Mystery 101: Sipario mortale

Opening scene, hours before dawn, abandoned downtown streets, a lone lady jogger comes across broken glass of a closed store, glances at her phone to check the time, and then ...

does what? Dial 911 on her phone? NOPE! She does something dumb. And she's a COP!!!

This film all starts out with an off duty detective spotting an open pharmacy door while she's off duty and getting knocked on the noggin from behind. Little does she or anyone else suspect that this is connected with the death of film star Rebka Sharmas who is killed with poison after suffering an injury during a play rehearsal.

Sharmas was in town as a guest speaker and to support the small town theater group she was going to do a play sponsored by professor Jill Wagner. The whole thing revolves around her complicated love and a pair of murderers who have a long standing score to settle.

I do like Jill Wagner in the lead for this Hallmark series. She's smart and not all that pushy and knows when to let her detective boyfriend Kristoffer Polaha take the lead. It is his job and case after all.

Amy is working on a play, when suddenly the main actress is in danger, so she and Detective Burke work together in order to discover who is responsable.

Can I first say this was AMAZING? Of all the things that crossed my mind while watching this, out of all possible scenarios and suspects, it ever ocured to me it would be like that. It was so unpredictable!

Second of all, Kris and Jill's chemistry is amazing. The flirty banter they share is adorable and I love it. So my congratulations to everyone who worked on this, but specially the writer.

I have rated Hallmark movies with 10 maybe three time tops? But this one deserves, let's hope they continue like this. Until September, everyone!

Amy is working as the dramaturge on a play when lead actress Bella Brightman's life is threatened by two accidents that occur in the theatre. As Travis and Amy look into these incidents, Bella suddenly dies of a heart attack leading Amy to suspect foul play. When Amy and Travis investigate, they discover that a series of burglaries in Garrison, including one that resulted in Claire being injured, may be linked to Bella's death.

Another absorbing mystery with some fine suspects, neat twists, a toy monkey at a burgled shop which is linked to the murder of an actress, secret love letters, and a cracking chemistry between the leads. Their banter is catchy. A nice escapist mystery with a light touch.

Playing Dead is the third Hallmark mystery movie I've watched recently. In this one, Professor Amy Winslow (Jill Wagner) is helping the local theater group put on a play. During rehearsal, a prop gun is seemingly replaced with the real thing. Fortunately, no one was hit by the bullet, but the police suspect the lead actress may be in danger. However, while under police protection, the actress dies - from an apparent heart attack. Amy's not so sure and joins Detective Burke's (Kristoffer Polaha) investigation - whether he likes it or not.

If anything, I enjoyed Playing Dead a bit more than the first film in the series. Without the need to introduce the main characters, more time was available for the actual mystery. And that's a good thing because the mystery here is fun. With a seemingly random attack on Burke's partner, a toy monkey, secret love letters, and suspects everywhere you look, there's plenty here to unpack. Admittedly, I once again pretty much figured out who well before the culprit was unmasked. However, I still enjoyed learning the why and how. Overall, good stuff.

Once again, the acting in Playing Dead is a mixed bag. Some good, some less so. But there's no denying the ability of Wagner and Polaha. Both are great in their roles and have some wonderful onscreen chemistry.

One thing that has bugged me about these Hallmark films is the unrealistic nonsense the amateur sleuth is able to get away with. Here, for example, Amy is able to rummage through a house to find a key piece of evidence. There's absolutely no way it would have been admissible in court. But then again, I don't think anyone is watching a Hallmark mystery for a look inside a real life criminal investigation. Most just want to be entertained.

7/10.