The Thursday Murder Club on Netflix, directed by Chris Columbus, closely follows Richard Osman’s 2020 mystery novel of the same name. I know this because Diane read Osman’s book and plans to read the next four books in the series–the fifth volume will be published on September 25th.
The sleuths who make up The Thursday Murder Club–Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ibrahim Ari (Ben Kingsley), Ron Ritchie (Pierce Brosnan), and Joyce (Celia Imrie)–work out of a beautiful retirement home that is being threatened to be sold by one of its owners. David Tennant plays the greedy Ian Ventham who wants to oust the retirees and convert their retirement home into luxury condos.
As the number of murders increase, Elizabeth–the de facto leader of the TMC–discovers links to a cold case the club has been working on. The idyllic British village finds itself resembling Cabot Cove as the dead bodies mount up. If you’re in the mood for a clever puzzle with plenty of clues and red herrings, The Thursday Murder Club–both the book and the movie–will delight you. GRADE: A
We’ve read all the books. Most of the changes were minor. The casting was very good. Of course, as you read the book, you know that Helen Mirren IS Elizabeth.
Jeff, I agree with you. The casting was great. I loved watching Helen Mirren deal with those Bad Guys!
I haven’t read the books, though Ann has. I liked the cast when it was announced, but then the fact that it was being directed by Chris Columbus dampened my enthusiasm, as I’ve liked almost nothing that he’s written or directed (going back to Young Sherlock Holmes). The trailer was decidedly mediocre — by this time my interest in the film was vanishing quickly.
Nonetheless, I put it on on Thursday night because of Ann’s interest, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. Outside of a couple small infelicities, it was a very engaging mystery story. Helen Mirran was excellent as the driving force, and I thought Ben Kingsley and Pierce Brosnan did a very nice, convincing job of being two different people who had built a warm friendship. The script was never explicit about this, they just showed it in their performances.
So yes, I recommend it too.
Jeff, I liked the chemistry between Ben Kingsley and Pierce Brosnan, too. I’m hoping this cast continues with the rest of THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB series…maybe without Chris Columbus.
I tried to calculate the combined age of the cast, but I ran out of fingers and toes. Good for them. At about the same stage of life, I don’t have nearly their level of energy.
Fred, and The Thursday Murder Club looked very fit! I’m hoping for more of their investigations on Netflix next year!
Considering this is Netflix, it’ll probably be three to four years…
Byron, THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB is also in selected theaters.
Enjoyed it greatly. Although all four of the TMC were great, my favorite character was Pierce Brosnan’s Ron. Also kudos to David Tennant as the over the top villain.
Jerry, I thought Piece Brosnan (and his son) were well done. David Tennant has the ability to play a pretty nasty villain!
Did you see the first season of Jessica Jones? David Tennant was terrifying in that
Jeff, I did watch JESSICA JONES with David Tennant as a very scary villain.
If you guys enjoyed Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren and Geoff Bell (Tony Curran) in Thursday Murder Club, you MUST see Mobland where all three of them were so vicious!
Jackie
Jackie, I praised MOBLAND (http://georgekelley.org/mobland-paramount/) and its ruthless violence. Again, another great cast!
I am so happy to have this to watch tonight. Although I was amazed at how well CHINA BEACH held up on HOWDY. Four seasons to watch.
Glad to hear that you still liked China Beach. I’m unlikely to watch it again, but when I saw it pop up it brought back good memories.
Jeff, I once tried to get the music for CHINA BEACH but there were problems acquiring the Original Music. Apparently substitutions occurred in the reruns and DVDs.
Patti, I’m sure you’ll be entertained by THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB. The Kelleys, Meyersons, and Smiths all enjoyed it!
I’m looking forward to it. I don’t have Netflix but Larry does & I’ll be dog sitting while he’s at s senior softball tournament. I think I may need to get a smart TV for Netflix, though. Not having a PATRICK makes technology challenging
Maggie, yes, having The Amazing Patrick around is wonderful. He’s constantly “fixing” our computer problems and Diane’s iPhone issues.
I am very glad you enjoyed this and the comments here are positive too. We will go back to Netflix to watch sometime soonish. I will be ordering the fifth book in the series soon.
Tracy, you and your husband will enjoy THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB on Netflix. I’m hoping Netflix green lights the rest of the series.