In a story that looks more exciting and fun, where five famous literary detective characters are invited to dinner on a very angry and moving night. Perhaps the moor will turn completely towards another turn where killing seems to be something of an end in the end. Each of the brothers finds himself fighting for himself in a bloody journey.
Director Moore and writer Neil Simon seem to have no real affection for either the characters they plunder mercilessly for laughs, or the locked room puzzle they turn on its head. Introductions over, the film slides downhill.
So it all doesn't amount to much, and -- some knuckle-dragging 'he's gay'/'no I'm not' humor aside -- it's more Scooby Doo than Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Still, it's an amusing tea-cozy of a spoof with an enjoyable cast.
Generally successful send-up of classic mysteries with a lame finale.
Variety
October 03, 2007
Murder by Death is a very good silly-funny Neil Simon satirical comedy, with a super all-star cast cavorting as recognizable pulp fiction detectives gathered at the home of Truman Capote, wealthy hedonist fed up with contrived gumshoe plots.
