Candlestick

We really liked this thriller. Some people might find the writing and acting a little "arch", but if you realise that the film is clearly a reference to some classics, it works very well. There are clear nods and homages to Hitchcock, such as Rope, Psycho and Vertigo, but the film also has a real Ealing/Gainsborough Studios feel to it that adds another layer of entertainment. A cinephile's gem.

The plot line and characterizations in this movie would have been far more entertaining on stage in a dinner theatre!

Each one of the male actors seemed wooden and uncomfortable in front of the camera. The only female actor, Ilsa Ure, seemed perfectly natural and at comfort before the camera. This conflict between the actors made the movie seem very stagy and at practice.

The plot line is full of holes as Jack weaves the setting for the evening to create the perfect murder. Above all the many holes, why send the uncle down the street to call the police? It wasn't logical and was a forced scene just so Jack could have his lengthy soliloquy. There are others such as when Frank said "Jack wouldn't lie" at that Vera would have heard alarm bells.

Not a bit suspenseful nor clever.

I have to admit this is not my favourite genre, I'm a comedy man, but my DAUGHTER, who is all of 12 years old, loves these movies so we watched and had a great time digging into a bowl of popcorn and digging our nails into each other, this movie really delivers on the spooky suspense and takes a familiar genre and plot setting that everyone can relate to and turns it on its head...the filmmaking and particularly the SOUND is fantastic, I don't know how they got such great sound on a low budget but the sound contributes to the creepy suspense and finally drives you to the edge of your seat, without spoiling or giving away anything its highly recommended this film achieves what Hollywood films can only hope to achieve;...real people; real actors ...real suspense.

Director/Co-Writer Christopher Presswell has created cat and mouse game in the style of Alfred Hitchcock. It's a drawing room suspense film built around a handful of high quality actors and a malevolent conceit.

The invitees to a small gathering are rocked by an accusation of infidelity, and the ensuing events play out with style. Both the shooting and the soundtrack have a classic clever suspense film feel.

Also, Candlestick deliberately references the idea of board games both with the game played in the movie and the title itself, which hearkens back to Clue, the classic murder mystery game.

I hope Presswell keeps working in the genre, making intelligent suspense films like this.

I'll start by saying that I may very well be partial to this films style in general. The trailer sucked me in from the very beginning. It's well shot, well acted and tightly directed. Given the genre they were playing in I was especially fond of the score as well

As i'm sure many will tell you, any Clue (or murder mystery) fans will most definitely enjoy the ride. It's smart and well crafted. I'll be curious to see what other works the filmmakers have on hand or coming up.

Give it a go and see what you think for yourself. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as well.