Wendy Zacchio

Love this movie. Based on Richard Osman’s book series, this is the introduction to the characters and setting important for this murder mystery as well as future ones in the series. When I saw the actors listed, you could not have kept me from watching. Watching Helen Mirren in anything is like getting the exact birthday present you wanted, even if you don’t know what it will be until after you open it: always satisfying, enjoyable, and worth the wait. She is a treasure, and this film is another jewel in her crown. Pierce Brosnan was delightful in this character, and honestly, I didn’t expect it. He is such a polished gentleman that pulling off this character’s role surprised me and yet reinforced why I always like Mr Brosnan’s work. I must say that the third actor, Mr Ben Kingsley, was simply brilliant casting. Not only is Mr Kingsley always worth watching, and the consummate professional with incredible acting range, but he played this role exactly the way I would have hoped. (I had read the series prior to watching the movie.) There are other delightful actors in the movie, and I don’t mean to give any of them short shrift here. I just don’t want my review to be too long. This is a complicated murder mystery, and without giving anything away, it’s worth knowing that there will be more than one before the closing credits roll. You are kept guessing as to what is really going on with all the twists and turns right up to the last moment. The plot has so many tentacles to it that you must pay attention or you will miss key elements and wonder what happened. And this includes paying attention from the very beginning. Don’t miss a second! If you must leave the room for a popcorn break, press pause! I saw a review on here that gave the movie less than 5 stars, and I felt sad for anyone who did not see the brilliance in the performances of the actors, the interplay of the characters’ roles, the beauty and sadness in the underlying tales, the exceptionalism in the author’s complex plot woven throughout the story line….and feel that they had seen a 5 star movie. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and I can’t wait for the next one!