Agatha Christie's Seven Dials

 

Courtesy of Netflix

With each Agatha Christie adaptation that is released, any fan of the author may hold their breath in anticipation or for what changes will be made. With the recent adaptations, stories that have not been given proper attention, such as Ordeal by Innocence (that was plagued with re-shoots due to an actor being ‘cancelled’), Murder Is Easy, Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? and Towards Zero, these all followed a 3 episode pattern, that is arguable too long for the novel adaptations, especially with some being changed from the source. These were also previously adapted to include Miss Marple in the ITV series, and although she’s a fantastic character, doesn’t appear in the original books, so it was great to see these novels adapted, shall we say, correctly? But The Seven Dials Mystery, having been adapted into a TV movie back in the 80s, had yet to make its more recent significant debut, making its appearance on Netflix most intriguing. Though the book did not receive high praise, this adaptation does make rather large changes, including the end and possible extension into further possible stories. We are introduced to Bundle, or Lady Eileen Brent, who discovers the close family friend Gerry Wade, murdered in his bed after a party at her family’s home. This leads her to follow a trail as to how this happened and why, getting tangled up with her friends in the Foreign Office, as well as Superintendent Battle (who appears in other Christie novels) who starts to investigate the case as further bodies show up.

The Seven Dials, unlike the more recent Christie adaptations, is indeed a murder mystery but one that is more focused on espionage. There are several characters from the government involved and hints to the coming world war two despite everyone still healing from world war one. Murder mystery is the genre but this could very well fall into the ‘spy’ genre as well.

Having read the original book, it's very clear as to why changes were made. Though this story could have been far more effective with just two episodes, a delicious cliff-hanger in between. Though the initial story is intriguing but frustratingly paced, Bundle, played by Mia McKenna-Bruce is delightful, she is perfectly cast, balancing being the pseudo-detective as well as still grieving for her close friend and lost romance. Bundle skates through dangers and equally challenging social obligations with charm and courage, stealing the show entirely. Battle, played with a little less gusto than you’d hope for by Martin Freeman, is meant to be her official counterpart but doesn’t even appear until episode 2, which was slightly disappointing. Most of the excitement (and murders) happen before he even really gets involved. The two leads have an awkward start but soon fall into a rhythm you’d expect from a Christie unlikely duo, with mutual respect to follow.

However, the story doesn’t quite know what it really wants to be and doesn’t quite pull itself off as a blend of genres. The spy elements provide intrigue but then we are pulled into a stereotypical whodunnit setting that feels jarring. Bundle’s own investigation seems to lead somewhere, only for the story to throw in red herrings precisely where you really don’t want them. This all being said, it's the over dramatic climax that was the most disappointing. With three long episodes to go through, you would hope the build up would not be so predictable.

The ultimate end to the story at least provided some hope we’d see Bundle and Battle again, maybe solving another case, who knows, but the characters being the highlight, maybe a juicier story next time too!

Wake Up Dead Man - BFI London Film Festival

 

Rian Johnson knows his murder mysteries. He knows his genres and he knows exactly how to have a story play out. He also knows his audience and that those who love murder mysteries and whodunnits love to work out the puzzle of the crime committed. Which each new mystery, Johnson has given us clues, characters and something more to think about than just the crime and killer. After the mammoth success of Knives Out (2019), no one would have thought that the next detective/mystery franchise was born. Wake Up Dead Man is fresh new mystery, that both follows the formulas Johnson has created, as well introducing new twist and turns that will have any fan of the genre (and Blanc) excited to see how it all ties together.

Benoit Blanc returns, this time the case seems impossible to solve. Arriving at the Parish of the intimidating and influential Monsignor Wicks, where he rules over his small group of faithful followers (parishioners). But when a mysterious death occurs, Blanc must wade through the secrets, lies and myths that surround this church, alongside a young priest who recently arrived at the parish, Father Jud Duplenticy.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

The Girl in the Pool

 

The title for this ‘mystery thriller’ really does say it all, for the story, for the execution of said story and sets up expectations accurately. Running at just under 90 minutes, you can feel the anxiety but the thrills are unfortunately non-existent.

