Checkmate

This Tubi Original Movie had me interested as one of my favorite films is the Christopher Lambert film KNIGHT MOVES (I'll forgive you if you've never heard of it), which also centers around chess. This film isn't original as it follows the plot of pretty much any cop after serial killer film but it is well done and has a solid cast and is entrants engaging. I've only been impressed, so far, with a small amount of the Tubi original films (although they are getting much better) and this is one of the better ones. Is it better than KNIGHT MOVES...no, but there aren't many horror films out there with chess as a theme so I can't be too picky.

It's not too bad, but not great. The whole movie had a pretty slow pace for a thriller. Even though it wasn't the best, I actually did enjoy the cinematography and they wrapped everything up nicely.

The twists I feel like were pretty subtle and safe. I think they could've pushed everything a little more.

Some things are inconsistent. Like during crime scene investigations, one minute they're wearing gloves and the next minute they aren't. Some of the dialogue doesn't line up chronologically. One time I saw one of the corpses blink lol. Also, some things were kind of really very obvious, but it took a while for the characters to realize them.

I really enjoyed this movie! Great suspense, excellent pacing, and strong performances all around.

I have to give a special shoutout to the set decoration-might sound unusual to call out, but the attention to detail was incredible. I kept finding myself admiring the background just as much as the story unfolding in front of it.

As a huge fan of Sarah Pribis, I was thrilled to see her in this role. She brought such authenticity and presence to the screen. You rocked it, Sarah!

Also, as someone who loves the game of chess, it was so cool to see how chess was cleverly woven into the plot-it added a layer of depth and symbolism.

Highly recommend this one if you're into smart thrillers with style!

I am not sure if I like this movie or not. The female detective, Brittany, got on my nerves. Those folks who are so independent that they can't accept help or no longer teachable just irks me. She can never admit that she needed help. The captain was worthless. He didn't contribute one thing towards the case but he also never stood in the way. However, it was good to see Lorenzo Lamas onscreen again. The detective assigned as Brittany's partner on this case didn't get enough screentime. I did like her father. He was a cool character but Dorien Wilson didn't look too convincing as a chess player. He gave it his best shot though.

It's a nice concept (murderer with a chess fixation), but every other level of this is so bad! The acting is wooden, the dialog is stilted, and the direction is film school level. I realize the budget was bargain basement (and it shows!) but come on! The ending just feels silly, and a lot of circumstances feel like plot connivence theatre. Keep an eye on how many characters out of a handful of cast members turn out to be major figures in the case. And yes, the villain reveal is very predictable, unlikely, and undeveloped. Keep an eye on how Stephanie the psychologist never changes her costume.