7.0 stars.
'A Puzzle to Die For' starts off introducing our main characters Tess (played by Chabert) and Logan (played by Elliot). Chabert is intriguing in this and I am surprised she was able to find a different side of herself for this role. It's a rare movie where she portrays someone that doesn't fit the exact Chabert mold. 90% of her roles are literally the same exact personality, the same expressions, emotional responses, giggles, inflections, etc. Not to digress any further, she is simply a breath of fresh air this time. Ok, now onto Elliot's character Logan. He's calculating and difficult to figure out as a very strict by-the-book detective persona. At first he's off putting, but eventually we warm up to him.
There are too many rookie mistakes by the script supervisor that I have difficulty overlooking and these betray the production value right off the bat. The street signs are in the wrong places in several different angles of the same scene. In a chase scene the perpetrator has been running for several minutes, but when he's caught is not out of breath or perspiring at all. The lighting is strange in a few scenes (especially the first heist scene). Tess is playing ping pong with zero technique, yet she appears to win a match vs a man that appears much more adept and athletic. Other issues with continuity or believability are when Tess explains how the crosswords can solve the mystery and it's obviously a well constructed and convincing argument, yet Logan doesn't even give it a second look. It's obvious he's bigheaded, but for a "star" detective this trait would be too counter-productive.
I am dubious as I watch this first chapter of the series, but I must endure if I am to be meticulous in my evaluation of Hallmark mysteries. I still have many others to look forward to, mysteries such as: 'Aurora Teagarden', 'Chronicle', 'Picture Perfect', 'Murder She Baked', 'The Gourmet Detective', 'Hailey Dean', 'Mystery Woman', 'Matchmaker', 'Ruby Herring', 'Emma Fielding' ('Past Malice'), 'Jane Doe', 'Morning Show', 'Flower Shop', 'Darrow and Darrow', 'Martha's Vineyard', 'Fixer Upper' etc. On a side note: I see 'Fixer Upper' was a hidden gem that simply got cutoff for no reason. I haven't had the opportunity to see it and I truly hope Hallmark re-broadcasts it. Same for 'Darrow and Darrow', they look promising, why did they suddenly end? I saw one of the 'Martha's Vineyard' which left a pretty bitter taste in my mouth, not gonna lie. It was riddled with continuity and editing mistakes. I am a bit dismayed that I might have spoiled my journey by tasting of 'Mystery 101' first. Always save the best for last...
'A Puzzle to Die For' starts off introducing our main characters Tess (played by Chabert) and Logan (played by Elliot). Chabert is intriguing in this and I am surprised she was able to find a different side of herself for this role. It's a rare movie where she portrays someone that doesn't fit the exact Chabert mold. 90% of her roles are literally the same exact personality, the same expressions, emotional responses, giggles, inflections, etc. Not to digress any further, she is simply a breath of fresh air this time. Ok, now onto Elliot's character Logan. He's calculating and difficult to figure out as a very strict by-the-book detective persona. At first he's off putting, but eventually we warm up to him.
There are too many rookie mistakes by the script supervisor that I have difficulty overlooking and these betray the production value right off the bat. The street signs are in the wrong places in several different angles of the same scene. In a chase scene the perpetrator has been running for several minutes, but when he's caught is not out of breath or perspiring at all. The lighting is strange in a few scenes (especially the first heist scene). Tess is playing ping pong with zero technique, yet she appears to win a match vs a man that appears much more adept and athletic. Other issues with continuity or believability are when Tess explains how the crosswords can solve the mystery and it's obviously a well constructed and convincing argument, yet Logan doesn't even give it a second look. It's obvious he's bigheaded, but for a "star" detective this trait would be too counter-productive.
I am dubious as I watch this first chapter of the series, but I must endure if I am to be meticulous in my evaluation of Hallmark mysteries. I still have many others to look forward to, mysteries such as: 'Aurora Teagarden', 'Chronicle', 'Picture Perfect', 'Murder She Baked', 'The Gourmet Detective', 'Hailey Dean', 'Mystery Woman', 'Matchmaker', 'Ruby Herring', 'Emma Fielding' ('Past Malice'), 'Jane Doe', 'Morning Show', 'Flower Shop', 'Darrow and Darrow', 'Martha's Vineyard', 'Fixer Upper' etc. On a side note: I see 'Fixer Upper' was a hidden gem that simply got cutoff for no reason. I haven't had the opportunity to see it and I truly hope Hallmark re-broadcasts it. Same for 'Darrow and Darrow', they look promising, why did they suddenly end? I saw one of the 'Martha's Vineyard' which left a pretty bitter taste in my mouth, not gonna lie. It was riddled with continuity and editing mistakes. I am a bit dismayed that I might have spoiled my journey by tasting of 'Mystery 101' first. Always save the best for last...