279 reviews
See How They Run
This is one of those films that people have rubbished purely because it's primary purpose is to entertain. And that's a great shame, because in these troubled times that's perhaps exactly what people want. A good night out at the cinema.
Saoirse Ronan again proves what a huge career she could go on to have, this time adding light comedy to her range of skills, in this murder mystery caper.
These are ten a penny right now, both on the big and small screen, but 'See How They Run' manages to find its own style, with some clever tricks up its sleeve throughout.
There are lots of big or recognisable faces dotted throughout this fun film, but the stand-outs are Ronan and Sam Rockwell as her superior. I'd actually be happy if this led to another outing for the pair.
Overall, good fun.
Saoirse Ronan again proves what a huge career she could go on to have, this time adding light comedy to her range of skills, in this murder mystery caper.
These are ten a penny right now, both on the big and small screen, but 'See How They Run' manages to find its own style, with some clever tricks up its sleeve throughout.
There are lots of big or recognisable faces dotted throughout this fun film, but the stand-outs are Ronan and Sam Rockwell as her superior. I'd actually be happy if this led to another outing for the pair.
Overall, good fun.
Really fun whodunit
It may not be the smartest or funniest whodunit out there but See How They Run is still a really fun murder mystery that succeeds at creating an engaging mystery and solid gag rate bolstered by some surprisingly dark and mature themes.
Sam Rockwell gives a great lead performance as the calm amongst a very chaotic storm of over the top performances with an impressively strong accent that never slips. Saorsie Ronan is the standout though with fantastic comedic timing and an always lovable presence.
Tom George's direction is really good, thankfully not too focused on homaging Wes Anderson and instead delivering a stylish film with some snappy editing and nice split screen. The music by Daniel Pemberton is good, matching the films quirky nature.
Sam Rockwell gives a great lead performance as the calm amongst a very chaotic storm of over the top performances with an impressively strong accent that never slips. Saorsie Ronan is the standout though with fantastic comedic timing and an always lovable presence.
Tom George's direction is really good, thankfully not too focused on homaging Wes Anderson and instead delivering a stylish film with some snappy editing and nice split screen. The music by Daniel Pemberton is good, matching the films quirky nature.
Ronan and Rockwell nail it
A murder-mystery with Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan as the investigators. Who could resist such a premise? Not me. Since watching it I've heard it described as a very 'Wes Anderson' type film. I'm glad I didn't hear that before going in because I can't stand Anderson's films. I did quite enjoy this one though, so it would've been a false warning.
The chemistry between Ronan and Rockwell is what sells this. They nail it. I could watch these two on screen for a hundred more movies. The humour in the film is very clever. It may not make you laugh out loud all too often, but it will certainly bring a smile to your face.
The actual whodunit mystery itself is good, without being mind-blowing. It suffices in keeping the audience interested and curious while also giving the lead characters plenty of room to do their thing. This was a good one. 7/10.
The chemistry between Ronan and Rockwell is what sells this. They nail it. I could watch these two on screen for a hundred more movies. The humour in the film is very clever. It may not make you laugh out loud all too often, but it will certainly bring a smile to your face.
The actual whodunit mystery itself is good, without being mind-blowing. It suffices in keeping the audience interested and curious while also giving the lead characters plenty of room to do their thing. This was a good one. 7/10.
- jtindahouse
- Nov 2, 2022
- Permalink
Wes Andersonesque murder mystery
I don't know if it's the cozy cinematography, the many tracking shots, or two actors that have been in a lot of his films, but this movie has a real whimsical, wholesome, Wes Anderson vibe to it and I liked it. Saoirse Ronan is incredibly cute and comical in her role as a apprentice cop learning the trade and trying to solve the mystery. Her puns in the beginning are pretty funny, and she just has such a sweet aura throughout that weirdly fits with the movie.
The film moves at a leisurely pace, almost like a British afternoon tea on a rainy day. Or drinking hot cocoa while watching an Agatha Christie murder mystery as the snow falls outside. That kind of vibe, and I'm here for it.
Oh, and we get to see Adrien Brody in a Grand Budapest Hotel-like rich jerk role, and it's pretty great.
The film moves at a leisurely pace, almost like a British afternoon tea on a rainy day. Or drinking hot cocoa while watching an Agatha Christie murder mystery as the snow falls outside. That kind of vibe, and I'm here for it.
Oh, and we get to see Adrien Brody in a Grand Budapest Hotel-like rich jerk role, and it's pretty great.
