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Review: The Thursday Murder Club - A Childish Approach to a Cozy Crime
Netflix's "The Thursday Murder Club," directed by Christopher Columbus, adapts the popular book series but falls short, leaning heavily on simplistic humor and caricatures rather than its potential for a sophisticated whodunit.
- Considering the film's shortcomings, what aspects, if any, might still appeal to viewers?
- Despite its flaws, the film benefits from a star-studded cast whose charisma shines through at times, offering moments of entertainment. The whodunit structure, though simplistic, might appeal to viewers looking for lighthearted, easy viewing.
- What is the central critique of Christopher Columbus's direction in "The Thursday Murder Club?
- Columbus, known for family films like "Home Alone," approaches this film with a simplistic, almost childish style. The film relies on stereotypical characters and predictable plot points, undermining the potential of the source material's cozy crime genre.
- How does the film portray the elderly characters, and what impact does this portrayal have on the narrative?
- The elderly characters are portrayed as caricatures, their actions and dialogue overly simplistic, hindering the narrative's depth. This contrasts sharply with the potential for a nuanced exploration of aging and mystery.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames the film as a failure due to its target audience and the director's mismatch with the material. The opening sentence sets the expectation of a 'timeless family film' which is immediately contrasted with the film's ultimate shortcoming. The description of Coopers Chase as a 'palace of self-realization' is juxtaposed with the later criticism of the film's humor and pacing, suggesting a disconnect between the presented ideal and the reality.
Language Bias
The review uses loaded language such as 'sukkelige' (silly/stupid), 'arrogante' (arrogant), and 'Bassie & Adriaan-schurk' (referencing a children's show villain) to describe characters and plot points. The phrase 'superheldenteam' (superhero team) is used ironically, implying a lack of genuine depth. Neutral alternatives could include 'inept,' 'pompous,' 'villain,' and 'capable individuals'.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on negative aspects, potentially omitting positive critical responses or audience reception. While acknowledging enjoyable elements like the cast's performance, the overall tone overshadows any potential strengths. The lack of specific detail about the plot beyond the central mystery also leaves out potential context.
False Dichotomy
The review presents a false dichotomy between children's films (which Columbus excels at) and adult films (which he allegedly struggles with). This ignores the possibility of successful films bridging age gaps or the nuance in adult-oriented storytelling.
Sustainable Development Goals
The film promotes a positive image of older adults, challenging ageist stereotypes and suggesting that their experiences and skills are valuable. While not directly addressing inequality, the film implicitly counters age-based discrimination and advocates for the continued social inclusion of older people, thereby indirectly contributing to reduced inequality.