Clue

I don't know about you, but there are times when I see a film and it grabs me. Be it the story, the cast or the style, there is something about the film that captivates me and it ends up being one that I can watch again and again. Clue is one of them.

Clue is a film based on the boardgame of the same name (at least for Americans, we call it Cluedo). Unlike the gameshow of the eary 90's, \clue aims mo for comedy through a mix of physical and wordplay gags. Unsuccessful during its original 1985 cinema run, the film gained a wider appreciation upon home video release and is genuinely a cult classic today. (It would have helped that all three endings were included in the home release whereas cinema-goers were shown only on of the three, selected at random for each theatre).

What makes it a continued favourite (and eminently quotable) is the combination of smart script and note prefect cast. The ensemble works fantastically well together and you get the impression they had great fun during filming.
Despite being third choice for the role (Leonard Rossiter passed away before filming and Rowan Atkinson was considered too unknown at the time), Tim Curry not only anchors the film but drives it forward with energy and zeal that would be difficult to match. From eye poppingly zany re-enactments to bouncing round the immaculately furnished set like Zebedee on speed, Curry switches from deadly seriousness to scenery chewing ravings at the drop of a hat (or chandelier), and looks ready to give a nod and a wink to the camera at every turn. Rarely was he given such roles but he nails this perfectly and it's a shame that he never got to show more of that side of his acting. That is not to say that the rest of the cast are not equally great in their own ways.

Lesley Anne Warren vamps it right up as Miss Scarlett, relishing every line she has. Martin Mull is the steady but slightly dim-witted Colonel Mustard, the great Madeline Kahn (who shall be forever remembered for Blazing Saddles - it's twue, it's twue), plays serial wife Mrs White and Eileen Brennan gives an on-edge performance as Mrs Peacock. Christopher Lloyd plays Professor Plum in a restrained performance, unlike most of his film roles, and it is to his credit that he gives this the lightest of touches. Finally, Michael McKean, as Mr Green, adds neuroses and a touch of camp to the proceedings. The supporting cast, mostly bit parts with a handful of lines each, play it mostly straight, Bill Henderson as the police officer probably getting the best of it.

The plot is straight forward enough, several strangers meet at a remote house after receiving mysterious invitations and soon discover that they are all being blackmailed by Mr Boddy. He is quickly bumped off and what follows is farcical but extremely funny, albeit with a macabre sense of humour - by the time the fourth body is dropped off into the lounge, there is an air of resignation about the group, that what should have been shocking is now just routine.

Even though I have seen this film north of a dozen times, it's an easy watch and every now and again, quotes are traded at home. It's a shame that it didn't perform well upon its original cinematic release but with the recent announcement that Ryan Reynolds is headlining a remake with the scriptwriters of Deadpool in tow, there is hope that they keep the tone of the original, even if they update the story and the setting. By no means a cinematic classic, Clue has, and continues to entertain, which means it has surely done its job.