Hours before a birthday party is to take place at his home, Thomas (Freddie Prinze Jr.) enjoys a supposed secret rendezvous with his mistress, Hannah. But leaving Hannah alone in his pool Thomas returns to find she her covered in blood and no longer breathing. Panicked, Thomas hides the body, cleans the scene and is forced to endure the party his wife Kristen has planned for him, all the while trying to figure out what happened and conceal the body that is now leaking blood from its’ hiding place.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

A Haunting in Venice

 

Murder mysteries will never die. There will always be another gruesome death, a new case, a new set of suspects, and of course a detective to solve the crime. Although A Haunting in Venice is very, very loosely based on Agatha Christie’s Hallowe’en Party, basically only using some character names and the extremely bare bones of some of the plot, it makes for an exciting new prospect. With such a loose adaption, you have no idea what to expect, making this a fresh take on Christie’s classic. 

Its 1947 and Hercule Poirot has retired to Venice but his solitude is interrupted by the arrival of an old friend, crime writer Ariadne Oliver. She persuades him to join her at a séance to help her debunk the medium, Joyce Reynolds. But when it is revealed that someone in the house was previously murdered, followed by another supernaturally charged murder, Poirot is forced to take the case and find out if ghosts really do exist.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Glass Onion

 

Benoit Blanc returns! This time we find him bored in need of a new case in the middle of lockdown. But luckily, with the arrival of a mysterious puzzle box, a new mystery is close at hand. 

This time around, Blanc becomes entangled with another group of wealthy individuals. They are influential, powerful, and somewhat talented friends who call themselves, ‘The Disruptors’. The dynamics of the friendships are like those of a family. There are secrets and lies that bind them and can have the ability to, disrupt, the group, potentially ruining everything they have ever accomplished. Blanc goes along for the ride as there is far more to this island getaway and old friends catching up that meets the eye.

Full post and Filmhounds Top 10 of 2022 HERE.

Medusa Deluxe - BFI London Film Festival

 

Murder mysteries currently seem to be a favourite theme in cinema, this genre is having a resurgence. But instead of the same old formulas being used, filmmakers and writers are regenerating how a story unfolds. This is not to say the tried-and-true methods are long forgotten or disliked, but audiences are always looking for something fresh. Writer and director Thomas Hardiman has found a new way to tell a story. Keeping us enthralled and on the edge of our seats with a collective of intriguing characters, an intimate view and a very disconcerting score. Medusa Deluxe is more than just a hairdressing film.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Bodies Bodies Bodies

 
There is something horrifically and fantastically over the top about Bodies Bodies Bodies that makes it so delightful to watch. Every modern cliché about class, mental health, toxic behaviour, male and female, sex, relationships, you name it, it comes up at least once but none of this deters from the murder mystery game. There are weapons, blood and drugs all smeared across the screen but nothing so potent at the secrets that spill out all over the place. It’s a beautiful mess and actually really funny.

Full review Filmhounds HERE.

Death on the Nile

 

SPOILERS ALERT

Despite the fact that the Kenneth Branagh is not the best Poirot, his first Agatha Christie adaptation of the famous Orient Express murder, was actually very entertaining. This was thanks to the intriguing casting and great suspect characters, Branagh himself was just there to orchestrate the whole thing. It came as no surprise that another story featuring his version of Poirot would be made, along with another set of interesting characters and a star-studded cast. Death on the Nile also seemed like a likely choice, with an exotic setting, this time in the sun and desert as well as cross overs with suspects. But, unlike the first film which was over dramatic in places and strayed from the point only but a few times, Death on the Nile is a convoluted, over dramatized, over reaching, entertaining but very flawed film. 

While on holiday in Egypt, Poirot becomes part of a wedding party for the recently married heiress Linnet Ridgeway to Simon Doyle. The small an intimate party is made up of friends and close family of Linnet’s and famous jazz singer Salome Otterbourne providing entertainment. But there is an air of scandal as Simon was actually engaged to Linnet’s school friend Jacqueline before she ‘stole’ him away. Jacqueline now stalks the happy couple in hopes of ruining their honeymoon. When the wedding party moves to the river, boarding a steamer, the Karnak, the tension heightens, especially when Jacqueline also appears on board. But the real shock is when Linnet is found murdered in her bed, everyone is a suspect.

For those who don’t know the original story, it’s a shame as it was fine the way it played out. The other adaptations follow the original plot and still create a thrilling and exciting story. The audience coming in and watching this film with fresh might still be able to see the issues that don’t flow properly. But my guess is that if you don’t know what Branagh has ruined, you might not care as much. But again, it’s a shame as the original was better and could easily have been brought to the screen. The fault doesn’t just lie with Branagh by with screenwriter Michael Green also, who wrote both adaptations.

