If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Absolutely Fantastic

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Tim Curry at his absolute best! A genuine ensemble cast, twists and turns galore superb comedy/mystery caper with a great ending. My go to film when I'm feeling down.

A comedy/mystery which is based on the famous board game and which spoofs classic works from the Golden Age of Crime, such as Agatha Christie's "And then there were none".A cast of fine comedic actors including people like Madeline Kahn and Tim Curry does what it can to salvage the movie, but is let down by an over-busy and over-complicated screenplay which leaves little room for character development. As a viewer you don't care too much about what happens to the various characters : they're just names on a piece of cardboard, not individuals you get to know and understand. Every now and then someone will make a declaration or a confession along the lines of "I can't hide it any longer, I'm a madam for a vice ring !" ; for all you know (or care) that someone might just as well admit to being a detective, a Greek, a long-distance runner or an arsonist.The movie does contain a number of good jokes, gags and oneliners, but the whole is not as satisfying as it could or should have been. The costumes, on the other hand, are in a class of their own : they're so exquisite they deserve an Oscar.If you like the general concept, you should check out Neil Simon's "Murder by death", which, in my opinion, is a better, funnier movie.

In 1950s New England, six total strangers are invited for dinner at a grand manor using pseudonyms to hide their identities (Mr. Green, Mrs. White, et al.). As it turns out, they're all being blackmailed by the same man, the seventh guest, who quickly ends up dead. Jonathan Lynn directed this adaptation of the Parker Bros. crime-solving board game from his own screenplay, from a story he originated with John Landis, who also co-produced (and whose style is prevalent throughout). The performances are assured and polished without ever being truly funny, and only a few of the set-pieces (such as an unraveling chandelier) have any visual energy. The film--released theatrically with three different endings--did a quick fade in 1985, but has since garnered a loyal fan-base. It isn't really very good--and reminds one of 1976's "Murder by Death" besides, beginning with the shots of cars arriving up the hill accompanied by John Morris' derivative score. *1/2 from ****

CLUE is one in a spate of 1970s/1980s comedies that mercilessly spoofed the old dark house murder mystery genre popular in the 1930s. It shares much in common with the all-star MURDER BY DEATH, for example. However, I think CLUE has the edge when it comes to entertainment, as this film's always been a favourite of mine ever since I was a kid. It has a manic, madcap energy going on that makes it an often delight to watch.Much of the humour and quirkiness comes from the presence of Tim Curry playing the butler in the story. Curry takes centre stage in the story and runs away with part, reminding me of Lee Evans with his sweaty, running-about-a-lot performance. It's my personal favourite performance of his, and it takes some beating. Thankfully, an ensemble cast of seasoned professionals don't disappoint either. Michael McKean is the stand-offish Mr. Green, Martin Mull the blustering Colonel Mustard, and Eileen Brennan the eccentric Mrs. Peacock. Colleen Camp has an eye-poppingly voluptuous turn as the French maid but my personal favourite of the ladies is Lesley Ann Warren as femme fatale Miss Scarlet, whose dress seems to have some magical anti-gravity device.CLUE tells a fast-paced story in which the gags come thick and fast and rarely disappoint. The level of ghoulish humour is second to none and certainly superior to that seen in contemporary fare like HIGH SPIRITS or HAUNTED HONEYMOON. I also liked the way that the film has multiple shot endings which gives it an odd and unique feel. Films based on board games are few and far between and rarely successful (BATTLESHIP anyone?) but this one's the exception to that rule.