Is Once Upon a Murdoch Christmas Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Once Upon a Murdoch Christmas (2016), audiences are invited back into the world of Mystery. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Days before Christmas in Edwardian-era Toronto, Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) is called to investigate a daring train robbery. When witnesses insist the culprit exhibited superhuman abilities, Constable Crabtree (Jonny Harris, Still Standing) realizes the robber bears a striking resemblance to the title character of his new graphic novel, Jumping Jack. As more robberies targeting gifts from Eaton's luxury department occur around Toronto, Murdoch and his team are forced to consider the possibility that Crabtree's character has come to life. As Station House No. 4 contends with the real-life Jumping Jack, Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig, Coronation Street) orders the formation of a police choir, and Dr. Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy, Durham County) tries to help two orphans who mistake her for a fairytale heroine. Can Murdoch and his team stop Jumping Jack from stealing Christmas?"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Yannick Bisson is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Mystery. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Once Upon a Murdoch Christmas worth your time? If you appreciate Mystery films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2016, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Once Upon a Murdoch Christmas is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 88 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.