The only commendable part of the many changes that Branagh made was the casting, which is excellent all round. The Armie Hammer’s controversy aside of course, as the film was shot before that broke, there was nothing they could do about it. But the casting alone is the only improvement.

With adaptations, there is always room for change, but it’s about how much change and whether is it justified is the question. Branagh and Green’s changes include, changing all but three characters stories, some motives, some background stories and even moulding two characters into one. The other major changes to the film which greatly impact the story was adding in a brand-new side plot that about his friend, Bouc (made up character) and his relationship with Rosalie Otterbourne. Bouc is the third person murdered which is obviously not in the book. It is there to try and create an emotional punch and connection to Poirot, unnecessary. Another big change is the opening which sees a younger Poirot on the front lines of World War I in the trenches and gives us a reason as to why he has such a huge moustache. He also gives Poirot a lover, another huge hint that Branagh and Green are taking liberties with Christie’s character. All these changes don’t make the film better. Luckily the core characters and the murderers remain the same with the same plot which works perfectly.

Getting past the parts that really don’t work, the film is once again, like the first, entertaining and the scenery is breath taking. The parts that are real anyway. The fun period drama thriller does indulge in excellent costume and décor, it’s a feast for the eyes. But the intricate details are lacking and Branagh’s Poirot just becomes very difficult to watch. Thankfully the cast of suspects are dynamic enough to makes the film bearable. But you can’t help but think there was so many missed opportunities.

There is still hope that with the impending next film in the franchise that Branagh will tone down the Poirot over dramatics and focus more on the keeping to and being faithful to a plot. There was speculation about the next title. In the film Poirot mentions retirement and The Death of Roger Ackroyd sprang to mind, but it had been announced that the next film will take place in post-war Venice and be adapted from a lesser-known novel. So this screams not faithful adaptation to be honest.

Agatha & Agatha

Its’s International Women’s Day and I really wanted to celebrate this year, having missed out last year and deciding not to join in with online events, I was all Zoom-ed out. In fact, I don’t think I did anything the year before. Unfortunately, due to working from home, it’s difficult to get to any outside event at a decent time and I haven’t been proactive enough for the online events. So, this is my small tribute on IWD. 

Having been burnt out for a few months (still am) I’ve been kept sane through murder mysteries of the cosy crime variety as my other favourite, crime thrillers, was getting to me. I have been watching my favourite Agatha Christie adaptations and listening (and reading) M.C. Beaton’s series, Agatha Raisin, a PR genius turned private detective after moving to the Cotswolds. These two avenues have been a comfort and entertainment. Some new stories, some I’ve heard, watch, read many times over and don’t get bored of. 

After revisiting the David Suchet series of Poirot and the ITV series of Miss Marple, I also rewatched the BBC adaptation of The ABC Murders and I must admit, John Malkovich was a pretty decent Poirot. I also finally watched Death on the Nile (1978) which turned out to be the most faithful adaptation, complete again with an all-star cast. If anyone loves cosy crime and hasn’t yet read/listening to an Agatha Raisin, I highly recommend any of the books. Alas author M.C.Beaton died in 2019 and the latest books have been written with another author who hasn’t quite got the same flare as Beaton. If you prefer audiobooks, Penelope Keith is superb as the reader of all the books, or if you prefer to watch your cosy crimes, there is an adaptation with 4 series with Ashley Jensen as Mrs Raisin. 

This is really a thank you to Agatha and Agatha for getting me through the last few months. Also, a nod to World Book Day last week with the all the writers (mostly women) whose work I’ve been reading over the last year. Hope you’re all celebrating in your own ways.

 

A New Cinematic Universe

 

The long and winding road to a film’s release has seemed longer these past few years due to the pandemic that has kept us all holed up stuck to our favourite streaming platforms. But that didn’t stop the rumour mill or the alleged truths to come out during the waiting period. Death on the Nile, directed and starring Kenneth Branagh as the world-famous detective Hercule Poirot, adapted from one of the most famous murder mystery novels by Agatha Christie, was one of the casualties at the cinema in 2020. Set to be released in October 2020, after already being pushed from December 2019, there was already hints that there were issues with the production. But then, no one excepts the global pandemic, to once again push the release until September 2021.