- josiahliljequist
- Sep 19, 2022
- Permalink
Enjoyable nonsense
It doesn't pretend to be high art. It's silly and enjoyable and was the equivalent of enjoying a good piece of cake - pleasurable but soon forgotten.
The performances are good and we loved the butler at the end. We could even guess some of the lines and also the ending, but it didn't matter. Yes, there were Wes Anderson type moments and yes, the make up and hair was wrong for the the period for Saoirse Ronan, and there was an absence of smoke in the pub etc it's supposed to be 1950s England... but I guess it was going for theatrical rather than realism.
If you want an easy going film that makes you laugh and smile - this is the film. (And so much better than the remakes of Agatha Christie)
The performances are good and we loved the butler at the end. We could even guess some of the lines and also the ending, but it didn't matter. Yes, there were Wes Anderson type moments and yes, the make up and hair was wrong for the the period for Saoirse Ronan, and there was an absence of smoke in the pub etc it's supposed to be 1950s England... but I guess it was going for theatrical rather than realism.
If you want an easy going film that makes you laugh and smile - this is the film. (And so much better than the remakes of Agatha Christie)
Could Have Been Much Better
This movie had a great potential to be a better one.
It was exciting in the beginning and it kept me entertained as it progressed, till some events happened that were strongly related to the plot and did not make any sense to me. That was disappointing in addition to the movie's ending.
The acting of the main characters was not perfect but was not bad either. There was a lot of sarcastic comedy some throughout the movie of which made me laugh.
I am sad that my rating had to drop from 7 to 6 as I liked the movie but I wish if it was executed in a better way.
After all, it was a fun experience and I do not regret watching it. If you are looking for a silly movie with a mystery to solve, watch it.
It was exciting in the beginning and it kept me entertained as it progressed, till some events happened that were strongly related to the plot and did not make any sense to me. That was disappointing in addition to the movie's ending.
The acting of the main characters was not perfect but was not bad either. There was a lot of sarcastic comedy some throughout the movie of which made me laugh.
I am sad that my rating had to drop from 7 to 6 as I liked the movie but I wish if it was executed in a better way.
After all, it was a fun experience and I do not regret watching it. If you are looking for a silly movie with a mystery to solve, watch it.
- mohd-47046
- Sep 10, 2022
- Permalink
Messier than it should be
I try to avoid trailers and promos so much so that I thought this was going to be a movie involving trains somehow like a biopic of whoever invented them, all I knew was Saoirse Ronan was in it. She was one of the few upbeat characters in it so she lit up the screen whenever she was on.
It's a movie that talks about itself throughout, it's a whodunnit film and as mentioned in the movie, once you see one you've seen them all. The plot of the movie is the plot of the theatre play and movie, that's inside the movie, so when a clue is revealed in one story you know it's the same for the other.
It's suspenseful throughout but not really engaging enough to keep you on your seat. You're not really invested in any of the characters unless you're already a fan of the actors playing them, which I was. I've seen it compared to "knives out" but I don't think it's that good. Nothing really special about it because it just doesn't click, feels like it's supposed to though. There's a lot of funny bits that carry the film, but those feel like an accessory, not actually what the movie is supposed to be about, just something to elevate it. It's meant to be a mystery but the mystery doesn't do much.
It's made to be pretty simple and quirky, I think it would've been better if it took itself a little more seriously and maybe slowed down a bit. Funny and 1950's retro so there's things to love about it, but confused about what's it's meant to be so it feels all over the place.
It's a movie that talks about itself throughout, it's a whodunnit film and as mentioned in the movie, once you see one you've seen them all. The plot of the movie is the plot of the theatre play and movie, that's inside the movie, so when a clue is revealed in one story you know it's the same for the other.
It's suspenseful throughout but not really engaging enough to keep you on your seat. You're not really invested in any of the characters unless you're already a fan of the actors playing them, which I was. I've seen it compared to "knives out" but I don't think it's that good. Nothing really special about it because it just doesn't click, feels like it's supposed to though. There's a lot of funny bits that carry the film, but those feel like an accessory, not actually what the movie is supposed to be about, just something to elevate it. It's meant to be a mystery but the mystery doesn't do much.
It's made to be pretty simple and quirky, I think it would've been better if it took itself a little more seriously and maybe slowed down a bit. Funny and 1950's retro so there's things to love about it, but confused about what's it's meant to be so it feels all over the place.
