Bob Harpole

Daniel Craig is the linchpin in this cleverly plotted whodunit that is a fun ride the whole way through. The dialogue is clever without pretension, the directing is smart without being indulgent and the acting doesn't have a weak link--with Craig leading the way. I admit that I was surprised by his spot-on acting in this movie. I would have expected some cracks but there wasn't a single one. It was refreshing to see a new take on an age-old genre that reveals itself like a kaleidoscope being slowly turned, revealing delight after delight.

As much as I love Margo Martindale, not even she could save this movie. I am amazed at the positive reviews. It's a Coen Brothers wannabee that never is. The dialogue was forced, the plot has huge holes and why can't anyone ever do a Maine accent correctly? The underdeveloped characters are not compelling and their actions in the movie are moronic and totally unbelievable. I'm wondering how much they had to pay to get the critics to give it positive reviews.