‘Maggie Moore(s)’ (2023) Movie Review - A Quirky Comedy With Missed Potential

Maggie Moore(s) is a quirky comedy that brings together an ensemble cast featuring Jon Hamm, Tina Fey, and Nick Mohammed in an inventive story that promises to deliver laughs. While the premise is undeniably priceless, Maggie Moore(s) falls short of fully capitalizing on its potential as a standout comedy.

Jon Hamm takes on the role of Jordan Sanders, the small-town police chief tasked with unraveling the web of suspects, including cheating husbands, nosy neighbors, and eccentric contract killers. As Sanders sifts through the clues, he finds himself caught between the stress of the investigation and the challenges of his own personal life. Hamm delivers a solid performance, capturing the essence of a weary but determined protagonist. Tina Fey joins the cast as Rita Grace, a nosy divorcee who becomes involved in the unfolding events. Fey's comedic talent shines through as she plays off Hamm's character, adding an extra layer of humor to the film. Their chemistry on-screen is enjoyable, but unfortunately, they don't always rise above the material they're given.

Nick Mohammed, known for his role as Nate in Ted Lasso, brings his comedic prowess to the character of Deputy Reddy. Mohammed delivers a fine performance, infusing the film with humor and wit. However, the film feels uneven in its execution, leaving the audience wanting more consistency in the comedic elements.

Director John Slattery, an alum of Mad Men, displays his ability to hone in on tone, character, feeling, and intention. The film's narrative explores the vulnerability of its characters, as they search for emotional connection amidst the chaos of the double murder investigation. Slattery's direction succeeds in capturing these nuances, creating engaging and relatable characters. The script by Paul Bernbaum offers an intriguing premise, inspired by real events, where two women with the same name are murdered days apart. Bernbaum weaves together a web of mystery and buffoonery, introducing Jay Moore (Micah Stock) as a bumbling character whose actions set off a calamitous chain of events. However, while the narrative presents plenty to engage with, the comedic moments never quite reach the heights of hilarity one would expect from a film of this nature.

Comparisons to the television series Fargo are apt, as Maggie Moore(s) shares a similar darkly comedic tone and intertwining plotlines. However, where Fargo succeeds in maintaining a consistently high level of wit and humor, Maggie Moore(s) falls short. The film's comedic moments are enjoyable but lack the sustained hilarity needed to elevate it to the level of a standout comedy. Despite its shortcomings, Maggie Moore(s) remains an engaging romp with glimpses of brilliance. The performances of the talented cast, particularly Hamm, Fey, and Mohammed, anchor the film and keep the audience invested. The characters' vulnerability and search for emotional fulfillment add depth to the story, creating a compelling backdrop for the comedic elements.

The film's main drawback lies in its pacing and editing. At times, the story feels uneven, and a more focused approach could have tightened the narrative, allowing the comedy to shine brighter. Additionally, while the premise is indeed priceless, the execution lacks the consistent hilarity and comedic punch required to fully capitalize on its potential.

In conclusion, Maggie Moore(s) offers an enjoyable yet uneven comedic experience. Jon Hamm, Tina Fey, and Nick Mohammed deliver solid performances, but the film falls short of reaching the heights of a standout comedy. Director John Slattery captures the vulnerability of the characters, and the premise provides an intriguing foundation. However, a more focused approach, tighter editing, and a sustained level of hilarity would have elevated the film to greater heights. Nonetheless, Maggie Moore(s) remains engaging, showcasing moments of brilliance within its inventive story and talented cast.

Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by – Neha Krishna
Follow @Neha25Krishna on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times