- AfricanBro
- Sep 15, 2022
- Permalink
Don't Jump to conclusions
- nogodnomasters
- Nov 9, 2022
- Permalink
Sadly Not A Great Whodunit
Q. When is too much split screen too much?
A. See How They Run.
I was so looking forward to this that i can't help feeling a tinge of disappointment. Towards the end of See How They Run, i was feeling almost nauseous with the use of split screen. It's every 5 minutes, and i'm not joking.
The movie thinks it's a lot cleverer than it is (telling us how the movie will end, the clever wink winks all the time). Some of the humour is great, mostly involving Saoirse Ronan who shows she's gifted in physical comedy and slapstick as well as everything else she puts her mind too.
The movie, for a whodunit, fails to fill the story with credible suspects and towards the end i had mostly lost interest in who the murderer was even going to be. Adrien Brody is great for the amount of screen time he receives but whenever he, Sam Rockwell or Saoirse aren't on screen, the movie drags.
Tom George's direction isn't the best and it makes me wonder what the film could look like if in better hands. Outside of the split screen issues, quick cuts are another constant but just makes me think of better directors and the lifting Tom George is taking from superior movies.
I went in to this hoping for another Knives Out but sadly this is nowhere near it.
A. See How They Run.
I was so looking forward to this that i can't help feeling a tinge of disappointment. Towards the end of See How They Run, i was feeling almost nauseous with the use of split screen. It's every 5 minutes, and i'm not joking.
The movie thinks it's a lot cleverer than it is (telling us how the movie will end, the clever wink winks all the time). Some of the humour is great, mostly involving Saoirse Ronan who shows she's gifted in physical comedy and slapstick as well as everything else she puts her mind too.
The movie, for a whodunit, fails to fill the story with credible suspects and towards the end i had mostly lost interest in who the murderer was even going to be. Adrien Brody is great for the amount of screen time he receives but whenever he, Sam Rockwell or Saoirse aren't on screen, the movie drags.
Tom George's direction isn't the best and it makes me wonder what the film could look like if in better hands. Outside of the split screen issues, quick cuts are another constant but just makes me think of better directors and the lifting Tom George is taking from superior movies.
I went in to this hoping for another Knives Out but sadly this is nowhere near it.
- johnnyhbtvs27
- Sep 9, 2022
- Permalink
Forgettable
The film begins well enough but rapidly becomes quite boring. In spite of Saiorse Ronan's charm and the considerable talents of Adrien Brody, Sian Clifford, Ruth Wilson. Reece Shearsmith, Harris Dickinson and Tim Key, the production suffers because it clearly just doesn't know what it wants to be. It doesn't work as a whodunnit, a comedy or a drama. All one is left with are some quite nice shots and visual composition. The use of Agatha Christie and The Mousetrap feels rather pointless as it fails to add anything that any other fictional generic murder mystery could add. Dull, frustrating and ultimately unsatisfying, See How They Run really doesn't have a good enough reason to exist.
- greencrest
- Sep 23, 2022
- Permalink
A really novel and fun romp
I found this a really novel and almost throwback film with loads of great laughs and twists but never takes itself too seriously.
There is a really good cast with great characters, all bringing different things to the film. Having real life characters add something to the film as well.
I laughed a lot during the film with some of the characters and some of the jokes being very well done.
Its a reminder that there can be a great film made without the need for huge amounts of cgi, huge budgets and massive casts. This is just well written, well portrayed and with brilliant camera work, and just works really well.
There is a really good cast with great characters, all bringing different things to the film. Having real life characters add something to the film as well.
I laughed a lot during the film with some of the characters and some of the jokes being very well done.
Its a reminder that there can be a great film made without the need for huge amounts of cgi, huge budgets and massive casts. This is just well written, well portrayed and with brilliant camera work, and just works really well.
- coombsstephen
- Sep 9, 2022
- Permalink
Simply a good film
Very enjoyable film and I thought it was light hearted throughout. I enjoyed the ironic twists and farcical moments. Very well acted with strong British cast. I've never seen the mousetrap play so I couldn't say if there were spoilers but I thought the film fully captured the essence of Agatha Christie television adaptations. Also worth noting that the musician score really helped to capture the drama and suspense of the action, as well as setting the mood for each scene. The bumbling Agatha Christie character was really amusing and very well acted. I will definitely be watching this film again.