Full feature over at Filmhounds HERE.

The Kid Detective

 

When Abe Applebaum was 12 years old he was the Kid Detective, everyone knew him. He solved all sorts of cases and was beloved by the town until his friend (and secretary) went missing. 20 years later, Abe is still a detective but now spends his days finding peoples’ cats, finding out whether someone is gay or not so the client can ask them out. Washed up, fed up, the town no longer thinks he’s the genius he used think he was. But when a girl asks him to solve her boyfriend’s murder, he’s thrown right back in the deep end and the past begins to catch up to him. 

 

 

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Knives Out - BFI London Film Festival

Rian Johnson's eagerly awaited murder mystery does exactly what it says on the poster, its a 'whodunnit' set in modern America, complete with accented detective and family full of suspects.

Previously published on Vulturehound. HERE

Sometimes, there’s a film that acts like it’s a genre film. A film that delivers what you hoped for. A film that does exactly what it says on the poster. Sometimes you just really need a film that is what you expected and that film is ‘Knives Out’. The murder mystery, complete with an all-star cast that pays homage to all the ‘whodunnits’ that have come before and heavily influenced by Agatha Christie, this is another feather in Johnson’s genre catalogue hat and does not disappoint.

After a family gathering celebrating his 85th birthday, famous crime novelist, Harlan Thrombey is found dead under suspicious circumstances. With his whole family as well as his confidant and nurse, as possible suspects, local police officers are joined on the case by famed sleuth Benoit Blanc who was hired by anonymous client to solve the crime, just adding more mystery to Harlan’s death.

As a self-confessed enthusiast of Agatha Christie and all things connected to the murder mystery, Johnson’s script is almost a tribute to the traditions and elements that make up this genre. With the very bare minimum of obvious signposting such as whether a clue is useful or not, or whether a certain character’s absence is the key to the whole plot and the fact that Johnson has said he didn’t want to include red herrings means he is not only taking this very seriously but he is able to just have fun with the film and characters.

The family of suspects and the loyal friend and nurse as the outsider does seem like a very obvious set up for a story of this nature but as soon as you meet all the characters, with all their weird and wonderful quirks, it really doesn’t matter, you already feel like you’re part of the case and want to solve it. However, a major reveal does happen a little too early on in the film and could be construed as being a bit too predictable from there on. BUT if you’re watching the film to just play the game then you’re missing the point of the film. It’s not about the ending, its about the journey and soaking up every little detail, right down the insults the family throws at each other in overlapping arguments, its actually very funny. Giving each of the family members a personality, no matter how small a detail always helps. They are indeed stereotypes that we are all fully aware of and enjoy seeing squirm under questioning, another aspect of the film that Johnson has created on purpose. This is what other murder mysteries do, pad out the cast with stereotypical characters, all of whom have their own stories and possible motives. The added touch of an obvious divide between the family and Marta, the nurse, as each family member thinks she is from a different country was an amusing and accurate reference to modern Americans attitude. Standing aside from the family is Daniel Craig as Blanc is absolutely loving his role as the sleuth sent to solve the case. With an accent that stands out a mile from the rest of the cast and a laid-back attitude to a somewhat tragic incident, he commands the dramatic pauses he is given and really is a scene stealer in the film.

The story may seem slightly predictable but the characters and the ‘Cluedo’ like house, which is fantastically kitted out with amazingly designed rooms and trick windows and secret passages, it feels more like a character than a location. It’s a fun and at times very amusing fresh take on the usually period costumed genre films, Johnson set out to make a ‘whodunnit’ set in modern times and he has more than delivered here with ‘Knives Out’.

Murder Mysteries To Sooth The Soul

Over the past couple weeks, I've felt the sudden need and urge to watch old Poirot episodes. A few years back I recieved one of the greatest gifts, the entire Poirot (David Suchet, naturally) collection. This was quite a while before his final episodes so sadly those are not included. BUT I have the all the rest and one day I am going to sit down and watch them from the start. I mostly rewatch the episodes in the second volume as these have two of my favourites ('Death on the Nile' and 'Mystery on the Blue Train'). I started to make my way through all the favourites and even though I know who the murderer is, there is some sort of pleasure from watching these afternoon dramas that can be quite brutal and macabre. There's something about the murder mystery genre that has been seen as more of an older person's TV BUT I disagree. A murder mystery has to have the right suspects, the unexpected amount of actual murders, be suspensful and very entertaining. If its a period piece as well, all the better. If a murder mystery is set in modern day and isn't given the Sunday afternoon cosy crime stamp, its called crime drama. *Eye roll* Its a murder mystery no matter the year its set.

