Candlestick (2015)

Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

It surprises me that the whodunit genre seems to have vanished, with very few TV productions, and even fewer movies, a genre at one stage that was very strong. However now and then, a film like Candlestick pops up. It has all the elements of a good mystery, plot, characters, a slightly unhinged presence and a twist at the end. It looks very stylish, despite the low budget. It's well acted, perhaps not as glossy as could be, but that raw charm adds to the appeal. Andrew Fitch does a particularly fine job, enjoyed his performance very much. The Dial M for Murder influence is ever present, hats of the the writers, there is a touch of cleverness about this movie that makes it rather addictive. I love the seventies and eighties mysteries, the likes of Frances Durbridge, Ruth Rendell and Brian Clemens, Candlestick has that feel, the multi layered story with a sting in the tale.Very impressed, 8/10

The beginning prattles on a bit. Andrew Fitch is Jack, a rather pretentious fellow who sees himself above those around him. Jack is carrying on an affair with Vera, the wife of his BFF. Jack despises her use of a cell phone. He would not shackle himself to such a device. He purposely keeps one of her earrings to use at a later convenience. Vera doesn't know the half of it wen she mentions Jack is less than sentimental. Jack invites his uncle, Major Burns, a respected investigator; Vera; BFF Frank and Inspector Marcus Evans to a night of dining and games. Uncle Burns is a thorn in Jack's side. Jack views him as pompous (the irony is obviously lost on Jack. BFF Frank is the next to arrive. Jack seems disappointed when Vera arrives ahead of the Inspector. Nonetheless, Jack continues his mind games despite the upset. The movie drags a bit then Jack livens things up with discussion of a "Perfect Murder" (Which most of know is not possible) and not so nonchalantly informing Frank that Vera is having an affair. Jack conveniently omits that he is her lover, of course. He merely wants to see Frank's reaction. Heated commentary ensues. Vera does her best to deny the affair. Frank isn't buying any of it. Jack is of course delighted at the interaction. Emotions flare and conversation goes too far, as it often does in these situations. Frank commits the ultimate sin, for which Jack cannot hide his glee. Jack's glee is short lived as things between Frank and Vera didn't end as planned. Jack believes he's rectified things just moments before the police arrive. The ending is reminiscent of Hitchcock involving Frank's cellphone.

I'll start by saying that I may very well be partial to this films style in general. The trailer sucked me in from the very beginning. It's well shot, well acted and tightly directed. Given the genre they were playing in I was especially fond of the score as wellAs i'm sure many will tell you, any Clue (or murder mystery) fans will most definitely enjoy the ride. It's smart and well crafted. I'll be curious to see what other works the filmmakers have on hand or coming up. Give it a go and see what you think for yourself. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as well.

The plot line and characterizations in this movie would have been far more entertaining on stage in a dinner theatre!Each one of the male actors seemed wooden and uncomfortable in front of the camera. The only female actor, Ilsa Ure, seemed perfectly natural and at comfort before the camera. This conflict between the actors made the movie seem very stagy and at practice.The plot line is full of holes as Jack weaves the setting for the evening to create the perfect murder. Above all the many holes, why send the uncle down the street to call the police? It wasn't logical and was a forced scene just so Jack could have his lengthy soliloquy. There are others such as when Frank said "Jack wouldn't lie" at that Vera would have heard alarm bells.Not a bit suspenseful nor clever.