Holiday whodunnits

As we are about to settle into the Christmas season yet again, we will meet with family and friends and share good times. Some of us listen to festive music, while others decorate the home in order to get into the mood. I, personally, like to watch movies that fill me with holiday cheer. Unfortunately, there aren’t that many new ones to recommend.

Falling for Christmas was a train wreck of massive proportions. Spirited was decent, as well as The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. But if the recent debate regarding Die Hard has taught me one thing, anything can be a Christmas movie if you believe. So as winter fast approaches one thing that is entertaining is a good mystery. Here are some to make those cold nights merry and bright.

Maybe you want to get away for the holiday. If so, perhaps a cruise in the Adriatic is just the ticket. Just don’t bring the people you find in Glass Onion. The sequel to 2019’s Knives Out, director Rian Johnson returns with his collaborator Daniel Craig for another round of clues and red herrings. This time Benoit Blanc is invited to a private island for a party thrown by a billionaire played by Edward Norton. An elaborate murder mystery game has been set, but this is no mere game. One of his friends may want to really do away with the esteemed host before the weekend is through.

Rounding out the rogues gallery is Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monae and Kate Hudson as well as many more. Like the first film this is truly an ensemble piece with Craig taking center stage. As the plot unfolds, Johnson takes us on a ride with each new twist and turn. The film moves forward and winds in on itself, showing us different perspectives, which are each a delight. Hudson and Bautista are hilarious, playing off mirror images of their personae. Monae is a standout, proving herself capable of both humor and drama in equal measure. It is a shame that Netflix didn’t leave this out in theaters longer, but lucky viewers of the platform can check it out on December 23. Watch out for the cameos at the beginning.

If a more traditional wintry Christmas in the city or country is your speed, then HBO Max has the movie for you. See How They Run had a modest go in theaters before going to streaming. But it is still a gem to seek out. The film takes place in 1950’s London in the West End theatre district. Grande dame Agatha Christie’s play The Mousetrap is going smashingly. So much so that a movie version is being planned. From the outset everything looks perfect, or so we think. When a member of the crew is found murdered the night of the play’s 100th showing, fingers start being pointed as to whom.

Sam Rockwell plays Inspector Stoppard, working along with plucky Constable Stalker played by Saoirse Ronan. Their humorous chemistry shines throughout as they question the various parties involved. Ruth Wilson, David Oyelowo and Adrien Brody makes up part of the cast. But it is really Rockwell and Ronan’s film. Their witty banter and bemused report are the backbone holding the whole affair together. It was also a blast to see Harris Dickenson, fresh from Triangle of Sadness, playing the real-live Richard Attenborough.

Using the backdrop of the real play, director Tom George and writer Mark Chappell place enough stagey in-jokes and make great use of reincorporation. I also enjoyed the references to the Rillington Place murders, which Attenborough played John Christie later in his career. Whichever you pick, you and your family will sure to have some enjoyable viewing. Happy Holidays and see you in the new year.

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