“Clue’s” unpredictable endings leave viewers puzzled

Imagine this: it’s fall break in Athens, there’s a slight breeze in the air and your roommate Eileen Otto proposes a movie night on the balcony—featuring one of her favorites, 1985’s “Clue.” With a spiked lemonade in hand, we head outside, balancing her laptop on our only semi-secure table. Don’t be fooled—we definitely had to clean off laundry to be able to sit there.

The premise of “Clue” is pretty well-known. Six strangers are lured to a house for a dinner party, where a murder mystery ensues. The only thing they all have in common is that they are each being blackmailed by Mr. Boddy – who, if you couldn’t guess, is soon killed by one of the six guests. With the help of the butler Wadsworth (Tim Curry) and maid Yvette (Colleen Camp), the residents of the house race around trying to find who did it.

A seasoned viewer, Eileen tells me: “You can figure out who the murderer is if you really pay attention.” Yet, within minutes, I realize I must either be unobservant or just stupid because I have no idea.

The roles of the suspects—Mrs. White, Miss Scarlet, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, Professor Plum and Colonel Mustard – were all well done, but I found Tim Curry’s butler to be the best character of all. With rapid-fire lines and exceptional delivery, it’s far from the only standout role in his career, but it’s definitely one of them. For those who don’t like Tim Curry, the performances of Lesley Ann Warren’s Miss Scarlet and Micheal McKean’s Mr. Green are entertaining too.

Another part of “Clue’s” appeal is its comedic timing. It’s not always easy—or common—to work humor into a murder plot, but “Clue” succeeds in being lighthearted. I would describe it almost as a cult classic, with lines that are both clever and slapstick, dark and satirical. For example, upon suggesting they move a body into the study room, Wadsworth explains, “I’m the butler. I like to keep the kitchen tidy.”

However, I am still trying to figure out how I feel about the endings. Yes, “endings,” plural. Just like the board game, “Clue” embraces a plethora of possibilities and has three different endings. I am told by Eileen that they’d show a different ending every time at the theater, which is both fun and confusing. I think it suits the movie, but I don’t know which one I prefer. Plus, I’m not sure how I feel about a “whodunnit” that never really gives a solid answer.

Overall, I rate “Clue” a 3.5/5. It’s not the most cinematic, and it does its best for being based on a surface-level plot. But it is nostalgic; it’s the type of movie you watch in your parents’ basement with a fat bowl of popcorn and a pile of blankets. Or, if that’s not currently accessible, it’s just as good on your balcony with the honking of taxi cars below.