Films Based on Boardgames an 80s Phenomenon (Clue (DVD))

Member Name: samueltyler

Product:	Clue (DVD)
Date:	30/10/06 (382 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great fun, family viewing

Disadvantages: Too 80s?

You could not pay me enough money to live inside the brain of a Hollywood executive. Apart from the inane babble and overpowering influx of quality drugs I just not get to grips with how they decide which films get made. Recently the trend for films is all about Stars, sequels and computer games. To be honest I can see where they are coming from here as all these elements make money (but not always art). So who in their right mind thought that producing a film based on a popular family board game would succeed?

‘Clue’ is the American name for Cluedo, so the film is straddled with this moniker. If you can recall Christmas’ past and remember you and your turkey stuffed relatives all settling around the table for a family board game you may remember playing it. Cluedo lets up to six players try and discover who is the murderer in the house – and the film take the same premise.

Six strangers are invited to a mysterious and spooky house one rainy night and are all asked to use aliases e.g. Colonel Mustard. Once all six guests have arrived they soon discover with the aid of the friendly butler (Tim Curry) that they are being blackmailed by the same person, a Mr Boddy. Well things come to a head when Mr Boddy gives each of the guests a gift of a weapon – the lights go out - and Mr Boddy is dead. Who killed him? Find out and follow the comedic farce that is ‘Clue’.

Being based on a board game has made ‘Clue’ an odd enough film but add, the one location setting, a set of outlandish character actors, and it becomes unique. As a kid I remember watching this film everyday for six days straight because I enjoyed it so much. It was with trepidation that I decided to watch it again this weekend – would it stand up to the test of time like so few 80s films do? Well I am glad to say that I think it does. I know see how this film can appeal to different members of the family on different levels. For the children there is a lot of slapstick humour and running around, whilst for the adults there is a fair amount of double entoundres and clever use of language. I enjoyed it as much as an adult as I did a child.

The acting and script are probably the strongest elements of the film. Tim Curry, in particular, as the Butler is fantastic as he tries to explain his theory behind the murder. As you watch the film you will also notice several actors that were stalwarts of the 80s comedy films including Christopher Lloyd (Addam’s Family) and Michael Mckean (This is Spinal Tap). Each actor represents their game piece and brings them to life with comedic eccentricity. The dialogue is very witty in parts and made me laugh out load, you rarely get this type of humour in US comedies anymore and are more likely to see it in the likes of ‘Jeeves and Wooster’.

The sets and costumes of the film are good but the way the film is shot still gives it a 80s feel. The entire production has the sense of high camp about it and is nothing more than great fun. Criticism can easily be pointed at the confusing narrative but that is part of the fun of the script. The direction by Jonathan Lynn is good as he captures the frantic activity whilst still allowing the clues to enfold.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the DVD offering of ‘Clue’ is the option either to watch the film with all three endings or with a randomly selected one. The three endings of the film was, and is, one of the reasons that I love this film as you can always see a reason why any of the characters may have done it.

So should you rush out and buy this hidden gem of a film? I would probably say yes! There are so few family films out there that everyone can watch and not get bored so ‘Clue’ joins the likes of ‘Groundhog Day’ and ‘Mrs Doubtfire’ in my list of great family comedies. After rewatching ‘Clue’ maybe I will take residence in a Hollywood Execs head just so I am present during the creation of ‘Pop Up Pirate – The Motion Picture’.


Extras: Apart from the alternative endings there is only a trailer on this sparse DVD but the films still great.

Director: Jonathan Lynn
Year: 1985
DVD Price: £3.97 amazon.uk

Summary: Forgotten gem that I still love