I'm really starting to like Jon Hamm in his recent movies. He plays a calm mature and sweet man very well. This time as a policeman. If you are tired of CGI films without a story, of Hollywood pap that just wants kids through the doors, try this film.
So it's a murder mystery (for the policeman, the viewer knows who did it, but its nice watching them go through the process). Also, there are novel and interesting characters that interact beautifully. To be honest all the characters were acted well, and half the film really is about the dilemmas of the 4 or 5 key characters. Although there are some deaths, its not excessively gory and it isn't an action film. Reminds me a bit of the murder mysteries we'd see in the late 80s, but in this story is much better, characters are 3d, and filming very polished. Yep, the story is a little quirky, but pretty believable. There is a romantic sub-plot, which is complicated by one being a widower, and the other being divorced, but it takes on some modern themes very well.
For me a good film requires a good and well told story, with good characters. This is what this film is. No high drama (except may a little toward end, and a bit of a surprise), but I loved the way it was presented and paced. Made it feel like real life without being dull at any time. Maybe the film is an 8, but I gave it a 9 just because it was laid out so well and skillfully.
Maybe people under 25 will find it slow or no dramatic enough, but I think most older people (male and female) will find this a fulfilling film covering a few interesting themes and with an interesting murder mystery aspect. Comedy? Not really, though some light touches which are sweet/funnyish. Go on, give it a go.
