The Cases of Mystery Lane
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No misery this week! Hallmark Movies and Mysteries gave us “The Cases of Mystery Lane” starring Paul Campbell and Aimee Garcia. Listen in as Megan and Wendy discuss Paul Campbell in what he calls his “dream role.”
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About “The Cases of Mystery Lane”
- Paul Campbell plays Alden Case.
- Campbell gave an interview where he said he loved wearing the ridiculous disguises and playing characters in this movie.
- Aimee Garcia plays Birdie Case. She is new to Hallmark but is not a newcomer to acting. She has 81 acting credits including last year’s Netflix holiday movie “Christmas with You” also starring Freddie Prinze Jr., 80 episodes of the series “Lucifer,” many years on the HBO series “Dexter.” Appears she does a ton of voice work as well.
- This movie was written by Joel Dovev and Margaux Froley who are married and this is their first joint writing credit as well as first Hallmark movie for the both of them.
- According to Heavy.com, this was originally written to be an hour-long TV series about an eccentric husband and his straight-laced wife to end up teaming up as private investigators to solve mysteries and end up saving their marriage in the process. Apparently it was passed on by network TV but Hallmark ended up grabbing it.
- Directed by Mike Rohl. You might remember we mentioned his name at the beginning of the year. He has 61 directing credits including tons for Hallmark but so many more. We mentioned him because he is the father to actress Kacey Rohl who played art student Lily in The Wedding Veil Inspiration.
- Paul Campbell super fan Caroline Richardson (also known as @hallmarkiescaroline3 and co-host of Hallmarkies Podcast) started a petition on Change.org to get Hallmark to commit to turning this movie into a franchise. At the time of taking notes, the petition was at 408 signatures, including the one and only Tyler Hynes.
Our Thoughts on The Cases of Mystery Lane
This is a rundown of everything we discussed in our podcast episode of Girls Gone Hallmark. If you enjoy our insights, be sure to tune into our podcast for more discussions on Hallmark movies!
First Impressions
As lifelong Hallmark fans, we were excited to dive into “The Cases of Mystery Lane.” From the outset, the film promised an intriguing blend of humor and mystery, and it didn’t disappoint. The chemistry between the lead characters, played by Paul Campbell and Aimee Garcia, set the tone for what turned out to be a delightful watch.
What We Liked
The film excelled in several areas, making it a standout in the Hallmark mystery lineup.
1. Perfect Casting:
Paul Campbell as Alden Case was a masterstroke. His dry humor and comedic timing were impeccable, making every scene a joy to watch. Aimee Garcia, who played Birdie Case, was a perfect match for Paul. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, and their characters complemented each other beautifully.
2. Engaging Plot:
We loved the comedic twist on the mystery genre. The storyline was not only captivating but also easy to follow, something that isn’t always the case with mystery plots. The film kept us engaged from start to finish, with well-timed humor and suspense.
3. Realistic Relationships:
The dynamic between Alden and Birdie felt genuine and relatable. Their marriage had its ups and downs, but it was portrayed in a way that felt authentic. Their interactions were filled with real-life complexities, making their relationship one of the film’s highlights.
4. Writing and Dialogue:
The script was sharp and witty. The banter between characters, especially Alden’s interactions with the air quotes “cop” and fellow PI Rick, was hilarious. The writers did a fantastic job of balancing humor with the mystery elements.
What We Wished For
While we thoroughly enjoyed “The Cases of Mystery Lane,” there were a couple of areas where we felt it could have been slightly improved.
1. Clearer Motivation:
We wished for a better understanding upfront of why Birdie had considered divorcing Alden. The revelation comes later in the film, but an early hint might have helped us connect with their marital issues sooner.
2. Simplified Plot Elements:
At times, the plot got a bit convoluted, particularly when integrating the mob element and Paula’s involvement. A slight streamlining could have made the story even more engaging without detracting from the suspense.
Did You See That?
Here are some fun details and moments from the movie that stood out to us.
1. Snack Surveillance:
Alden’s snack-filled stakeouts were both entertaining and relatable. From burgers to licorice, his food choices added a humorous touch to his PI persona.
2. Key Ignition:
Alden’s Kia had an old-school key ignition, which seemed out of place for a relatively modern car. This detail added a quirky, almost nostalgic feel to his character.
3. The Wink:
The old lady with the gun gave Alden a wink after cocking it, which was both funny and nerve-wracking. It was a small moment that added a lot of character to the supporting cast.
4. Accents and Disguises:
Alden’s various disguises and accents, especially the pizza guy gig, were laugh-out-loud funny. It brought a playful element to the film that we appreciated.
Our Rating
In conclusion, we believe “The Cases of Mystery Lane” is a hit. It stands out among Hallmark’s mystery films with its excellent casting, engaging plot, and perfect blend of comedy and suspense. Our rating is 4.75 stars out of 5. While we had a couple of minor wishes for improvement, they didn’t significantly detract from our overall enjoyment of the film.
We hope you enjoyed this comprehensive review. Be sure to listen to our full podcast episode on Girls Gone Hallmark for more detailed discussions. Happy watching!
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Hi, we’re Megan and Wendy! Join us for Hallmark movie reviews every Tuesday and Thursday! We review the new Hallmark Original movies, Hallmark Mysteries, Countdown to Christmas movies, and fan-favorite Hallmark movies – all year long.
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