Clue (1985)

Yes, that’s right, they made a board game into a movie. I am sure most of you are thinking, “This is probably a junk movie with no plot, terrible actors, and a waste of my time.” Sir (or Madam), you are gravely mistaken. Clue is the bee’s honey. Even though Clue is based off a board game and has a weak plot, the actors make up for it. The script, although drier than the deserts of Nevada, is very well written. Before you start judging a DVD by its title, maybe you should actually see the movie. Or at least read this review.

Clue starts out in 1954 in a rather large mansion. Six guests have been called to meet at the house under pseudonyms like “Mr. Green” and “Ms. Scarlet”. Once there, they all learn each person works in Washington, each person has an embarrassing secret, and they are all being blackmailed by Mr. Body because of their secrets. The butler of the house, Wadsworth (Tim Curry), believes they should go to the police and put Mr. Body behind bars. Mr. Body has another idea. He presents each guest with a different weapon: a gun, a rope, a wrench, a lead pipe, a knife, and a candlestick. He then states that if they press charges he will expose and humiliate them in court. Instead he tells them to kill Wadsworth and drop the matter. One chance is given to kill Wadsworth as Mr. Body turns off the lights, but it doesn’t go according to plan. Someone else dies in his stead. Who was it? Was it Mr. Plum? Maybe it was Colonel Mustard. Maybe it doesn’t matter. Insanity ensues, more people die, and it just gets funnier and funnier.

Although this movie didn’t do so well in the box office, Clue is an amazing, hilarious movie. It even comes with three different endings. It can be a tad raunchy, and by tad I mean its raunchy most of the way. Christopher Lloyd does an outstanding job as Professor Plum, but they ALL doing an outstanding job. The only downside is that…well…I am sure there is one or two. It just may not be your taste, but I give Clue a 4 out of 5.

Sex/Nudity
Ok, listen up. There is a French maid in the movie and she wears rather scant clothing. There isn’t nudity in the movie, but it is pretty revealing. Just be prepared.

There is some making out going on.

One of the guests owns a brothel and many references are made to this.

Violence/Gore
There is some stabbing, shooting, bleeding, and brooding. It is all pretty much lighthearted and isn’t really a bother.

Profanity
Pretty low, that cursing. It isn’t too bad, but that doesn’t mean it is absent.

Frightening/Intense Scene
Someone is strangled. That’s about as frightening as it gets. Even then, the way people are killed is light and comical. The movie focuses on comedy and mystery, not horror and murder