Maggie Moore(s)

By: MJ Asuncion

A murder mystery that isn’t really much of a mystery, Maggie Moore(s) doesn’t bring us a crime to solve but the unusual story behind the murders. The premises of two women with the same exact name murdered just days apart, is enough to spark viewer curiosity. With the opening disclaimer “some of this actually happened” and a charismatic veteran cast, Maggie Moore(s) does well to draw the audience in.

Jay Moore (Micah Stock) manages a sub sandwich shop where he goes against franchise policy to buy his supplies outside of the chain. He begins running a scam with a shady supplier, Tommy T (Derek Basco), buying expired meat and cheese at even lower costs. His wife, Maggie Moore (Louisa Krause), threatens to expose him so he enlists Kosco (Happy Anderson), a brute for hire, to scare her. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned and Kosco winds up killing Jay’s wife. After learning of the existence of another Maggie Moore (Mary Holland), Jay schemes to throw the suspicion off of him and again hires Kosco to kill the second Maggie Moore to make it look like the first murder was a mistake. It is then up to Chief Jordan Sanders (Jon Hamm) and his deputy Reddy (Nick Mohammed) to solve both cases, along with the help of Jay Moore’s inquisitive neighbor Rita (Tina Fey).

Maggie Moore(s) is brought to life by a stellar cast, some of which have already worked together on prior projects. Jon Hamm and the film’s director John Slattery are both alums of the wildly popular series “Mad Men.” Plus, Hamm and Slattery were also guest stars on “30 Rock” with series creator and star Tina Fey. The chemistry between Hamm and Fey is effortless and genuine and it is a delight to watch them onscreen together. Fey’s character is a departure from the comedic roles she has played before, but her natural humor still shines. Hamm’s charm captivates anyone around him, providing a sense of ease and comfort.

At the helm of the project is famed actor John Slattery. Maggie Moore(s) is his second feature film as director and producer, and it proves that Slattery is just as talented behind the camera as he is in front of it. He seamlessly blends the crime and humor in well-balanced storytelling with never a dull moment. The film showcases Slattery’s keen eye to camera angles, effective placement of music and expert utilization of his veteran cast. Under Slattery’s direction the witty offbeat script comes together beautifully.

Maggie Moore(s) is a dark comedy that takes you on a wild ride of twists and turns. Director Slattery has brought his unique vision to the genre, creating a delightfully entertaining experience. The clever script is precisely executed by the talented cast, keeping the audience engaged. If you want a nice mix of drama, comedy and romance that isn’t taken too seriously then Maggie Moore(s) is the perfect film to watch.