Bethany doesn’t have more official secret agent backup for this mystery. But the villains better watch out. Bethany’s got an education.
“Where’d you learn to fight like that?” the bad guy asks.
“I was homeschooled,” Bethany replies.
“What?”
“My physical education included baling hay, and studying Shaolin Kung Fu.”
The exchange shows much of the fun, slightly odd vibe of Mount Hideaway Mysteries: Exes and Oh No’s. It also indicates where it may be limiting itself.
With some smugness shrugged away, its attitude is “Yeah, we’re homeschooled. Yeah, we’re swell.” The characters, the situations, even the banjo music in the credits, can have potential to entertain. Yet, although we hear much about things, it would be a different film if we saw more of the homeschool Shaolin Kung Fu training, and didn’t simply limit the idea to a line. Just cut some of the lines, and it could fly further. It has nice asides, like a hedgehog in a mug, and some fun references; yet, would have been stronger if its significant components were visualized more.
Mount Hideaway Mysteries: Exes and Oh No’s sets up for the next story. This one is fun, but will the next one accomplish more with the potential it has? That is a mystery that could be worth investigating.
There is murder, some violence, and more. There is also drinking, which is not continuous, but is an aspect worth being aware of. But for viewers ready for its content, Mount Hideaway Mysteries: Exes and Oh No’s is Dove-Approved for Ages 12+.
The Dove Take:
Mount Hideaway Mysteries: Exes and Oh No’s teeters on a fence between entertaining and wordy, with fun characters, mystery, and good regard for homeschooling.