- simonsmith-46667
- Nov 4, 2022
- Permalink
Silly, but watchable
It's no wonder, but for me it was worth the time watching. The film is reasonably entertaining, has a cool vibe, and a great performance by Saoirse Ronan, as usual.
It's a relatively short movie, around 1h30, it goes by quickly, it doesn't take much time and it serves as a pastime if you don't have anything else interesting to see.
Despite being a "whodunit", the mystery surrounding the killer itself does not hold much attention, the script is silly and the solution to the case is not impactful at all, what really counts in the film is the fun atmosphere and the actors' performance. Typical movie that in 6 months you won't even remember it properly.
6 out of 10.
It's a relatively short movie, around 1h30, it goes by quickly, it doesn't take much time and it serves as a pastime if you don't have anything else interesting to see.
Despite being a "whodunit", the mystery surrounding the killer itself does not hold much attention, the script is silly and the solution to the case is not impactful at all, what really counts in the film is the fun atmosphere and the actors' performance. Typical movie that in 6 months you won't even remember it properly.
6 out of 10.
Fun & Funny . . . .
If you have knowledge of of Agatha Christie's play "Mousetrap", this movie probably will seem funnier. Yet, if you have no knowledge of the play, it's still a very funny movie, particularly the end where everyone ends up at Agatha Christie's house on a snowy night. Who invited them there and why? Who killed two men associated with the play and why?
Saoirse Ronan is a standout as a young constable paired up with a seasoned inspector, who sees no problem with drinking on the job or off the job. Sam Rockwell could have been a bit more likable, as that inspector, but he's still likable enough. Harris Dickinson is one of the funniest fictional actors, playing Richard Attenborough. They should have given him more lines.
Saoirse Ronan is a standout as a young constable paired up with a seasoned inspector, who sees no problem with drinking on the job or off the job. Sam Rockwell could have been a bit more likable, as that inspector, but he's still likable enough. Harris Dickinson is one of the funniest fictional actors, playing Richard Attenborough. They should have given him more lines.
- sundayatdusk-97859
- Sep 29, 2024
- Permalink
Unexpected Wonderful Joy
When a buddy cop and mystery crime drama movie combines, you get this film. This movie does a good job keeping you engaged/entertained as you follow the inspector and inspector in training, from Scotland's Yard, trying to put together the pieces to solve a crime. The narration is spot on where it actually adds additional information. The acting between the two trying to solve a murder that no one cares about is brilliant, their chemistry shows that Inspector Stoppard frustration with actually trying to solve it and Constable Stalker's wonderful attention to detail with writing everything down.
There's a well balance of comedy, mystery, and also drama in an unexpected thrill of a movie I never once imagine I was going watch even love.
There's a well balance of comedy, mystery, and also drama in an unexpected thrill of a movie I never once imagine I was going watch even love.
- drewdotdude
- Nov 7, 2022
- Permalink
A lot of fun
Clever, very enjoyable who-done-it packed with delightful performances and tons of Easter eggs referencing dozens of mystery and detective stories across theater, film and literature.
It's light hearted and laugh out loud funny. Rockwell is terrific, as usual, Saoirse Ronan brings a surprisingly light touch and a lot of heart to her character, the incomparable Ruth Wilson is among the eclectic rather large supporting cast BUT... Adrian Brody really steals the show with his charming portrayal of a caddish, narcissistic director with no morals what so ever. Very funny, relaxed and easy going romp.
It's light hearted and laugh out loud funny. Rockwell is terrific, as usual, Saoirse Ronan brings a surprisingly light touch and a lot of heart to her character, the incomparable Ruth Wilson is among the eclectic rather large supporting cast BUT... Adrian Brody really steals the show with his charming portrayal of a caddish, narcissistic director with no morals what so ever. Very funny, relaxed and easy going romp.
Grand finale
This film did not convince me at the beginning, but later I ended up loving it.
Without mentioning much about the plot, I can say that this movie is funny, interesting and surprising. There are moments where it makes fun of itself, which is funny, although there are also other moments that are a bit monotonous. The execution of the plot is unique despite the clichés it uses. The ending is spectacular and very funny, the way it is executed is wonderful and surprising. The performances are phenomenal, but Saoirse Ronan steals the movie, the production design is polished and wonderful, the photography and all the other technical aspects make it a visual spectacle, not because of its approach, but because of the elegance in this elements.
It is a movie where there is a lot of fun despite some moments of mystery, although it does not develop the characters much, it manages to be memorable due to the novel execution of the plot and the well-done technical aspects.
