Mystery 101

Mystery 101 is the best of all the mystery movies. Hallmark made a huge mistake when they canceled this one. The easy laid back chemistry that they have and The cast of characters is absolutely the best. I will truly miss these two. And as far as the new mystery that just came out this week, Francesca Quinn PI. I couldn't even finish it. But the cut color and murder one is very good as was Dying for chocolate. I just wish you would reconsider not Canceling my favorite, mystery 101. And why would you leave 101 as a cliffhanger??? Like bad decisions all around. I am really not happy about this..

So often in anything Hallmark, how the viewer connects with the actors makes all the difference. I read one review that said that both Wagner and Polaha act natural, not fake, and I realized that was the description I was looking for in this movie. They also connect well with each other after you get past the obligatory animosity especially on the skeptical detective's part.

The difficult thing in a new amateur detective series is getting past the skepticism of the professional detective(s). It is totally justifiable on their part. Amateur's can destroy a prosecution and as one other reviewer points out, Amy makes a bunch of those mistakes even though they get glossed over and ignored. In this movie, getting past the initial skepticism was clumsy and far too quick. The transition was instant. Burke was resistant one second and then totally caved and became like a puppy dog as far as accepting Amy's participation.

I think it's obvious that if this becomes a series (which it does), then something will happen between Amy and Travis. This is just the start. We have another budding romance in the two assistants. Both relationships are slightly overplayed.

The mystery itself had a nice number of possible suspects and some of the usual red herrings. Overall, the movie was entertaining, as a nice mystery with an appealing cast.

As an mystery enthusiasts, I will watch every mystery series that Hallmark puts on but there are none that I look more forward to with anticipation than Mystery 101. Kristoffer Polaha and Jill Wagner have insane on screen chemistry that leaves you wanting to watch Travis and Amy over and over. The cases are fun as well as they give you enough clues to help you figure out who dunnit along with them and things that may seem little at the beginning turn out to be big in the end. Another thing I love is how things the characters do and say carry over from one episode to the next. The progression of Travis and Amy's relationship is very organic and realistic. Give this a try!

This movie is very clean and well articulated. No nudity, no violence, no stupid dialogues, no cursing, no sex, no drugs and above all well arranged.

It is a movie for smart people.

I really don't know how to review this: this was my first Hallmark Mystery and I didn't know what to expect. I mean, this wasn't THE movie of the year, however, I actually enjoyed a lot. I only picked it up because I truly liked Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha in "Pearl in Paradise", their chemistry was, and is, a pleasure to watch.

It may be a little slow at times, but the plot made total sense. This is yelling for a sequel, which I assume they will make (if the other mysteries are other indication), I just hope they are as good -and believable- as this one.

Well done.