Invitación a un asesinato

Set in England (or a small island just off the coast) however none of this movie feels like England, which isn't surprising considering it was filmed in the U. S. Even lacking English accents (accurate ones, anyway), and awkwardly including American idioms throughout (e.g. English police do not carry guns). An uninteresting mystery with an unlikable protagonist and a rather boring conclusion. It sets itself up as the potential first in a series of movies starring the same amateur sleuth, but I will not be interested in anything that follows. It is nothing like the Agatha Christie mysteries it is trying to emulate, and it leaves a rather unpleasant taste, so I'm off to watch something starring David Suchet to cleanse my palate.

Prepare yourself for a delightful whodunit experience that pays homage to Agatha Christie and brings a little depth to the genre. Invitation to a Murder unfolds on a mysterious island with an ensemble cast that feels like a bag of culturally diverse characters, adding an extra layer of charm to the classic murder mystery.

Donald Walker, played by Chris Browning, steals the spotlight with his portrayal of an arrogant yet witty character. By the end, you'll find yourself unexpectedly showing compassion for this complex individual after hearing of his sorrowful upbringing. Bianca A. Santos as Carmen Blanco brings an alluring (my weakness) and captivating energy to the mix. And who can forget Marrisa Cooper form the O. C, I mean Misha Barton as Miranda, who plays the Sherlock Holmes type role, but is well- balanced and not ridiculously over the top, although, she does come across as quite condescending.

The assortment of characters, including the genius, the cowboy, the wealthy, the lower class, the doctor, the suspicious foreigner, and the oh-so-typical English butler, creates a dynamic that keeps you guessing. The suspicious servants and the predictable yet intriguing mystery contribute to the overall homely storytelling.

What I did like was the story didn't follow traditional paths, and while yes there was a shiny, large inheritance at the end, no character is really chasing it, and so it isn't the major catalyst of the story. Invitation to a murder explores a more linear family history and therein lies more richer, and deeper storytelling.

Cinematography and backdrops are solid, with an alluring manor setting that occasionally reminds me of navigating through a much-loved video game "The Council". However, this isn't an action-packed thriller; instead, it offers a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere that suits a more family-oriented PG-rated whodunit style.

Comparisons to "Crooked House" may arise, but Invitation to a Murder stands out with its upgraded pacing, avoiding slow burns and dragging plotlines. While it may lack heart-stopping twists every few minutes, it compensates with more engaging and charming characters.

Is it a bit bland? Perhaps, but it's a deliberate choice for a cosy mystery that embraces its predictable elements. This film won't revolutionize the genre, but it offers a warm and fuzzy feeling, making it perfect for a laid-back movie night.

In conclusion, Invitation to a Murder is not your typical blockbuster; it's a charming and light-hearted mystery that will keep you entertained. So, grab your detective hat, settle in, and let the unravelling of this whodunit charm you with its simplicity.

6/10.

A bit slow and plodding with some questionable acting and some atrocious attempts at acents. The script writing is somewhat lacking and the there's not much of a plot. By the time the titles roll at the ninety minute mark it feels like it's been half an hour too long. The characters are all a bit wooden and the actors seemed to be simply going through the motions. None of them seemed to engage with their character and I couldn't engage with them either.

Has a made for TV feel to it and I would strongly suggest it's not worth going to the cinema to see.

It's not terrible but it's not good either. If you're really bored then maybe give it a whirl.

Six strangers receive invites to the home of Millionaire Lewis Findley, when they arrive their host is absent, they anxiously wait to learn their purpose for being there.

The first couple of minutes all seemed to point to one thing, a reworking of And then there were none, the ultimate Whodunnit, we had the strangers, the island, the invitations, that's where the similarities end.

Let's be honest, it's nonsense, but if you are fan of mysteries and whodunnits, you may just get some enjoyment out of it, there are some interesting moments, and the story has a few clever ideas.

For me, it had the look and feel of a stage play, entertaining enough, maybe a little rough around the edges at times.

The accents are a little hit and miss, and at no point does it feel as though it's England, I've not checked the production details, but I'm assuming The States or Canada.

Mischa Barton does a fine job, more Fletcher than Marple, but pleasing enough. Chris Browning stole the show for me, I enjoyed his performance.

6/10.

This is a murder mystery in a setting similar to films like Murder on the Orient Express and Clue, sadly as much as this isn't a terrible movie, it isn't up there with those classics.

On the plus side, the story is quite compelling and doesn't go in the obvious direction. It's also not stuffed with too much filler.

Unfortunately there are some major criticisms i have with this, not least the atrocious accents that range from Traditional English to Pantomine Dame. However it's the main character where's i have most issues. First off, she looks like she's walked in right off the catwalk, not Mid 20th Century England, but worse than that, is how her character behaves. Are we really to believe a group of Adults, most older than her, are going to be bossed around like school Children by a Florist. She even gives orders to the Detective. Why on Earth would anyone let a normal civilian interrogate and order them around, even if she was good at selling murders. At least Jesscia Fletcher of Murder she wrote had the decency to speak to people with respect, this woman was a trumped up snob that in reality would be laughed at. This is a shame, because it's so distracting from the movie, it means it's quite hard to get into.

Still, if you have 90 mins free and there's no better options, it should prevent boredom.