Most Likely to Murder (2018)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Far from Perfect, Far from Terrible

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

In high school Billy (Adam Pally) was "The King of Valley Steam" the coolest and funniest guy to be around. In Vegas he is a restroom attendant, a job he over pitches to the folks back home. He has returned home being gone since 2012 to limited fanfare. He suspects Lowell, his neighbor, who he bullied, killed his mother and he is out to prove it. Lowell (Vincent Kartheiser) is dating or close to his ex-girlfriend Kara (Rachel Bloom). The film had its humorous moments. The writing, while good, falls short of great, but was above totally dull. If you are into quirky comedies and can watch it free, might be worth the time. Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

In the bonus track of the DVD of "Most Likely to Murder," the filmmakers confessed that they made a film that was loosely based on their own memories of high school, based on such character types as the bully, the victim, the dork, the clown, and other generic persona. The protagonist is the high school superstar Billy, who was known as "The King of Valley Stream." But the comedy-murder mystery ultimately exposes Billy for what he truly is, namely, "a creep-freak-weirdo."The raunchy screenplay has some clever lines and moments, as Billy returns home to Valley Stream after a lackluster stint in Las Vegas as a bathroom attendant. His parents are moving out of the family home in Suffolk County, preparing to relocate to Santa Fe. The homecoming for Billy reunites him with his high school classmates. One character observes that "everyone in town is so quick to change." But, in fact, the former high school kids are no more than adolescents trapped in adult bodies. Nothing has changed. After Billy had chosen to break off ties with his high school girlfriend, Kara Jade Doblowski, he now seeks a rekindle the past romance. But Kara has now taken up with the high school dork, Lowell Bernard Shapiro, who has become the town pharmacist. It is at this point, that the film makes a wrong turn by trying to recycle the "Ace Ventura" films, turning the narrative into a farcical murder mystery. Billy's attempt to frame Lowell for the murder of his mother never engages, other than to make Billy look more and more ridiculous. The best part of the script is the depiction of the superficial side of high school with the various students maintaining a facade to hide their own deficiencies and insecurities. The superstar Billy is unmasked as a phony in one of the most poignant moments when he is thumbing threw his belongings and comes across a stack of Cliffs Notes. Like the other kids, Billy never grew up, and, in his case, never even took school seriously. And the way he cut corners comes into focus when he makes the admission, "I have two copies of 'Death of a Salesman' Cliffs Notes!"

I randomly saw an ad for this movie on Instagram and liking Adam Pally (but not actually knowing his name) definitely wanted to check it out. He of course was hilarious as the down to earth and, to me, likeable Billy. Much of the supporting cast I was previously unfamiliar with, but thoroughly enjoyed. Everyone's performance definitely added to this quirky comedic take on a murder mystery. I sincerely recommend checking out this film.

Adam Pally stars here as Billy, who's returning to his hometown of Valley Stream, Long Island, after a number of years away for Thanksgiving and to pack his things, as his parents are selling the house and moving to Sante Fe. When he was in high school there he was extremely popular, but also a prankster and a bully, even known as the King of Valley Stream.However, Billy soon finds out that his schtick of the past has worn thin and his friends have matured for the most part and moved on with their lives. The plot will mostly center on Billy's suspicions that he's seen his neighbor (Vincent Kartheiser), who's now dating Billy's ex-girlfriend (Rachel Bloom) ,commit a murder. Although this movie received rather glowing reviews from pro critics, I really was hard pressed to find the humor here, and I wondered if we all watched the same film. To me, the humor just fell flat or was just mean-spirited or even cringe inducing at times.All in all, maybe this is a demographic thing as others may have thought it was funny but I was happy when it finally ended.