Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch (TV Movie 2024) Poster

User Reviews

Review this title
13 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
5/10
The French police detective Andre Dubreuil was great...but what on earth is a fashion psychologist?
cgvsluis17 March 2024
Gilles Marini who played the French police detective Andre Dubreuil was wonderful as the leading man and the Hallmark regular Brooke D'Orsay who played the fashion psychologist Lauren Elliott was beautiful and a consummate professional as usual.

The mystery itself was decent, I liked that Lauren has a police detective father...and I thought she followed the clues well and asked the right questions. I didn't mind the Paris fashion week backdrop...but I really found the "fashion psychologist" profession odd and hard to believe. Don't get me wrong, I think many members of the fashion industry prevail themselves of members of the psychological profession...but?

Also poking fun of the monolingual American seems like a bit of a cheap shot in this day and age, and I didn't find it funny. Overall, if you can get over the poor sense of humor and the questionable profession, the mystery was good and I do think the two leads have chemistry. I would watch another, but it's not on my recommendation list just yet.
8 out of 14 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
2/10
Common sense crime.
gfrasmd19 March 2024
Let's see: an American fashion psychologist with no detecting background, who does not speak a word of French, goes to Paris for the first time in her life and manages to solve a crime. Meanwhile the hirsute detective, supposedly in charge, ineptly bumbles around and allows her to meddle in in official police matters. Seems like the perfect plot for a novel Pink Panther movie. Unfortunately, this was intended as a serious film, not a farce.

First of all, what the heck is a fashion psychologist? Then, how can a total stranger, unable to speak the language, easily navigate through Paris, even its unseemly places, and effectively question all possible murder suspects?

And, why would all of them so easily oblige, when she has neither the authority, nor the language ability to do so? In addition, why would the policeman in charge allow such person, unknown to him, to do it and even share information with her? Or, why should the French police always be two steps behind such an unlikely sleuth?

Again, Inspector Clouseau comes to mind, which is not a compliment for French Police and the character viewers are supposed to admire as the charming hero of the production.

Gilles Marini in his role is made to look like an uncouth idiot and Lauren acts as a presumptuous brat. Personally, I saw no reason to enjoy their interaction, though I guess they were made for each other. Hallmark shows no mercy for the faithful viewers. The end of the production clearly indicates that sequels are planned.
10 out of 14 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
2/10
Fashion Faux Pas
DanaOne16 March 2024
How do you say I can't understand a word you're saying in French?

That pretty much sums up this movie for me. To be perfectly fair, it may have been a good movie, but I got so lost in the heavy accents that following the plot became laborious. I usually do very well with understanding various accents, but there was something amiss with this particular movie.

This is a movie made for a mostly-American audience, and I've seen numerous others with the same opinion.

Gilles Marini has been perfectly understandable in several other shows, but even his accent made this difficult.

I also found the acting/chemistry to be lacking. Visually, it was lovely to see the clothes and Paris; but there is more to a movie than cinematography.

I was looking forward to this, but C'est la vie...
20 out of 35 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Fashionably Fantastic. Superb Suspense
jenleeser18 March 2024
I want to thank the Hallmark network for finally combining two topics that makes a viewer watch the movie,murder and fashion. A movie that can be watched by men and women & with no complaints. The right amount of suspense and the perfect blend of two cultures, food and lifestyle.

As a fashionista I thoroughly enjoyed the back of the house scenes, the preparation of the runway and the tension that happens behind the glamours moment.

The freshness of Brooke as an American girl in Paris and Gilles Marini as detective Andre gave the perfect chemistry..the camera loves him & so does the audience.
7 out of 12 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
2/10
Doesn't hit the mark
gawolfson19 March 2024
Having been to Paris several times, and being a cozy mystery fan, I had looked forward to this addition to the Hallmark mysteries, but it was disappointing at best.

I realize that the tone generally should be light, but there's still supposed to be a credible plot and interesting characters. The writers created decent characters, but the plot left a lot to be desired. Sure, the perky heroine is supposed to stupidly put herself in danger, but really - in a country where her knowledge of the language is limited to all of three words, which she persists in using together no matter what - it got old and annoying pretty quickly - first time sort of cute, then just stupid. Someone with the academic credentials (so presumably effort spent in getting them) Lauren has should have at least tried to learn a few more phrases, or at least that "Merci, bon jour" as a perpetual response to anything is pretty dopey. And, given her level of ignorance of the city and the language, it made no sense for her to go careening around the city and poking into stuff all ON HER OWN - especially when she had a perfectly hunky police detective who was fairly willing to accompany her.

Also - maybe some people like this actress, but I found her constant slow "aren't I special/precious/too beautiful for words" smile annoying, as if her character felt it was necessary for her to be the primary focus of anyone in range. It didn't quite ring true for someone who is a professional mental health provider, in my opinion.

A few suggestions if they decide to continue this particular series: 1. Lauren needs to learn to at least be able to manage more than "Merci, bon jour." 2. Do something about the stereotypical police chief (no, making her a woman is not enough - the character still fit all of the tired tropes) and Andre's professional relationship with her and his colleagues. Just because they're not main characters doesn't mean they shouldn't be more than sterotypes. 3. Put a little more effort into credible plot lines - the only reason I didn't stop watching halfway through or so on those grounds was because I wanted to find out if my guess as to the villain was right (it was).

A beautiful, fascinating city, an interesting setting (fashion industry), a fascinating culture different from American culture in many ways, and, yes, a pretty good-looking hero - come on, Hallmark, you've got a good bit to work with already - put a little better effort into it!
5 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Bonjour Merci ;))
danagavenda18 March 2024
This was my first Hallmark mystery movie and I have to say I truly enjoyed it!! Casting was on point! The chemistry between Gilles Marini and Brooke D'Orsay was perfection! I want to see where the story continues with these two !! I really enjoyed the story line and the scenery. Was a fun movie night with friends trying to solve the mystery. It made me want to see more. Gilles Marini is a beautiful and talented leading man and Brooke was adorable to watch ! I would definitely recommend it !

