Aug. 01, 2021|Canada|84 Min.|R
Genre: Adventure;Crime;Mystery;Thriller;TV;Movie
Description: The latest installment of *Mystery 101* solidifies Travis as a part of the Winslow family. Even when Graham eagerly pleaded to join the investigation, Travis spoke to him with affection, treating Graham like his own father. This was heartwarming to witness, especially after *Killer Timing* featured a conversation between Graham and Travis about marriage. Graham even brought up weddings again in front of Amy, to which Travis responded with a dreamy smile.
Learning about Travis’s backstory was both satisfying and heartbreaking. Understanding more about his past marriage sheds light on his initial hesitation with Amy, making their dynamic more relatable. It also highlights Amy’s growth as a character, as it’s believable that she could effortlessly help him open up.
The mystery in this film is filled with twists and turns. With numerous suspects and motives, it’s challenging to pinpoint the culprit. I found myself juggling three possible scenarios without being fully convinced by any. Then, with a single line, Peter Benson’s character, Alistair, managed to elicit laughter during a tense crime explanation. His misunderstanding of a threatening note, mistaking it for a personal affair rather than a murder plot, was a standout moment.
However, some aspects of the plot were questionable. For instance, Graham obtaining $300,000 from a bank without raising suspicion seems unrealistic, regardless of his fame as an author. Similarly, sending Amy out on the water alone at night, despite her bravery, feels reckless given her lack of formal training. This decision seemed out of character for Travis.
Amy’s actions also raised eyebrows. Entering Lucy’s apartment unarmed, where an intruder could still be present, made her a liability to Travis. It seemed he didn’t even notice her presence until they were under fire.
Overall, the film delivers an engaging mystery with emotional depth, though certain plot points could have been more carefully crafted.
Cast director: Adam McCarthy
Cast actor: Jill Wagner, Kristoffer Polaha, Robin Thomas, Michael Denis, Peter Benson, Lauren Bradley, Alison Araya, Lorne Cardinal, Jason Cermak, Emma Grabinsky
Original name: Mystery 101: Deadly History