THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB
Starring: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie, Ben Kingsley, Naomi Ackie, and David Tennant
Director: Chris Columbus
PAIGE
Chris Columbus’ The Thursday Murder Club is a somewhat decent murder mystery despite the fact that it doesn’t reinvent the genre. The story is a bit sluggish and bland, but its lighthearted charm and terrific cast make it worth at least throwing it on in the background. Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie, and Ben Kingsley appear to be having a ball and play off each other seamlessly, but their chemistry alone isn’t enough to fully save the movie. This harmless mystery has its moments, but it heavily leans on formula, and by the end, it’s pretty forgettable.
KATIE
The Thursday Murder Club has a lot going for it: a starry cast, witty dialogue, and gorgeously luxurious settings. However, although I found it starts strongly, it ultimately falls flat. Helen Mirren is fantastic, and I’m always happy to see David Tennant on screen, but its perfunctory story and predictable twists make it a bit bland. Some of the cast seems disengaged too, which doesn't help, while the relentlessly bright colour palette makes it look like a TV film. It’s a very watch-on-your-couch-on-a-Sunday type of affair. It’s good enough, but I wasn't impressed.
ROBERT
While watching The Thursday Murder Club, I thought I got sucked into a mystery show advertised on BritBox. It seemed like it was the UK’s answer to Only Murders in the Building, but without the lived-in ribbing I get from Steve Martin and Martin Short, which buoys that show. I couldn’t get past how many people in this were in MobLand, but without the gangster edge and griminess that made that show slick and cool. Helen Mirren is a force, Pierce Brosnan is cool, and I will always advocate for slimier David Tennant, but otherwise, this was a shallow and neutered effort.
QUENTIN
With full recognition that I’m Bitesize’s resident Old Man, The Thursday Murder Club is for people even older than me. I mean, your grandmother and people who think Only Murders in the Building is too hip and edgy probably will love this movie, but for me, this murder mystery is far too bland to be engaging. I suppose the cast chemistry carries the film decently enough — how could it not with this cast of legends? — but still… ehhhh. Do you know that gentle, talk-to-the-elderly voice you use when helping a sweet old lady at the market? This is the movie equivalent of that.