Without mentioning much about the plot, I can say that this movie is funny, interesting and surprising. There are moments where it makes fun of itself, which is funny, although there are also other moments that are a bit monotonous. The execution of the plot is unique despite the clichés it uses. The ending is spectacular and very funny, the way it is executed is wonderful and surprising. The performances are phenomenal, but Saoirse Ronan steals the movie, the production design is polished and wonderful, the photography and all the other technical aspects make it a visual spectacle, not because of its approach, but because of the elegance in this elements.
It is a movie where there is a lot of fun despite some moments of mystery, although it does not develop the characters much, it manages to be memorable due to the novel execution of the plot and the well-done technical aspects.
- isaacochoterena
- Oct 6, 2022
- Permalink
Easy Going Entertainment
I'm really surprised that this movie was made. It's a throwback to a different time. It's low key, funny but in a "smile" way rather than a "ha ha" way, although I did laugh out loud a couple of times. It's sweet. It's innocent. I don't think anyone swears even once in this movie. There's no sex. Very little violence. It's pretty to look at and I did find the mystery intriguing.
If you want to see a movie that doesn't hit you over the head, and doesn't promote any political agenda, and is just mild fun, this is the movie for you.
Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan are the leads, two cops investigating a murder of a film director. The action takes place in London's theatrical world. Rockwell and Ronan are very good and they play off of each other very well. They are sympathetic characters.
The set design and costumes, reflecting 1950s London, are gorgeous.
Since it's a mystery, I can't say much more, but Agatha Christie's play "Mouse Trap" plays a role in the plot.
If you want to see a movie that doesn't hit you over the head, and doesn't promote any political agenda, and is just mild fun, this is the movie for you.
Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan are the leads, two cops investigating a murder of a film director. The action takes place in London's theatrical world. Rockwell and Ronan are very good and they play off of each other very well. They are sympathetic characters.
The set design and costumes, reflecting 1950s London, are gorgeous.
Since it's a mystery, I can't say much more, but Agatha Christie's play "Mouse Trap" plays a role in the plot.
- Danusha_Goska
- Sep 16, 2022
- Permalink
See How They Run
At a party to celebrate the 100th performance of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, the director of the planned film version is murdered. Seasoned Detective Inspector Sam Rockwell and new PC Saoirse Ronan are on the case.
This is a great idea, taking the cliches from a classic staged whodunnit and applying them to the whodunnit investigation that Rockwell and Ronan are undertaking. It would be nice to say that this works, but sadly the negatives rather outweigh the plus points. Everyone in this is great fun, particularly Brodie as the victim, forever returning in flashbacks and Rockwell, sort of Sam Spade-ish, but it is Roman who is genuinely a real comedy find and rather walks away with this.
The down side is firstly, that the whodunnit element is pretty predictable and frankly rather meh, although in many respects this doesn't really matter. What really spoils here is that the film isn't silly or indeed funny enough to pull its intentions off. Silly - it needed to be more like say 'Murder by Death', but crucially the humour in the script is far too often just not there. There are small laughs to be found, largely coming from Ronan, but it just isn't enough. Far from awful, just disappointing when you consider how great this could have been.
This is a great idea, taking the cliches from a classic staged whodunnit and applying them to the whodunnit investigation that Rockwell and Ronan are undertaking. It would be nice to say that this works, but sadly the negatives rather outweigh the plus points. Everyone in this is great fun, particularly Brodie as the victim, forever returning in flashbacks and Rockwell, sort of Sam Spade-ish, but it is Roman who is genuinely a real comedy find and rather walks away with this.
The down side is firstly, that the whodunnit element is pretty predictable and frankly rather meh, although in many respects this doesn't really matter. What really spoils here is that the film isn't silly or indeed funny enough to pull its intentions off. Silly - it needed to be more like say 'Murder by Death', but crucially the humour in the script is far too often just not there. There are small laughs to be found, largely coming from Ronan, but it just isn't enough. Far from awful, just disappointing when you consider how great this could have been.
I love this movie.
I absolutely loved this movie, I go to the cinema way too much and I'd not heard as much laughter for quite a while, yeah some of the humour is silly and maybe a bit predictable if you can see the set ups but I'd say this was some of the best comedic timing since naked gun and big LN (RIP)
Whilst the story was genuinely good and after watching a recent Alan Carr documentary a lot of the details I was familiar with, like the movie clause etc, it was just a very easy going light hearted fun film.
