Think Fast, Mr. Moto: A breezy little mystery that knows when to quit

If you're in the mood for something that doesn't demand you think too hard, Think Fast, Mr. Moto is a solid pick. It's for the people who want a classic, black-and-white detective story that clocks in at a runtime that won't ruin your whole evening. If you need grit, massive stakes, or complex character arcs, you should probably skip this one. It's not trying to change your life.

Peter Lorre is just a delight here. He has this way of being in every room without actually taking up any space. He’s soft-spoken, polite, and clearly five steps ahead of everyone else on that freighter. It’s funny watching the other actors try to look tough while he just stands there, tilting his head and smiling.

The ship setting is pretty standard, but it works. You have your usual suspects—the smugglers, the nervous passengers, and the crew. There’s a scene where Moto is investigating something in a cabin, and the way the lighting hits his face just makes him look like he knows exactly which secret everyone is hiding. It’s a nice little touch.

Some of the side characters are a bit flat, honestly. One of the thugs is so obviously up to no good that it makes you wonder how he ever got hired for a smuggling ring in the first place. But that doesn't really matter. You aren't here for the deep psychological profiles of 1930s criminals.

There's a bit of a weird energy whenever they cut to the deck scenes. It feels a little empty, like they just grabbed whoever was around the studio lot that day. It didn't bother me much, though. It actually added to the charm, in a way. Kind of like how I felt watching Speak Easily, where the chaos just sort of happens around the lead actor.

I did find myself laughing at how easily Moto handles the bad guys. He doesn't need to punch them out. He just kind of... outsmarts them into a corner. It’s satisfying. It’s not as intense as a thriller, but it has a rhythm that kept me watching until the end.

It’s a breezy film. Don't expect it to linger in your brain for weeks, but for an hour or so? It hits the spot just right. 🕵️‍♂️

• Peter Lorre's voice is pure gold.
• The ship set looks like a sturdy cardboard box, but I dig it.
• No long-winded speeches about justice.
• Just a guy catching bad guys.