Darby O'Gill and the Little People - 3/5

This is an adorable tour through Disney-fied Irish lore that touches on more than just leprechauns, though they are overwhelmingly the focus. The effects mostly hold up quite well, and a few of the scenes are actually impressively filmed. Still, the story’s quaintly rambling and there are several dubious plot contrivances. But on the whole it’s a worthwhile family film.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Secret of Kells by way of Behind the Waterfall.

Setting: Fantasy
Plot: Adventure
Tone: Family

Murder by Death - 3/5

This is a dumb screwball comedy that works pretty well, all things considered. The mystery is nonexistant, but constantly changes its own rules and is very much not the point of the story. Instead, the draw of the film is the sheer audacity of the premise and jokes, hoping to keep a quick enough pace that its audience won’t raise an incredulous eyebrow at its nonsense. Its satire of the (relatively) famous detectives is less scathing commentary than it is silly caricature and as such it is an enjoyable, if forgettable, romp.

Closest comparison: It’s like Spaceballs by way of Clue: The Movie.

Setting: Mystery
Plot: Screwball Comedy
Tone: Dry Comedy