I saw one review on here saying it used split screen too much, I went in expecting it to be every minute, it's a few times for mere seconds and completely fits in with the film.
Two awesome films set in old town London over the last year after the exceptional Last night in Soho. The setting, cars, just everything was good.
The acting was all good, chemistry was really good and fans of This is England get to see a reunion which was fun.
However I feel the difference between a 7/8 or a 10 is all down to one person Saoirse Ronan (sorry if it's misspelled) she was so good, her face, she played daft so well, you didn't think of her as stupid, more naive and innocent, she had some lines in this film which genuinely broke some people in the audience. So unbelievably likeable and endearing it was a great performance. Thinking back it actually felt like she was given 90% of the comedy whilst others had small moments she was the one who delivered. It wasn't overbearing, it didn't take away from scenes. It was tonally perfect and just innocent spoof kinda humour. There was a surname joke that took me back to airplane! And an arrest straight from naked gun! I just loved it.
If you're feeling a bit down or just fancy a lighthearted film which is an easy watch this is it.
Awesome! Whilst I give it a 10 I don't mean every aspect is perfect! But that feeling when you leave and are still smiling! That's what this gives.
Whilst the story was genuinely good and after watching a recent Alan Carr documentary a lot of the details I was familiar with, like the movie clause etc, it was just a very easy going light hearted fun film.
I saw one review on here saying it used split screen too much, I went in expecting it to be every minute, it's a few times for mere seconds and completely fits in with the film.
Two awesome films set in old town London over the last year after the exceptional Last night in Soho. The setting, cars, just everything was good.
The acting was all good, chemistry was really good and fans of This is England get to see a reunion which was fun.
However I feel the difference between a 7/8 or a 10 is all down to one person Saoirse Ronan (sorry if it's misspelled) she was so good, her face, she played daft so well, you didn't think of her as stupid, more naive and innocent, she had some lines in this film which genuinely broke some people in the audience. So unbelievably likeable and endearing it was a great performance. Thinking back it actually felt like she was given 90% of the comedy whilst others had small moments she was the one who delivered. It wasn't overbearing, it didn't take away from scenes. It was tonally perfect and just innocent spoof kinda humour. There was a surname joke that took me back to airplane! And an arrest straight from naked gun! I just loved it.
If you're feeling a bit down or just fancy a lighthearted film which is an easy watch this is it.
Awesome! Whilst I give it a 10 I don't mean every aspect is perfect! But that feeling when you leave and are still smiling! That's what this gives.
- chris_rowe-881-168820
- Sep 10, 2022
- Permalink
Fun Time at the Movies
- jesusrox-67154
- Sep 28, 2022
- Permalink
Mediocre Whodunit
- vengeance20
- Sep 20, 2022
- Permalink
Classic But Strictly-By-the-Numbers Whodunnit
As "See How They Run" (2022 release from the UK; 98 min) opens, we are in "London's West End, 1953" where Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap" whodunnit play is celebrating its 100th performance. American Leo Kopernick, blacklisted in Hollywood for being a communist, has been hired to direct a movie adaptation. Kopernick isn't getting along with either the movie's script writer or its lead stars, and is killed. Enters Scotland Yard Inspector Stoppard and rookie Constable Stalker... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the feature length debut of British TV director Tom George. Here he brings a classic whodunnit that is strictly-by-the-numbers. We have no idea who committed this vile act. Everyone is a suspect and has a motive. Along the way veteran Inspector Stoppard and his rookie sidekick Constable Stalker fumble and stumble and of course get to the truth. All of it is so predictable. The movie is saved from ruin in large part by its lead performances: Adrien Brody is the American film director in exile in London; Sam Rockwell is the veteran Inspector Stoppard; and last but not least Saoirse Ronan is the rookie cop Stalker. It took me a minute to realize it really was Ronan, as she is barely recognizable in the most plain of ways. (As a complete aside, "The Mousetrap" is in real life the longest running West End show ever, debuting in 1952 and now approaching its 30,000th performance. It blows the mind.)
