The Thursday Murder Club (2025)

A charming, warm comedy elevated by its phenomenal cast of classically trained actors, which keeps the sprawling plot affable despite familiar elements. The ensemble's lively performances, especially Helen Mirren's, make it a pleasant watch worth returning to for potential sequels.

The film is a modestly entertaining but conventional cozy mystery that leans on its glittering cast and slight self-awareness to offset generic plotting and stock tropes. Pierce Brosnan is highlighted as the standout scene-stealer among the retirees.

The critic calls the adaptation disappointing, with weak humour and twee elements that fail to land despite the cast. They single out the patronising portrayal of ageing and lack of perception as key flaws.

The critic finds the film a joyous, best-of-British romp with warmth and laughs, praising the stellar cast led by Mirren, Brosnan, Kingsley and Imrie. They single out the simplified storylines from the book and overly saccharine ending as drawbacks.

The critic sees the film as a solid but unremarkable star-laden adaptation of cosy crime that may not fully satisfy book fans. They single out the casting and Middle Englishness for note while questioning whether viewers will return for more.

The streamlined film adaptation offers a fun cast in appropriate roles and fulfills its assignment as a pleasant, if not nuanced or suspenseful, two-hour diversion. Fans will enjoy the company but the book is recommended for more depth.

The critic describes it as a safe and cosy whodunnit that feels more like a Sunday night TV drama than a film, thanks to clean but unremarkable direction by Chris Columbus. It benefits from an exemplary cast and some fleeting touches of pathos on belonging and mortality.

The critic finds much to enjoy in this funny and likable Netflix adaptation of the bestseller but calls it slightly bland and undemanding overall. They single out the senior-citizen X-Men dynamic of the club and its self-aware gags for praise.

The critic deems the film a disaster that fails to do justice to the books, with lacklustre acting and a limp script that never nails its tone. They single out the simplified plotlines and awkward direction as major issues.

The adaptation clicks thanks to its excellent casting of Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie as the retirees solving crimes. The film benefits from the charming quirks and skills the characters bring to the cozy whodunit.

The critic praises the camp tone, Helen Mirren’s ironic performance, and the film’s blend of comedy with a quietly sad undercurrent about ageing and death. They single out the dance sequence with Mirren and Pryce as the film’s most meaningful moment.

The critic calls it a jovial, low-stakes cosy yarn with an upbeat vibe and fine ensemble performances, likening the retirement village setting to 'Hogwarts with dodgy knees'. It streamlines the novel's plot and emotional depth on mortality but remains enjoyable escapist fun.

Chris Columbus's adaptation is an amiable and inoffensive contemporary whodunit of simple pleasures that banks on its familiar rhythms and game cast to entertain. It is a cozy, simple affair that neither challenges nor frustrates but passively amuses.

The critic praises the film as a delightfully charming cozy murder mystery with an impeccable cast that hits all the highs of the genre. They single out the ensemble performances, particularly how the older actors lead the story effectively.

The critic finds it predictable but enjoyable comfort food perfect for streaming, praising the veteran all-star cast of Mirren, Brosnan, Kingsley, and Imrie as golden age royalty.

The critic finds the Netflix adaptation pretty bad and dead boring, blaming director Chris Columbus's aggressively un-cinematic style and a thin, lifeless script that wastes a terrific cast on flat characters, flat jokes and a signposted plot.

The critic argues the film is too polished and prestigious, losing the quaint charm of cozy British mysteries in favor of lavish production and famous names, resulting in a flavorless plot machine.

The review highlights the stacked cast elevating a delightful cozy mystery, praising the vibrant older characters and their friendships. It notes it's not groundbreaking but charming and focused on later-in-life stories.