Today’s quick review: Flypaper. When one bank is held up by two sets of bank robbers at the same time, Tripp (Patrick Dempsey), a bank customer with a variety of neuroses, and Kaitlin (Ashley Judd), one of the bank tellers, find themselves in the middle of a convoluted hostage situation. But as the night wears on, the robberies hit snag after snag, and Tripp uncovers a series of clues that suggest the simultaneous robberies may be more than just coincidence.
Flypaper is a crime comedy and mystery centered around a pair of ill-fated robberies. Patrick Dempsey stars as Tripp, whose mental issues and powers of observation make him a terrible hostage but a great detective. Ashley Judd plays opposite him as Kaitlin, a bank teller who helps him piece together the truth behind the robberies. The supporting cast includes Tim Blake Nelson, Octavia Spencer, Matt Ryan, and Jeffrey Tambor.
As a comedy, Flypaper is surprisingly entertaining. Between Tripp’s unhinged resourcefulness, the lovable idiocy of robbers Peanut Butter (Tim Blake Nelson) and Jelly (Pruitt Taylor Vince), and the motley assortment of hostages, the film has plenty of material to work with. The humor is more amusing than hilarious, but Flypaper handles its chaotic tone well, while the plot twists and mismatched clues make Flypaper a fairly effective mystery.
Watch Flypaper when you are in the mood for an underrated comedy with a puzzling plot. Flypaper lacks the polish and finesse of a big-budget movie, but its unusual premise, passable execution, and charm make it a worthwhile watch. Skip it if you are looking for a tighter mystery or a more uproarious comedy. For a whodunit that’s heavier on the comedy, check out Clue.
6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for charming characters, good comedy, and a decent mystery.