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Erika (17788 KP) rated Clue (1985) in Movies
Jun 19, 2018
The cast (1 more)
The multiple endings
Communism is just a red-herring.
This movie holds up after multiple viewings. The cast is fantastic, and the movie was completely zany. I always watch the film with all 3 endings, and I can't pick a favorite. This film definitely borrows a lot from 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie, but it's definitely not a bad thing. Madeline Kahn was my favorite in this film, because all of her lines were perfectly delivered.
This is one movie that never needs to be remade.
This is one movie that never needs to be remade.
Vegas (725 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express (2017) in Movies
Sep 5, 2018
Story (1 more)
Cast
Slow in places (1 more)
Poirots moustache
Good remake of a classic
An enjoyable, if a little slow at times, star heavy adaptation of the Agatha Christie story - set on the Orient Express.
As good to watch as the original version with the cast making the most of limited screen time each, we may know the outcome of the story, but,even knowing that, the film doesn't disappoint, and Kenneth Branagh with his bizarre moustache fitting in well as Poirot, a role, I'm sure most people wouldn't have been able to see him playing.
As good to watch as the original version with the cast making the most of limited screen time each, we may know the outcome of the story, but,even knowing that, the film doesn't disappoint, and Kenneth Branagh with his bizarre moustache fitting in well as Poirot, a role, I'm sure most people wouldn't have been able to see him playing.
Dean (6921 KP) rated A haunting in Venice (2023) in Movies
Sep 21, 2023
Ok for Whodunit fans
I love Murder Mysteries and a fan of Agatha Christie stories. I've not seen a film or Tv adaptation of this cover of the "Hallowe'en Party" story. It's different with the Ghost and spiritual angle on proceedings. A nice setting in a creepy house in Venice. The summing up seemed to come rather abruptly and a couple of things not really that well explained as to how they were worked out. There's not much for viewers to go by to work it out. One for Whodunit fans mainly.
Becs (244 KP) rated The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Hercule Poirot #4) in Books
Aug 4, 2019
Not my favorite novel
You can also find this review on my blog at bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
TRIGGER WARNINGS: death, murder, talk of suicide
Review:
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of Roger Ackroyd. Ackroyd was murdered in his study that was locked, but not before he received a letter from the person that was blackmailing the widow he was having an affair with. This same widow was being blackmailed and rumors spread about her murdering her own husband. She ends up committing suicide because of these rumors and blackmailing.
King's Abbot is full of suspects but it's up to Hercule Poirot to figure out who is guilty of murdering Roger Ackroyd. He is aided by the village doctor and narrator of the story, James Sheppard and his sister, Caroline Sheppard.
I really wanted to love this novel, as it seemed really interesting. It didn't get interesting until the very ending and I wouldn't recommend reading this book first if you've never read an Agatha Christie novel. This was the first ever novel I've read by Agatha Christie and I'm just not really bothered to read any more novels by Agatha Christie.
The story was somewhat interesting, but the execution wasn't there. I wasn't able to guess the killer, so that was a fun little plot twist. But the ending came abruptly and the overall story lacked. It lacked that punch that most mysteries have. There was hardly any development and background for both the story and the characters.
I listened to the audiobook version of this so I wasn't sure if there wasn't any grammatical and/or spelling errors. The narrator was a bit monotone but was otherwise a decent speaker. I forced myself through this, when all I wanted to do was DNF it. It lacked, was confusing, and was rather boring. I did not enjoy this and was disappointed with the overall story.
"The things young women read nowadays and profess to enjoy positively frighten me."
TRIGGER WARNINGS: death, murder, talk of suicide
Review:
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of Roger Ackroyd. Ackroyd was murdered in his study that was locked, but not before he received a letter from the person that was blackmailing the widow he was having an affair with. This same widow was being blackmailed and rumors spread about her murdering her own husband. She ends up committing suicide because of these rumors and blackmailing.
King's Abbot is full of suspects but it's up to Hercule Poirot to figure out who is guilty of murdering Roger Ackroyd. He is aided by the village doctor and narrator of the story, James Sheppard and his sister, Caroline Sheppard.
I really wanted to love this novel, as it seemed really interesting. It didn't get interesting until the very ending and I wouldn't recommend reading this book first if you've never read an Agatha Christie novel. This was the first ever novel I've read by Agatha Christie and I'm just not really bothered to read any more novels by Agatha Christie.
The story was somewhat interesting, but the execution wasn't there. I wasn't able to guess the killer, so that was a fun little plot twist. But the ending came abruptly and the overall story lacked. It lacked that punch that most mysteries have. There was hardly any development and background for both the story and the characters.
I listened to the audiobook version of this so I wasn't sure if there wasn't any grammatical and/or spelling errors. The narrator was a bit monotone but was otherwise a decent speaker. I forced myself through this, when all I wanted to do was DNF it. It lacked, was confusing, and was rather boring. I did not enjoy this and was disappointed with the overall story.
"The things young women read nowadays and profess to enjoy positively frighten me."
