Movie Review: Clue (1985)

Synopsis: A group of six strangers are summoned to a remote mansion for a dinner party and learn their host, Mr. Boddy, has been the person blackmailing them. When the lights are turned off, Mr. Boddy is murdered and soon after, the cook is found dead as well. As the night progresses, more bodies begin to accumulate and the group, with the help of the butler, Wadsworth, must figure out who the killer is.

Who's in it? The movie stars Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Lesley Ann Warren and Colleen Camp.

Review: I think I have seen the movie Clue at least 30 times now yet, when I happened to come across it this morning, I figured "what the heck" and decided to watch it again. My reaction to this comedy was the same as it was every other time, it's a movie that just doesn't get old.

There are a lot of movies out there that are based off games. Only a very few of them are good. This movie, which is based on a board game that had been around for more than 40 years by the time this film was made, continues to set the standard in my opinion.

There are a couple things that really stand out for me when it comes to this movie. The main one is the outstanding ensemble cast that contains quite a few recognizable names. The thing I like best about that cast is there's no real star. The primary characters all get a fair share of screen time and the comedians playing them are able to showcase their specific talents. More movies need to pay attention to that rather than waste A-list stars in minor supporting roles.

The other thing I love about this movie is the mystery surrounding Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving) and the other victims is solid. There is no obvious killer and, while Boddy's death made sense, a lot of the other victims, like the cook (Kellye Nakahara) and the cop (Bill Henderson) seemed random and unnecessary.

The movie, of course, is famous for having three separate endings (in homage to the board game). However, the part of the three-part ending that I love most is Wadworth's (Curry) re-creation of the night's events, which combines some great physical comedy from many of the ensemble along with some classic one-liners. It's so good, in fact, I think the movie could have ended without naming the killer and it would still be fun to watch.

Final Opinion: This is one of the few movies I struggle to find anything negative to say about. Even the dated dialog, homophobia, etc. works because of the movie being set in the 1950s, when that would be expected. If you haven't seen this film, you're missing out.

My Grade: A

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