Murder 101: If Wishes Were Horses

Murder 101: If Wishes Were Horses is a thrilling and engaging mystery/murder movie from 2007. Featuring a star-studded cast with iconic actor Dick Van Dyke, his real-life sons Barry Van Dyke and Shane Van Dyke, and Stacy Edwards, the film promises an enthralling watch from the get-go.

In the movie, Dick Van Dyke plays the brilliant criminology professor, Dr. Jonathan Maxwell, a role that undoubtedly fits perfectly with his years of playing intelligent characters. Dr. Maxwell is not your typical stuffy academic but comes alive and quite in his element when he is solving hard-to-crack mysteries.

The film takes an exciting turn when murder mysteries play out in an unexpected setting: an esteemed university campus where mind games play as vital a part as actual academic studies. Barry Van Dyke plays Mike Bryant, an ex-cop turned private investigator who remarkably forms an unlikely partnership with Dr. Maxwell. Their camaraderie serves as the backbone of the story and introduces a brilliant mix of humorous dialogue and moments of genuine rapport that make for an enjoyable watch.

As the story unfolds, one of the university's prestigious faculty members is found dead. Dr. Maxwell, who has an innate ability to solve puzzles and uncover the truth, wriggles himself into the investigation, bringing Mike along for the ride. Despite their contrasting characters, the duo proves to be a match in heaven. They complement each other beautifully: Dr. Maxwell contributes the wit and academia, and Mike brings the street smarts and real-life experience to the mix.

Shane Van Dyke plays the role of Ben Manners, a student in Professor Maxwell's criminology class, who also gets unwittingly drawn into the unfolding drama. His involvement injects a fresh and thrilling dimension to the case, establishing the whodunit with unexpected twists and turns that keep the audience guessing.

Stacy Edwards plays the character of Kelly, a key individual in the investigation who assists the duo in their mission to solve the crime. Her character is crafty, and her intriguing relationship with Brian and Maxwell provides another aspect of mystery to the already suspenseful plot.

Directed by David S. Cass Sr., Murder 101: If Wishes Were Horses leverages a tight storyline, laced with humor, suspense, and intrigue. The film does a fine job of immersing the audience in a tangled web of mysteries, while still maintaining humor and a sense of levity throughout – a testament to the excellent on-screen chemistry of the actors.

The strengths of Murder 101: If Wishes Were Horses are not only its well-developed and charismatic characters but also the thoughtfully constructed mystery. The narrative is clever and unpredictable, sown with red herrings and clues that will lead you in one direction before promptly pulling you in another.

What separates this murder mystery from others in the genre is the compelling dynamic shared by the main characters, who are not seasoned cops or private detectives but professionals from different walks of life. It cleverly deduces that solving a murder is not just about law enforcement but also requires an incisive understanding of people and their behaviours.

One of the four installments in Hallmark Channel's Murder 101 series, Murder 101: If Wishes Were Horses offers the nostalgia of classic detective stories, minus the grisly details, making it a family-friendly viewing.

If you're a fan of murder mysteries, especially those that aren't overly dark or gruesome, Murder 101: If Wishes Were Horses is likely to impress. The movie manages to juggle several story threads at once, crafting a narratively satisfying, yet mystifying, end product that is sure to keep you guessing right up until the climactic conclusion. Combined with the charm of the Van Dyke trio and an engaging script, this movie is a promising selection for a good old-fashioned mystery movie night.