and enjoyable as the actors demonstrate their ability to solve the central mystery.

Nestled in the picturesque English countryside, this vibrant and charming film offers a delightful blend of entertainment and engagement. It flows effortlessly, relying heavily on its talented ensemble cast, although there’s a chance they might not be fully utilized. The film prioritizes the story’s pace over character development, keeping the characters agile and engaging more with the plot’s progression than delving deep into their personalities. Much like the shows it draws inspiration from, character complexity takes a backseat to solving the mystery at hand. However, while The Thursday Murder Club doesn’t entirely neglect character depth, it maintains a lighter tone and generally operates on a more surface level. Dame Judi Dench stands out as the main character, asserting her leadership as a woman with a rich background of useful skills.

“Has anyone seen Colonel Mustard?”

In a concise yet considerate manner, the script provides just enough background details to maintain an engaging, fast-paced narrative. Director Chris Columbus skillfully manages this expansive storyline within a two-hour timeframe and with a large cast. The mystery is seasoned with doses of both humor and drama, adding intrigue to the complex whodunit plot. Although the suspense could be more intense and the comedic elements could be more pronounced, the film remains overall entertaining and amusing.

The combination of actors, setting, and storyline provides a refreshing blend. Despite not having high-stakes drama, it’s more than happy to provide pure entertainment. Given Columbus’s reputation for creating cheerful and amusing movies like “Home Alone,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” this is perfectly in line with expectations.

As a movie reviewer, I found myself drawn into this delightful tale of a quirky group of retirees, as it skillfully amps up the suspense and intrigue. The soundtrack, filled with catchy tunes and some familiar gems, mirrors the film’s vibrant energy. What truly impresses is that it manages to keep me engaged for its entire two-hour runtime – a testament to its high-quality components and deft storytelling abilities.

In simpler and more conversational terms:

Helen Mirren is an incredibly talented actress who always gives a fantastic performance. Pierce Brosnan exudes charisma, even when playing a shady character. Celia Imrie breaks away from the stereotypical older seductress role. Ben Kingsley, while his performance might not have been his best, still brings something to the table that’s always enjoyable. The actors’ extensive backgrounds add depth to “The Thursday Murder Club,” a humorous take on the classic British murder mystery genre. Although it may not be as thrilling or groundbreaking as “Knives Out,” fans of movies like “Quartet” will find it appealing.

The bottom line: Entertaining

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2025-08-31 23:43