Review

"Curious Caterer: Grilling Season – A Murder Mystery with a Side of Corny Romance and Overcooked Clichés"

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a Hallmark movie and a murder mystery had a baby, Curious Caterer: Grilling Season is here to answer that question. And by "answer," I mean it throws a lot of barbecue sauce at the wall and hopes some of it sticks. Spoiler alert: some of it does, but most of it just drips into a puddle of predictable plotlines and awkward small-town charm.

The movie follows Goldy Berry (played by Nikki DeLoach), a caterer with a knack for solving crimes, and Detective Tom Schultz (Andrew W. Walker), a cop who somehow manages to look perpetually confused while still being ridiculously handsome. Together, they investigate a murder that occurs during—you guessed it—grilling season. Because nothing says "whodunit" like a backyard BBQ gone wrong. Was it the jealous ex-husband? The shady neighbor with a secret sauce recipe? Or the overly enthusiastic grill master who just loves his meat a little too much? Honestly, by the time the killer is revealed, you’ll be less concerned with the mystery and more focused on why everyone in this town talks like they’re auditioning for a Hallmark holiday movie.

Speaking of Hallmark movies, Curious Caterer: Grilling Season checks all the boxes: a quirky small town, a protagonist with a cutesy job, and a romance so wholesome it could cure cavities. But here’s the twist—this time, there’s a dead body! It’s like Hallmark looked at their usual formula and said, “You know what this needs? A little homicide.” And honestly, it works… kind of. The murder mystery adds a layer of intrigue, but let’s be real, you’re not watching this for the suspense. You’re watching it for the awkward banter, the inexplicable chemistry between Goldy and Tom, and the sheer joy of seeing someone solve a crime while holding a tray of deviled eggs.

The dialogue is about as subtle as a flaming grill, with lines like, “The killer left no crumbs… but I found a clue in the coleslaw!” and “Love is like a good marinade—it takes time to soak in.” (Yes, that’s an actual line. No, I’m not kidding.) And don’t even get me started on the supporting cast, which includes a nosy neighbor who’s basically a walking caricature and a precocious kid who somehow knows more about crime-solving than the actual detective.

But here’s the thing: despite its flaws, Curious Caterer: Grilling Season is oddly endearing. It’s the kind of movie you watch with a bowl of popcorn and zero expectations, only to find yourself weirdly invested in whether Goldy will solve the case and finally admit her feelings for Tom. It’s cheesy, it’s campy, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from a Hallmark movie with a dash of murder. If you’re a fan of Hallmark holiday movies but wish they had more dead bodies, this is the film for you. Just don’t forget the barbecue sauce.