Sorjonen: Muraalimurhat

As much as I loved Bordertown in the form of TV series (all 3 seasons), the movie didn't do much for me. The script is trite, and even though there was an attempt to mimic the slow burning manner of the TV show, it was difficult to cram it into the 11 minutes... Nevertheless, 5 stars for another superb acting performance my Mr. Virtanen, a true master of his craft.

I am a fan of the series, and I loved seeing everyone on the screen again, I think there are chapters of the series with more intrigue than the movie, even so I hope there will be more movies, my favorite Netflix series.

If you haven't seen the three seasons of Bordertown, I can't imagine this movie making any sense. Even having seen the prior series, the plot in this one is so ludicrously bad it beggars belief.

Firstly, the most compelling reason to watch Bordertown is Ville Vertanen (Kari Sorjonen) who is compelling to watch. An absolute virtuoso. He looks a lot like Steve McQueen would have looked at 65 (although Vertanen is younger than that). The character he and the writers have created is wholly unique and compelling.

Then, there is the character of his daughter, Janina (Olivia Ainali), whom I could not stand in the original series. Her arrogance and moralizing and telling everyone what was wrong with them was frustrating. She is coddled, spoiled and indulged by both her parents. When the boy, in the series, knocked the snot out of her, after being repeatedly bullied, I cheered. This movie has toned her down a lot. She is not nearly so annoying.

The mysterious Lena (Anna Sinisalo) is back and is as much of a mystery as ever.

The problem with this movie and the reason it has lower reviews than the series, is the absurd plot. No police agency would ever let a no-nothing child interview a renowned and highly-dangerous serial killer, like Maasalo (Sampo Sarkola) and then agree to allow him to address a class in person. Then, the height of incredulity, the police allow this child to make the decision on removing his restraints. Then, the idiots transport this lethal killer, not in the back of an armored van, but in the backseat of a car. The back-up car is trailing so far behind they cannot see the car with the serial killer. When they finally arrive, this 'crack' SWAT team, heavily armed and armored, go into this ridiculous maneuver designed to get them killed.

The ending, however, when Kari takes matters into his own hands, was very satisfying.

Good to see most of them back together. It looks great, has very similar tension and pace.

It doesn't live up to the amazing series, though. Definitely suffers some thin spots that are not internally consistent (fundamental, very basic police errors... ridiculous) and a needlessly 'uber- villian' that just doesn't come off as having the power that the writer(s) give him.

These failings are unfair to viewers, and to devotees of the series.

It's good, probably mainly because we're eager for the series to return. Without seeing the series first, this movie is less engaging.

,this is utterly preposterous. Did they honestly believe they could lift the Lecter/Buffalo Bill storyline and supplant it ( poorly ) in Finland ? Police procedures right of the window, a serial killer uncuffed in a school hall. Poor outing this one and it's quite obvious that the budget has gone, hence the reason there would no series 4. Disappointed.