"See How They Run" had a brief US theatrical release last September, and then started showing on HBO and HBO Max (where I caught it) not long ago. If you are in the mood for a classic whodunnit murder mystery that goes strictly by the numbers while sporting solid lead performances, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this is the feature length debut of British TV director Tom George. Here he brings a classic whodunnit that is strictly-by-the-numbers. We have no idea who committed this vile act. Everyone is a suspect and has a motive. Along the way veteran Inspector Stoppard and his rookie sidekick Constable Stalker fumble and stumble and of course get to the truth. All of it is so predictable. The movie is saved from ruin in large part by its lead performances: Adrien Brody is the American film director in exile in London; Sam Rockwell is the veteran Inspector Stoppard; and last but not least Saoirse Ronan is the rookie cop Stalker. It took me a minute to realize it really was Ronan, as she is barely recognizable in the most plain of ways. (As a complete aside, "The Mousetrap" is in real life the longest running West End show ever, debuting in 1952 and now approaching its 30,000th performance. It blows the mind.)
"See How They Run" had a brief US theatrical release last September, and then started showing on HBO and HBO Max (where I caught it) not long ago. If you are in the mood for a classic whodunnit murder mystery that goes strictly by the numbers while sporting solid lead performances, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
- paul-allaer
- Jan 14, 2023
- Permalink
I was entertained
Seems like a lot of mixed reviews here. Regardless I found this movie to be an entertaining little confection. I'd classify this mystery/comedy as a homage to Christie without directly following typical Christie techniques. Interestingly, the mystery centers around a theatrical production of "The Mousetrap", with murders and action taking place primarily in and around the theatre.
Rockwell and Ronan particularly stand out here, with a special nod to Ronan for her performance as a somewhat ditzy, yet competent, young police officer. She seems most committed to her performance here and has the best lines IMO. She made me laugh the most here. Shirley Henderson does a nice job as Christie herself in a brief appearance.
"Run" is not a silly slapstick type comedy, nor is it generally laugh out funny, although there are a couple of moments that are so, and overall the movie gradually relies less on the comedic aspects. However, there is plenty of subtle humor here with Ronan providing much of the laughs simply by her character's dialogue and personality.
Rockwell and Ronan have solid chemistry. Early on the relationship appears more of an unwitting mentor (Rockwell) to a very eager mentee (Ronan), with Rockwell's character gradually gaining more respect for his protégé. Romantic inclinations are not emphasized here much at all, but may be implied by the end.
In typical Christie fashion, the mystery provides a bit of a twist or surprise, as well as misdirects, when the culprit is finally revealed. At least, for me, I did not figure things out on my own.
Overall, "Run" is not a classic by any means, but otherwise a solid little mystery movie that I think most would find entertaining.
Rockwell and Ronan particularly stand out here, with a special nod to Ronan for her performance as a somewhat ditzy, yet competent, young police officer. She seems most committed to her performance here and has the best lines IMO. She made me laugh the most here. Shirley Henderson does a nice job as Christie herself in a brief appearance.
"Run" is not a silly slapstick type comedy, nor is it generally laugh out funny, although there are a couple of moments that are so, and overall the movie gradually relies less on the comedic aspects. However, there is plenty of subtle humor here with Ronan providing much of the laughs simply by her character's dialogue and personality.
Rockwell and Ronan have solid chemistry. Early on the relationship appears more of an unwitting mentor (Rockwell) to a very eager mentee (Ronan), with Rockwell's character gradually gaining more respect for his protégé. Romantic inclinations are not emphasized here much at all, but may be implied by the end.
In typical Christie fashion, the mystery provides a bit of a twist or surprise, as well as misdirects, when the culprit is finally revealed. At least, for me, I did not figure things out on my own.
Overall, "Run" is not a classic by any means, but otherwise a solid little mystery movie that I think most would find entertaining.
Self-deprecating comedy
The writing here has moments of absolute brilliance. The narrator or character bemoans a cliched plot device of whodunits, and then immediately proceeds to employ the same plot device. Prologues that introduce the suspects (and victim), flashbacks, butlers, Hollywood directors making sweeping changes - all come under fire.
More than once, the writer provides some clues, leading the audience (me) to guess the outcome. Then the film gleefully shouts 'I know what you're thinking' before unveiling the red herring.
The cast are uniformly excellent, with Sam Rockwell standing out as the world-weary detective. But remember, watching this film will make you an accomplice to murder.
More than once, the writer provides some clues, leading the audience (me) to guess the outcome. Then the film gleefully shouts 'I know what you're thinking' before unveiling the red herring.
The cast are uniformly excellent, with Sam Rockwell standing out as the world-weary detective. But remember, watching this film will make you an accomplice to murder.
- lord_orsum
- Oct 6, 2022
- Permalink