I am wishing for Hallmark to take these two characters on their next adventure. Very talented and charismatic!!
7 out of 13 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
This had potential but what a letdown
akiwigirl21 March 2024
This is obviously a vehicle for Brooke but it was too much her acting was OTT but to be fair the writing didn't help - a fashion psychologist turns detective and of course is better at the investigation than the actual detective - so predictable. And her job title what was that about!

The casting of Gilles Marini and Paloma Coquant is super! Both are enjoyable to watch and can actually act that's always a surprise in a Hallmark production. Also Paloma est très belle.

Can't work out if this was filmed in Paris at all But I enjoyed the illusion of it being Paris and the use of French throughout was a nice happenstance as I speak French I don't know if non speakers would feel the same.

That said it didn't make sense that Lauren traipsed around Paris solving a crime without bothering to try to speak French. Talk about unrealistic

I'll just add Mohamed Belhadjine is a revelation I hope he has a long successful career.
2 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
2/10
Typical 10-star Reviews for 2-Star Movie
roger_towne27 March 2024
As you'd expect with these kinds of movies, the first reviews are always 10-stars. Then you hear from the real people.

In this case, if you're 14 years old ... you've only seen a few movies in your lifetime ... or you love soap operas, then surely you'll enjoy this movie. Otherwise, it's a shallow story with many cliches that you already know how it'll finish after the first scene.

How's that sound for a 10-star movie? Nevermind you have to bear through a few awful characters and a supposed co-investigation by the two leads that's about as plausible as having fantastic sushi without the fish. Right.

The only redeeming quality about Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch is the occasional stellar views of Paris. Half an extra star for that.
1 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Gilles Marini sizzles!
bsshqfjg18 March 2024
What a fun film. This was the first film I watched on Hallmark Mystery. Both of the lead actors, Brooke D'Orsay and Gilles Marini (heartthrob!!!) did a great job bringing their characters to life. There was good chemistry between the two. Gilles, playing a police detective, did a wonderful job showing his slow thawing to Lauren Elliot, a psychologist who specializes in working with the fashion industry. Because the movie was set in France, there were lots of French accents which required some concentration or closed captions. The mystery itself had some nice complications and twists and the ending made sense which is always a plus! I loved the fashions, even the over the top ones and the location (Paris) was fabulous. I hope Hallmark will decide to go forward with more Crimes of Fashion. Would love to see where these characters go.
6 out of 11 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Homage to Detective Duos
ramilamadouras18 March 2024
"Crimes of Fashion" is a delightful homage to classic detective series like "Moonlighting," boasting a charming blend of humor, mystery, and style. Gilles Marini and Brooke D'Orsay command the screen as the film's charismatic leads, infusing their characters with wit and chemistry reminiscent of the iconic duo from the '80s. Marini's suave demeanor and D'Orsay's charm create a dynamic partnership that keeps audiences thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

One of the film's strengths lies in its nostalgic appeal, evoking fond memories of classic detective shows with its playful banter and stylish aesthetic. Fans of "Moonlighting" will particularly appreciate the dynamic between Marini and D'Orsay, which harkens back to the iconic partnership of Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd. However, "Crimes of Fashion" manages to carve out its own identity and fresh take on the genre.

The stylish costumes and cinematography further enhance the movie's visual appeal, transporting viewers into a world of glitz and glamour.

While "Crimes of Fashion" may not be a groundbreaking masterpiece, it succeeds in delivering an enjoyable and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.
6 out of 12 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Andre!!!
deborahmiller1118 March 2024
Great, great, great movie! Hallmark really impressed me! The movie was fun and intriguing with amazing chemistry between Gilles Marini and Brooke D'Orsay...🔥 I would love to see more of these two characters together! Gilles' acting was more than impressive... so honest. I had no trouble understanding what any of the characters we saying. I am so happy that Hallmark changed things up and made a murder mystery!

I would definitely watch more of these two characters lighting up the screen.

This movie definitely left me feeling like there's more to come. I hope so!

Thank you, Hallmark!

Great casting!

Great cinematography!

Great story!
6 out of 12 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Loved it
susanolar18 March 2024
I enjoyed the movie very much and the characters were well casted.

I truly enjoyed Gilles Marini in his roll and look forward the next movie of his!! The comedy was entertaining as well. It was suspenseful and full of twists and turns. I enjoyed seeing France and all the wonderful places the movie took us to. Brooke was wonderful in her part as well. Hoping the next movie will be airing soon and I love Gilles character and hope he continues as this journey, developing more stories that will keep me at the edge of my seat. The DP did a fantastic job and beautifully executed. Looking to your future projects with Gilles.
5 out of 11 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
A fresh, intriguing film. Hallmark has done it!
cgiacomi18 March 2024
I watched many Hallmark movies through the years. Honestly, this one was well done. The cinematography, the story, the acting and the plot, that you don't see coming.

Brooke D'Orsey played such a kick ass role. Strong, funny, maybe her best work since her franchise started. And Gilles Marini was the icing on the cake. He's so natural, captivating, insanely charismatic, such a good actor. These two have such chemistry gave me goosebumps at times. It was intriguing right away, no down moments. I love fashion, the exuberance of some characters really added value and mystery to the story line misleading the audience. And of course Paris. I want to go now. So romantic and beautiful. It's a great film!

Please more!

Thank you Sabrina.
4 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed