Clue (1985)

Introduction:

Nostalgia can be a funny thing when it comes to comedies. What was hilarious twenty years ago ends up sounding dated or irrelevant now. So I’m always a bit afraid to check out some of my favorite laughs from '80s. Lets see how this one stacks up.

Summary:

It’s a dark and stormy night as Butler Wadsworth (Tim Curry) greets his guests at Hill House. It becomes apparent that Mrs. White (Madeline Kahn), Colonel Mustard (Martin Mull), Mr. Green (Michael McKean), Professor Plum (Christopher Lloyd), Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan) and Miss Scarlet (Lesley Ann Warren) may not know each other, but have something in common. They are all being blackmailed by Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving). After a tense “discussion” Boddy ends up dead and everyone is suspect. As the night wears on, bodies start piling up and each guest looks more and more guilty. What Clue will reveal who killed Mr. Boddy, with what and where?

Good Points:

• Some great word play and puns
• Tim Curry nearly steals the movie… again
• The multiple endings are actually fun

Bad Points:

• Some of the word play and puns are groan inducing
• Theatrical style acting rubs some viewers the wrong way
• Some feel the mystery element is one big cheat

Overall:

Clue is a good time. It was made for laughs, with a bit of dark humor and lots of word play. It feels a lot like a stage play, and that might be because director Jonathan Lynn has a stage background. But with such a solid group of comedians having a good time, its hard not to get caught up in it. And any movie that gives you so many quotable lines is worth watching. “No meaning yes?”

Scores (out of 5)

Visuals: 4

Sound: 3

Acting: 4

Script: 4

Music: 3

Direction: 3

Entertainment: 4

Total: 4

Curious about a full review, sent me an email and I’ll make additional thoughts to this review.