Mostly a tongue-in-cheek comedy, the film See How They Run opened on Digital recently and the acting by the fine cast, does save it from being just another who done it movie. If you have seen the movies that have become hits by Agatha Christie like Death of the Nile or Murder on the Orient Express, then you have had a taste of how murder mysteries of that ilk play out. This one does come close to her play/film “The Mouse Trap” that is a subject of the storyline.
It’s 1953 in London’s West End, a notable section where most of the Playhouses are found. Following the 100’Th performance of play “The Mouse Trap” by Agatha Christie, a special party is being held at a posh hotel. The place is filled with important people including Director Leo Köpernick (Adrien Brody) who has been hired to make the play into a film. But his luck has run out when they find him murdered.
Rushing to the scene are two police from Scotland Yard, Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell) and Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan). It’s the beginning of a search for the possible killer from a bevy of suspects that have motives. Director Tom George does a terrific job of introducing all the characters and then setting them in motion. His police investigators have a field day getting to hob knob with the London elite while on the trail of the killer, His sets are lavish, the costumes stunning and the actors all get to be front and center as things get out of hand.
While the acting is great, the plot unfortunately gets very clichéd and tedious. That is if you have seen the films mentioned in the opening paragraph of this review. If you haven’t, then get ready to laugh during the performances of Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan who are the best part of the film.
See How They Run has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some violence/bloody images and a sexual references. You can see the film on Digital Platforms Including VUDU, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Movies Anywhere, 4K Ultra HD
Bonus Features:
“See How They Run Behind The Curtain” – Hear from the talented filmmakers and cast as they pull back the curtain on the filmmaking process which had its unique challenges and rewards. Take a look at the special access to famous locations as well as the care and detail used to recreate them.
*Bonus features vary by product and retailer
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Sam Rockwell, Saoirse Ronan, Adrian Brody, Ruth Wilson, Reece Shearsmith, Shirley Henderson, Harris Dickerson, Lucian Msamati, Pippa Bennett,
Directed By: Tom George
Genre: Mystery, Comedy
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence/bloody images and a sexual reference.
Running Time: 1hr. 38 min.
Opening Date: November 1, 2022
Distributed by: Searchlight Pictures
Released in: Digital Platforms Including VUDU, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Movies Anywhere, 4K Ultra HD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
