Maggie Moore(s) is a darkly comic murder mystery making its World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival. Police chief Jordan Sanders (Jon Hamm, Mad Men) is looking into the murder of two women. Both have the same name and were killed days apart. Sanders attempts to figure out the connection as he navigates his personal life.
The excellent cast draws audiences into the lives of the quirky characters. Hamm is predictably great and Fey is hilarious as the nosy and emotionally wounded neighbor, but it is the supporting cast that really stand out (As good of a job as Hamm and Fey do, their scenes together are the weakest parts of the film.) There are a number of quirky characters in Maggie Moore(s), and each brings something to the film.
Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso) is consistently funny as the sheriff’s deputy with poor comedic timing while Micah Stock (Brittany Runs a Marathon) is a consistent scene stealer playing the husband who is in over his head. Everyone’s performances are important since Maggie Moore(s) is filled with wacky people. There is a definite comedic tone, but the more serious aspects would lose something if not for the acting.
The mystery is a well-constructed one that comes together as the plot progresses. Things start relatively small and escalate. It is not a question of who did what but if Richardson will be able to put all the pieces together. It is a cleverly written story that is ridiculous enough to have been ripped straight from the headlines. (It was inspired by true events.)
Maggie Moore(s) delivers in just about every way. It is very funny and watching the small town’s police trying to solve the crimes is engaging. While Richardson and Rita (Fey) do not always connect, they are well written and likable. The Coen brothers comparison is inevitable, but this stands on its own.
Tribeca Festival takes place June 7 -18. All films and events can be found HERE
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