I'd like to bring a few shows to your attention. In the last few weeks I've not only managed to get through and then collapse through Stranger Things 3, Dear White People season 3, GLOW season 3 AND Mindhunter season 2 (I've watched quite a lot of TV) but I have also consumed three very different detective/murder mystery TV shows from Spain, Germany and Finland.

High Seas

Sisters Eva and Carolina board the luxury cruise ship sailing from Spain to Brazil, where Carolina will marry owner of the ship, Fernando. Having recently lost their father, the sisters are thrown into a mystery involving his death when they agree to help a mysterious woman stowaway on the ship. But when the woman goes missing on the voyage's first night, Eva and crewmember Nicolás witness a woman scream and fall from the ship, the plot literally thickens as various plot points are pulled together to solve the mystery.

I'd been wanting a period murder mystery thriller with multiple characters, some with secrets, others with clues and all very dramatic. Of course with a cast of characters this vast there were storylines bound to get lost BUT every piece of the grand puzzle was either solved or resolved, except for a couple of minor things that I believe will come up in the show's second season.

Perfume

Hailing from Germany, this mostly about the murder and less on the mystery series was inspired by both the novel 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' and the 2006 film of the same name. Taking place in modern day the show cuts between the investigation and the past when where the main characters knew each other from their school days. All the characters in the show are terrible people in one form or other, except for one but even he has flaws and lacks good judgment. The lead detective is no better, having an affair with her married superior, whinning at him to be with her even though its clear he won't leave his family. You start you loose sympathy and begin to really dislike and much later distrust her actions. With equal parts frustrating and entertaining, with the characters as terrible adults and as teens who practically create a cult based on the novel 'Perfume'. Its a twisted and you will hate everyone BUT its a show that needs no follow up, plus the hunt for the main killer is fascinating.

Dead Wind

Firstly, the title is off putting but look past it, the original Finnish title is better as its just the detective's name and become immersed in the world of air turbines, past trama and of course, murder. Slightly complicated to explain but here goes. After the body of social affairs consultant Anna Bergdahlis found on the site where a massive construction is going to happen, an investigation into the woman's life, family, her affair and her job is turned over, leaving no stone unturned, even going into her past which it seems she tried to forget. Detective Sofia Karppi is a classic flawed detective, she drinks but not to excess, her flaw is that she doesn't take great care of her son and step daughter having moved them back from Germany after the death of her husband. She's still not quite over the shock but is determined to close this case. Teamed up with rookie detective Sakari Nurmi from the financial crimes unit, he is very different from her. Clashing at first but soon have each others' backs. So far so typical BUT there is something so refreshing that had me hooked to this show. The suspects and other characters that dip in and out of the story are also compelling to watch as well as annoying as hell Karppi (don't worry she's amazing really). Luckily, the show is getting a second series which means more Karppi but no idea about Nurmi. Fingers crossed the dynamic duo will be reunited.

Edinburgh Film Festival: We Have Always Liked in a Castle

Based on the gothic novel by Shirley Jackson, old secrets resurface, literally in this thriller, mystery family secrets drama. All Blackwood family members are odd with their own quirks and issues, even the unexpected long lost cousin.

My review is over at VultureHound and can be read HERE.

June Watch List

Thunder Road

 Jim Cummings is a force to be reckoned with, having written, directed and acting in the lead of this story about grief, pain and fatherhood. Jim, a dedicated police officer is struggling with the death of his mother and trying to connect with his daughter after a separation from his ex. He’s a good person or at least he tries to be but misfortune just seems to follow him round. The film has one of the best eulogies in cinema that opens the film and goes through all the emotions you can think of. Grief take many forms and one of those is trying to show tribute to your dance teacher mother by performing a dance to no music. 3/5

Booksmart

One of the best film I’ve seen this year so far. A brilliantly scripted story about two best friends and one night where they want to prove they are fun as well as smart. I wrote a bit more about the film HERE. 5/5

Teen Spirit

Max Minghella’s directorial debut about a quiet teenager on the Isle of Wight who loves to sing and decides to enter a reality talent show. I wrote more about the film HERE. 3/5

