Another Thin Man (1939) ***1/2

Another Thin Man (1939) might sound like an exasperated question you'd ask a friend upon news of yet another sequel in a franchise. But when it comes to the Thin Man series, I think most would agree that wouldn't be your response in regard to the third film (or possibly any of the follow-ups). 

While this second of five sequels to W.S. Van Dyke's film adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's novel The Thin Man (1934) (my review here) is the least best in the series so far, and while it certainly follows an established formula, it's just impossible to deny the charm of Nick and Nora Charles (William Powell and Myrna Loy). 

Returning writers Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett provide plenty of what you'd expect from a Thin Man movie—witty banter, zingers, colorful characters with interesting monikers, Asta the dog antics, an Agatha Christie/Hercule Poirot style reveal in the finale, and—this time around—Nick and Nora's offspring to add to the proceedings! Even when the stories or action suffers, these films are magical. That's due to of the blend of ingredients they contain, which simply can't be replicated elsewhere.

You can find my The Thin Man Films Ranked list here.