Today I'm back with another review and I'd like to share my opinion about a movie I watched twice last week. Yes, it happens to rewatch a movie, but not very often.
It's fair to mention right at the beginning, that The Thursday Murder Club is based on a novel by British author and TV presenter Richard Osman. I've not read the book, had no idea it even exists, but maybe one day, when I can get a copy, will read it as based on the movie (how stupid is that 😂) the book can only be good. It's not always good to read the book, then watch the movie as all you do is focus on where the movie deviates from the book, which ruins your experience. I've been in this situation a few times and trust me, 99% of the time you end up with a bitter taste in your mouth, instead of just enjoying what you see. Anyway, let's get started.
The reason I watched this movie was the cast and the title. Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan's name can be the perfect ingredient for a success movie, even if they are not the first choice of the new generation. They still have a lot ot offer and this movie proves it.
Four irrepressible retirees spend their time solving cold case murders for fun, but their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn when they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands.
The movie starts with three of the lead characters, Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan) and Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley) working on a cold case from 1973. They have an old school board with relevant information pinned on it and are discussing the details. This is when Joyce (Celia Imrie) walks in on them, while she is showing her daughter around the retirement village called Coopers Chase. (I didn't know Celia Imrie is starring in the movie, but when I saw her, knew right away I'm going to watch it till the end, no matter what. She's an exceptional talent in my eyes, I love her as an actor.) Pretty soon Joyce is asked to join the club as medical expertise is needed and Joyce being a retired nurse, fits the profile perfectly.
If you manage to set aside your current expectations and vision of life and try to imagine yourself in their shoes at their age, you'll see what fun it would be to do what they were trying to do, even without watching the movie. Joyce obviously says yes, joins the club and pretty soon they have the chance to poke their nose in a real case, unofficially, of course, because the stake is high. Coopers Chase's future is at stake as the plan is to build luxury apartments where the retirement home is.
The movie is labeled as comedy, crime, mystery and thriller, but don't believe everything they write and I'm not saying this to be mean or critical. This is a lovely and funny comedy, of the good ones I might say. Ok, I can categorize it as crime as there's crime in it as well, but thriller? Nope, it is not and I'm glad it is not as it is perfect as it is.
So the four murder club members start their investigation with their civilian capabilities and tricks. Obviously, when it comes to this type of comedy, a gormless detective is a key ingredient for the story and DCI Chris Hudson, played by Daniel Mays is exactly that.
It's interesting to watch them investigating, orchestrating situations and trying to manipulate whoever is needed to be manipulated to get where they want, with their investigation.
For me it was a bit shocking to see Brosnan in this role, with white hair and white beard. Last time I saw him playing, he was 20 years younger I think, so a huge jump ahead in time like this was a bit shocking.
The other thing that is quite obvious is Coopers Chase, the retirement village, that looks like paradise and wish it would exist and be available for many. The retirees literally live in a castle, they have their own luxury apartments many can't afford in their whole lifetime and everyone lives alone, except those who are not single. They have all the activities available and can do what they please. It's nice to forget reality for a moment and think this life at that age is possible, even if we know it's available for maybe 0.01%.
I have to give some credit to Tom Ellis, who's playing Jason, Ron's (Pierce Brosnan) son and David Tennant, playing Ian Ventham, one of the bad guys in the movie.
This gem brought back some memories as well. First I remembered was The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which I loved and after checking it saw that Celia Imrie was in it too, although I can't remember her. Shame on me. The other is a series called The Marlow Murder Club, which is from 2024 and it's somewhat similar.
If you are tired and don't want to your mind racing, this is a good movie for you. Most likely I'm going to rewatch it in a few months as the acting is really good.
Rating: 90/100
