A One Mann’s Movies review of “Maggie Moore(s)” (2023).
I’ve found Jon Hamm’s movies to be a bit of a game of Russian Roulette. For every “Bad Times at the El Royale” or “Baby Driver” there’s been a “Confess, Fletch“ or “Wild Mountain Thyme”. “Maggie Moore(s)” proves to be a quirky and engaging film on the positive side of the Hamm balance.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
Jordan Sanders (Jon Hamm) is a widowed police chief in a small New Mexico town investigating the murders of two women, both called Maggie Moore. Coincidence? Not likely! But he’s a bit distracted by a new love in his life: Rita (Tina Fey) who was friends with one of the victims.
Certification:
UK: 15; US: R; (This hasn’t been rated by the BBFC but is rated 15 by Sky and is an R in the US. The film contains violent scenes and bad language).
Talent:
Starring: John Hamm, Tina Fey, Nick Mohammed, Happy Anderson, Micah Stock, Oona Roche.
Directed by: John Slattery.
Written by: Paul Bernbaum.
Twitter Handle: #MaggieMoores.
Great comic chemistry between Reddy (Nick Mohammed) and Sanders (Jon Hamm). (Source: Screen Media Films)
“Maggie Moore(s)” Review:
Positives:
- I found his to be a delightfully quirky script. All the characters, including the smaller roles, like the purple haired Sammi (Oona Roche), are memorable. And the dialogue is particularly well-written. For example, Chief Sanders talking to Deputy Reddy (Nick Mohammad) – “No evidence either way… just a bunch of people who deserve each other.”
- Rita (Tina Fey) is well-observed. Having been squashed flat by a recent divorce she is constantly saying negative things about herself. For example, after losing at slots in a casino Jordan says “Losing is the business” “I know” replies Rita, “that’s why I fit right in”.
- The interplay between Sanders and his British sidekick Reddy is delightful. Genuinely made me laugh a few times.
- The relationship between Jordan and Rita is touching. His hurt, when he calls to find her ‘fuck-buddy’ (her ex) at home, is sweet and Hamm does this so well. Hamm is so much better in this comedy/thriller than in the similar, but poor, “Fletch” reboot.
- Loved the quirky music score by Ben Sollee.
Negatives:
- As a cop drama in a small New Mexico town, it’s hardly breaking new ground.
- As a viewer you can’t help feeling a little disgusted at the fate of the poor hapless Moore’s. Neither deserve it!
Monkey?
There is a brief monkey at the end of the credits, but to be honest it’s eminently missable.
Summary Thoughts on “Maggie Moore(s)”
I saw this on a BA flight to the states, and the BA entertainment system had a “Hidden Gem” tag on it. And they were right. This was a small scale but genuinely entertaining comedy-crime drama that I found to be thoroughly entertaining throughout. Recommended!
I understand that you can find this one in the UK streaming on Sky or Now TV.
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Trailer for “Maggie Moore(s)”:
The trailer is here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YQfUI8meHXo .
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