Erika (17788 KP) rated The Hunting Party in Books
Jun 27, 2020
After seeing the buzz and positive reviews surrounding this book, I figured I'd give it a try. I'm always wary now when they liken a current author to Agatha Christie (cough, cough, Ruth Ware), because these authors do not deserve the honor.
The characters were ok and predictable. It was true to life, the situation with old friends, and how you don't have anything really in common anymore, but you force yourself to still hang out with them.
The plot was so rollicking, it just needed to get to the point. The red herrings were stupid and too numerous. The events were predictable, and the end was meh.
I probably won't read anything else by this author.
The characters were ok and predictable. It was true to life, the situation with old friends, and how you don't have anything really in common anymore, but you force yourself to still hang out with them.
The plot was so rollicking, it just needed to get to the point. The red herrings were stupid and too numerous. The events were predictable, and the end was meh.
I probably won't read anything else by this author.
Chloe (778 KP) rated The Guest List in Books
Feb 8, 2021
Solid whodunit (2 more)
Interesting characters
Great setting
New take on Agatha Christie
I loved the setting and feel it was described well, I had a clear perspective of the perils. The writing illicits feelings for all the characters which made the story very readable, I red it over 24 hours. This would make an excellent movie particularly with the lights going out.
I guessed the big plot twists other than the final killer. I think the killers parts could have been better written and/or more prominent. Overall, a good fast paced read that would be great to dip in and out of whilst travelling or whilst on holiday (if we are ever allowed again).
I guessed the big plot twists other than the final killer. I think the killers parts could have been better written and/or more prominent. Overall, a good fast paced read that would be great to dip in and out of whilst travelling or whilst on holiday (if we are ever allowed again).
ClareR (5542 KP) rated Marple: Twelve New Stories in Books
Jul 10, 2023
I’ve haven’t read any Agatha Christie, so I’ve only seen Miss Marple on the TV in her many guises - and I’ve enjoyed them all.
My favourite stories in the anthology were written by: Val McDermid, Natalie Haynes, Ruth Ware, Ely Griffiths and Kate Moss.
The authors mentioned above gave the most convincing re-imaginings, whilst some of the others made her sound more modern, or Americanisms had slipped in - which is definitely very un-Marple-ish!
All in all, it’s a very enjoyable anthology, and I did like all of the stories.
Thanks to The Pigeonhole and to all the authors that contributed (the US cover actually shows who all of the authors are).
My favourite stories in the anthology were written by: Val McDermid, Natalie Haynes, Ruth Ware, Ely Griffiths and Kate Moss.
The authors mentioned above gave the most convincing re-imaginings, whilst some of the others made her sound more modern, or Americanisms had slipped in - which is definitely very un-Marple-ish!
All in all, it’s a very enjoyable anthology, and I did like all of the stories.
Thanks to The Pigeonhole and to all the authors that contributed (the US cover actually shows who all of the authors are).
Dean (6921 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express (2017) in Movies
Nov 9, 2017
All star cast (1 more)
Picturesque views
Pretty remake but lacking charm
I'm a bit Agatha Christie fan and love a Whodunit. I've seen the original Albert Finney version a few times and the David Suchet made for TV one. This is behind both of those. Although it has a great cast and some nice scenery it lacks any charm, suspense or tension. Maybe because I know the story so well but the flash backs, clues and final summing up weren't as good as the other versions. Might be more fun for those who haven't seen the other versions. I wasn't keen on Branagh's portrayal of Poirot either... But it's still a good story.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express (2017) in Movies
Feb 12, 2018
Hard to see past the moustache
Nice-looking and competent new version of the Agatha Christie classic, made in the traditional all-star manner. A bit hard to be gripped by the actual murder-mystery plot, but maybe that's because the twist in this story is so famous it barely qualifies as such any more.
Often looks more like a commercial for a luxury railway touring holiday than an actual thriller, but I suppose the production values are part of the appeal of this sort of film. Ken Branagh is arguably just a little bit hammy as a version of Poirot who appears to have some form of ASD, but he has a certain moral authority. Probably won't rock your world but passes the time nicely enough.
Often looks more like a commercial for a luxury railway touring holiday than an actual thriller, but I suppose the production values are part of the appeal of this sort of film. Ken Branagh is arguably just a little bit hammy as a version of Poirot who appears to have some form of ASD, but he has a certain moral authority. Probably won't rock your world but passes the time nicely enough.
Shane Crick (5 KP) rated The Eyes of Death in Books
Dec 10, 2018
An entertaining read that will keep your mind racing, trying to figure out whom the Fawn Island killer really Is. You'll engage In the adventures, mishaps, and mayhem that occurs through Stephen Hall's quest of Interviewing and getting to better know the Fawn Island residents. Along with figuring out If Kimball's death was a true accident or pure murder. No one Is as they seem upon Fawn Island and this leads to new Insights, hidden secrets, and the hunt for a killer. Get entwined with a varied cast of characters that will engulf you Into the story and keep you turning the pages until the very end. If your an Agatha Christie fan, this will definitely be a treat for you to enjoy from this author.