See How They Run; Grade: B
See How They Run tells a story taken place in 1953 London, where it highlights a popular play going around town known as The Mouse Trap. The Mouse Trap has celebrated it’s 100th show, as it’s in talks with becoming a Hollywood studio film, helmed by Leo Kopernick (Adrien Brody). Leo unfortunately was brutally murdered, while trying to find new clothes in the costume department, as anyone from that night of celebrating could be a suspect. A couple detectives led by Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell) and his colleague Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan) are on the case, to figure out who has done the wrong doing and what was the main motive behind it all?!
WhoDunIt’s have been making a valid comeback in cinema recently, thanks to the success of Knives Out as we have another film here. See How They Run Me felt like a quality gem you watch every now and then, as the film just simply makes you smile.
The story at hand felt like a traditional WhoDunIt plot line, however still felt unique on it’s own. It felt more so a buddy cop comedic film, as it features a pair of individuals whom both are completely different from each other. One being more experienced in this field, the other being not so experienced as it plays off perfectly but in a genuine way. Like you can see Inspector Stoppard time and time again having to correct Constable Stalker, as she tends to make rookie mistakes, but Stoppard in no way is overly rude as he continues to lend a helping hand despite Constable Stalkers silly blunders.
Sam Rockwell and Saorise Ronan were the highlight of this film for me, as I felt their performances were simply delightful to watch, as they shared great chemistry. They really set a solid standard in how exactly quality humor is suppose to be done, as almost every sequence excels in comedy as I was consistently laughing throughout the film. I enjoyed their characters, they’re simply well written and likable as well, even if one tries to turn them in for a crime it’s all for trying to find the culprit in this crime.
I feel the WhoDunIt aspect can perhaps be a bit weak until the finale. I feel where the entertainment and interest mainly comes from is the buddy cop comedy aspect, as the WhoDunIt can feel a bit secondary if we’re being honest. The finale does however redeem itself as to be honest… I did not see that twist coming and it was awesome! The whole backstory of it all is easily the most interesting part, I mean who wouldn’t be floored by something they didn’t see coming, but it’s also a great telling especially?! It also goes align with the humor of this film as I was actually genuinely laughing at the whole turn of events, in a good way of course.
Someone has mentioned See How They Run is equivalent if Wes Anderson made a WhoDunIt as I actually have to agree. Even with the intriguing delightful characters and the humor display, the way the film presented visually not to mention the split screen within the flashbacks especially does feel reminiscent to Wes Anderson. Perhaps filmmaker Tom George is fond of his work?! Who knows, either way it still is a quality WhoDunIt that had me walking out feeling fairly jolly indeed.
Overall, See How They Run is a solid film. I recommend checking this one out, if you want to have a good day feeling happy in a theater, this film will certainly do. -Mitch Smietana