Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch

Having been to Paris several times, and being a cozy mystery fan, I had looked forward to this addition to the Hallmark mysteries, but it was disappointing at best.

I realize that the tone generally should be light, but there's still supposed to be a credible plot and interesting characters. The writers created decent characters, but the plot left a lot to be desired. Sure, the perky heroine is supposed to stupidly put herself in danger, but really - in a country where her knowledge of the language is limited to all of three words, which she persists in using together no matter what - it got old and annoying pretty quickly - first time sort of cute, then just stupid. Someone with the academic credentials (so presumably effort spent in getting them) Lauren has should have at least tried to learn a few more phrases, or at least that "Merci, bon jour" as a perpetual response to anything is pretty dopey. And, given her level of ignorance of the city and the language, it made no sense for her to go careening around the city and poking into stuff all ON HER OWN - especially when she had a perfectly hunky police detective who was fairly willing to accompany her.

Also - maybe some people like this actress, but I found her constant slow "aren't I special/precious/too beautiful for words" smile annoying, as if her character felt it was necessary for her to be the primary focus of anyone in range. It didn't quite ring true for someone who is a professional mental health provider, in my opinion.

A few suggestions if they decide to continue this particular series: 1. Lauren needs to learn to at least be able to manage more than "Merci, bon jour." 2. Do something about the stereotypical police chief (no, making her a woman is not enough - the character still fit all of the tired tropes) and Andre's professional relationship with her and his colleagues. Just because they're not main characters doesn't mean they shouldn't be more than sterotypes. 3. Put a little more effort into credible plot lines - the only reason I didn't stop watching halfway through or so on those grounds was because I wanted to find out if my guess as to the villain was right (it was).

A beautiful, fascinating city, an interesting setting (fashion industry), a fascinating culture different from American culture in many ways, and, yes, a pretty good-looking hero - come on, Hallmark, you've got a good bit to work with already - put a little better effort into it!

Let's see: an American fashion psychologist with no detecting background, who does not speak a word of French, goes to Paris for the first time in her life and manages to solve a crime. Meanwhile the hirsute detective, supposedly in charge, ineptly bumbles around and allows her to meddle in in official police matters. Seems like the perfect plot for a novel Pink Panther movie. Unfortunately, this was intended as a serious film, not a farce.

First of all, what the heck is a fashion psychologist? Then, how can a total stranger, unable to speak the language, easily navigate through Paris, even its unseemly places, and effectively question all possible murder suspects?

And, why would all of them so easily oblige, when she has neither the authority, nor the language ability to do so? In addition, why would the policeman in charge allow such person, unknown to him, to do it and even share information with her? Or, why should the French police always be two steps behind such an unlikely sleuth?

Again, Inspector Clouseau comes to mind, which is not a compliment for French Police and the character viewers are supposed to admire as the charming hero of the production.

Gilles Marini in his role is made to look like an uncouth idiot and Lauren acts as a presumptuous brat. Personally, I saw no reason to enjoy their interaction, though I guess they were made for each other. Hallmark shows no mercy for the faithful viewers. The end of the production clearly indicates that sequels are planned.

There's a bunch of fake 10 star reviews on here. The movie is definitely not this good. But it's also getting panned by real people. And it is better than this.

The biggest gripe people seem to have is the implausible nature of the lead's role. And I completely agree. But (to me) that didn't take anything away from an otherwise quirky and fun film.

The acting was great and the mystery setup had some fairly unique elements. The gentle parody of the fashion world actually made me laugh out loud once or twice.

The romance also felt real. They certainly seemed more smitten with each other more than the average film.

Brooke D'Orsay stars as a fashion psychologist- whatever that is - in Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch.

Lauren Elliott goes to Paris for Fashion Week and in the midst of it, her friend is accused of murder.

Lauren teams up with a detective (Giles Marini) to prove her friend innocent.

I will address my pet peeve first. On another site, someone complained that the cops spoke English. No, the cops were speaking French. French people do not walk around Paris speaking English with French accents, nor do they speak English to one another. One assumes they are speaking French, just as we assume Romeo and Juliet are speaking Italian.

I loved the fashions, hated the rats.

Brooke D'Orsay is a pleasant actress. For the most part this is an okay entry ino Hallmark Mystery genre.

I love Hallmark Mysteries, I really do. I don't mind the cheesiness or predictability, but this one... OOOF! I couldn't even finish it. And then, I was so embarrassed it was in my Continue Watching queue, that I fast forwarded through it so no one would know I even tried watching it.

Brooke's job- what? That's not a thing!

The ridiculous French actors/accents made it hard to follow along.

The over the top acting... NOPE!

I wish that Hallmark would make more of The Gourmet Detective or Crossword Mysteries instead of this junk.

Overall, this isn't worth your time, alphabetized the cans in your pantry for a more useful way to spend 84 minutes.