John Wick 2

I wish I had seen this thrill ride a long time ago, I can exactly why everyone loves John Wick. Keanu Reeves is just perfect as the ultimate hitman, continuing on from the events of the last film and feeding straight into the third chapter of the Wick story. This time round he settles with the Russians, annoys the Italian mob and has his house destroyed but he still has his adorable dog. Then he takes a job to kill off the head of the Italian crime family but instead of him be able to return to his quiet life, he’s drawn into a massive manhunt by ALL the assassins who seem to be everywhere! Can’t wait for the next part.  4/5

Animals

Two best friends, one writer, one party connoisseur, live in Dublin drinking their way through life, until one starts to look at their live without the ‘fun’ filter. I wrote more about the film HERE. 4/5

Always Be My Maybe

Netflix films seem to be hit and miss but this rom-com about best friends who drift apart after a one-night stand and grief then reunite after 16 years is actually not too bad. Ali Wong and Randall Park have great chemistry and are actually funny. I love it when a funny couple get together. But the best scenes are obviously with Keanu Reeves who is the best thing in the film. He’s superb.3/5

Murder Mystery

Murder mysteries and hitman stories are usually my kryptonite and even Adam Sandler couldn’t ruin this film. While all his other films have been….. well, terrible, this is one with Jennifer Aniston was great fun. I actually wrote a whole post about the film HERE. 4/5

Whodunit

In all honesty, I never thought I'd be dedicating a post to an Adam Sandler film. I cannot express the dislike I have for this actor. I hate all his films, except for Hotel Transylvania mostly because you can't see him, but there are some hideous inaccuracies in that film that have made me dislike it (for the millionth time, Frankenstein was the doctor NOT the monster, SORT IT OUT Hotel Transylvania). So, maybe I do just dislike all Sandler’s films then. I was subjected to ‘Big Daddy’ too many times in school. At the end of term, teachers would put on a film but the only films the damn school seemed to have was ‘Big Daddy’ and ‘Notting Hill’ which is why I can’t sit through that film either. Moving on!

I hate Adam Sandler films and whenever I say this, I have people suggest either ‘Punch Drunk Love’ (which I’ve not seen) or one of his other terrible films. However, when I saw that there was a film called ‘Murder Mystery’ (not inventive but to the point) I obviously was going to watch it. Having Jennifer Aniston alongside Sandler softened the blow of potential disappointment. But it gets better. Not only were Aniston and Sandler playing the American couple invited along to a mysterious gathering but it was a gathering of British actors (well, 5 but still) playing a family and close friends of said family. In an American film, what’s more suspicious than a wealthy British family with secrets? As well as the Brits there are Icelandic, Japanese, Mexican and South African actors and to round out the cast, a French detective who is keen to pin the murders on the random American couple who showed up. This is exactly the sort of set up you want in an over the top murder mystery. As Mr and Mrs Spitz taking their honeymoon 15 years after getting married, Nick is the police officer having failed his detective exam many times but lying to his wife he passed, Audrey is a hairdresser and keen murder mystery reader, each bring their own ridiculous-ness to the plot. The Americans are the jokes, the suspects and leads of the story and play up to the stereotypes perfectly, as does everyone else in their role.

The plot is delightfully simple and actually funny throughout, taking it’s the que from all the murder mysteries (particularly Agatha Christie, because, of course!) before it. Outsider couple are invited to an exclusive weekend on a fancy yacht with a group of people who are all connected to the billionaire who hosts the party. A murder happens and everyone is a suspect, but the police believe it be the outsider couple SO they have to prove their innocence and find the killer, but as the holiday continues, the bodies pile up. 

The fact that Audrey really loves her murder mystery novels (who doesn’t?) and excitedly points out how certain things happen in those genre books and are mirrored in real life is exactly how I’d react. She solves clues just as well or as badly as Nick does. The pairing of a would be detective and murder mystery enthusiast is brilliant. In fact, I wouldn’t say no to a sequel. Murder mystery has that appeal.

I do love a hitman story and film noir and neo noir but murder mysteries will always be my favourite. It may be the set-up, the any characters with secrets to reveal or the puzzle to solve, whatever it is I always enjoy it. It’s just very surprising its on Netflix AND Sandler is in it, so if I can overlook him, anyone can.