The Thursday Murder Club
⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
Richard Osman's novel, which inspired this film, is sure to prove a compelling adventure for anyone living in a retirement village or those with relatives residing in such communities. As the author taps into the wealth of characters and histories that walk the halls of these institutions, a tale of unexpected humour, sorrow, and intrigue unfolds. Capturing the same magic of Netflix's series, A Man on the Inside, Osman manages to show the value of humanity as it ages and how life can be celebrated until the end.
When the announcement was made that the book was being developed as a movie, a sceptical side of me wondered how they would be able to condense this engaging yarn into two hours. Still, there was hope with legendary director Chris Columbus taking the reins, along with Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie perfectly representing the main characters. Doubts still remained that they could condense this multi-layered book of twists and players into a single movie.
The setting is in the upscale Cooper's Chase retirement village that overlooks the seaside township of Fairhaven in Kent, England. A former monastery has been transformed into beautiful living spaces for those who can afford it; this palatial estate was home to a fascinating mix of characters. Yet, in the jigsaw room, four individuals gather to discuss cold cases from years past, keeping their minds active and enjoying time together as life passes by around them. As former spy Elizabeth Best (Mirren), retired union leader Ron Ritchie (Brosnan), psychiatrist, Ibrahim Arif (Kingsley) and nurse Joyce Meadowcroft (Imrie) meet, they discover that a murder has occurred in the local community. With ties to Cooper's Chase becoming apparent, the foursome does their best to assist the local police force in working out the mystery behind multiple deaths.
On the surface, the cast, location and production team are strong choices. Then, to add the talents of David Tennant, Jonathan Pryce, Naomi Ackie, Daniel Mays, and Richard E. Grant to the mix, everything looks to be headed down the right path for a successful interpretation of Richard Osman's book. Unfortunately, all of the players are in place, but two hours is not enough to give this character-rich story the respect and time it needs to come to life. Even as the cast does their best to embody their roles and the various scenarios they are placed in, none of their characters are allowed to develop. Despite the beautiful setting and the smart-looking cast, everyone becomes a caricature of former murder mysteries, remaining two-dimensional and unengaging. Thus, not tapping into the various plot twists that make this a beloved novel is why this foursome has fans worldwide.
The Thursday Murder Club would have been better as a series, rather than a film that falls short of its original content. Some of the troupe members are not given their time in the spotlight or the opportunity to grow into the roles they were initially written for. Even for those who haven't read the book, there is little in Chris Columbus' story that elevates it above or even comes close to Agatha Christie-inspired tales. For fans, this movie will be a disappointment, particularly in terms of the missed opportunity to inspire more people to read this celebrated novel.
Reel Dialogue and Third Space have entered the world of YouVersion: Download the app, dive into the plans, and engage with the Bible in a fresh and exciting way.
Reel Dialogue: Is life worth living?*
Wow, that is quite a question to be asked by a guy writing a film review. Yet, it is one we confront every day. When faced with our own mortality, the question of why we live and what our purpose is likely to arise.
How do we answer this simple, but complex question?
Where can we find the answers? Thankfully, the Bible is filled with teachings about the meaning, value, and purpose of life.
Jesus teaches how to live a fulfilling life, and He gave up His life so that those who follow Him would have an eternal one. He even said: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
Wow, life to the full. Sounds good?
So, I suppose I'm saying that a good place to start when considering the value of life is to give the Bible a try.
*Original content published on God in 60 Seconds - Is Life Worth Living
