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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Closed Casket: The New Hercule Poirot Mystery in Books
Jul 28, 2017
A good adaptation of a classic but leave it be
I really quite enjoyed this version of Agatha Christie's classic Belgian detective despite being a huge fan of the original. Having read most of the collection I was a bit irked at having it rehashed under someone else's guise. Sophie Hannah has done a good job of bringing the old elements from the original but it should be said to leave it be. Hannah quite easily could have created a new character without taking literary licence from Christie.
It seems that in order for her book to be noticed in an already over saturated area, Hannah has reincarnated the character. She needs more confidence in her writing - so I hope that she chooses to be a bit more original next time.
It seems that in order for her book to be noticed in an already over saturated area, Hannah has reincarnated the character. She needs more confidence in her writing - so I hope that she chooses to be a bit more original next time.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle in Books
Mar 28, 2018
Convoluted murder mystery
I would love to watch this as a TV series because as a book it seems rather all over the place. Following Aiden Bishop, who seems to be appear in a new host body every day in order to solve a Gosford Park-style murder, he's also stacked against competitors desperate to flee this entrapment.
The premise is fantastic - it's Inception mixed with Agatha Christie- but I feel the author Stuart Turton may have overstretched himself because by the end it's a tangle of a mess, and finishes rather abruptly, trying to tackle loose ends. I may be in the minority, but I found myself drifting away quite a bit, actually forgetting characters. There's far too many murders and body swapping, and I don't think it reached its potential.
The premise is fantastic - it's Inception mixed with Agatha Christie- but I feel the author Stuart Turton may have overstretched himself because by the end it's a tangle of a mess, and finishes rather abruptly, trying to tackle loose ends. I may be in the minority, but I found myself drifting away quite a bit, actually forgetting characters. There's far too many murders and body swapping, and I don't think it reached its potential.
Milleen (47 KP) rated The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle in Books
Jan 14, 2019
Mindblowing Murder Mystery
Any fan of a jolly good, old fashioned murder mystery may enjoy a new spin on the favourite format. Imagine an Agatha Christie style thriller from the point of view of several characters, a narrator who swaps bodies and arrives at different times in their week. He must solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle, avoid the evil Footman and play time to his advantage if he is ever allowed to leave Blackheath. This was a complex, and yet highly enjoyable, work of fiction. Within three chapters you will begin to appreciate the work it must’ve taken Turton to create this tense thriller. It’s an exhilarating peek into the minds of other characters and their perspectives, the more their individual stories overlap, the more the narrative flows. Definitely a book for discussion.
Fruit Bat (42 KP) rated The Strange Case of Caroline Maxwell in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Recommended reading "The Strange Case of Caroline Maxwell "Paperback – 12 Sep 2014 by Amanda Harvey Purse.
This book has all the ingredients that makes a great mystery novel. The question is what is there not to love history mixed with fiction, Sherlock Holmes, Jack the Ripper with a great references to Agatha Christie and a famous little Belgian detective.
Amanda's book deserves so much more then the twos reviews it has on Amazon .
The book is truly well researched and comes across as a great labour of love , I loved spotting the historical cases that where mixed among the fiction. If you have the opportunity to read this book I recommend you do it's not to be missed.
Amanda I loved this book from start to finish thank you for the opportunity to read it I hope to see more of this wonderful character
This book has all the ingredients that makes a great mystery novel. The question is what is there not to love history mixed with fiction, Sherlock Holmes, Jack the Ripper with a great references to Agatha Christie and a famous little Belgian detective.
Amanda's book deserves so much more then the twos reviews it has on Amazon .
The book is truly well researched and comes across as a great labour of love , I loved spotting the historical cases that where mixed among the fiction. If you have the opportunity to read this book I recommend you do it's not to be missed.
Amanda I loved this book from start to finish thank you for the opportunity to read it I hope to see more of this wonderful character
Awix (3310 KP) rated Knives Out (2019) in Movies
Nov 28, 2019
Bravura Agatha Christie pastiche from Rian Johnson. A successful writer turns up dead in suspicious circumstances, and a renowned private detective finds himself retained to investigate the situation. There are various unpleasant and scheming relatives and an implausibly convoluted plot unfolds before the denouement: the film is almost self-consciously modern in many ways, but hits all the right beats for a whodunnit in the classic style.
It mainly manages this thanks to Johnson's mastery of tone - this is a sly, playful movie, full of big performances as comically grotesque characters. Daniel Craig is clearly having rather too much fun as the Poirot-proxy and I can imagine him wanting to play this fellow again once he's finished with that other well-known role of his. An impressive performance from Ana de Armas as well. Pure entertainment, superbly done: lots and lots of fun.
It mainly manages this thanks to Johnson's mastery of tone - this is a sly, playful movie, full of big performances as comically grotesque characters. Daniel Craig is clearly having rather too much fun as the Poirot-proxy and I can imagine him wanting to play this fellow again once he's finished with that other well-known role of his. An impressive performance from Ana de Armas as well. Pure entertainment, superbly done: lots and lots of fun.
Dean (6924 KP) rated See how they run (2022) in Movies
Sep 29, 2022
Whodunit?
This looked like a very witty, funny whodunit film from the trailer. The film as a whole doesn't have that same vibe unfortunately.
The film centres around The Mousetrap play in the West End in the 50's. I saw it just a couple of years ago. After the 100th performance it is being looked at to be made into a film. However differences on how it should be adapted come to surface and it's not long before someone is bumped off.
A clever take as this film almost becomes a film version of the story. Lots of scenes from the Theatre where the play is on feature.
Saoirse Ronan is the shining light here as the inexperienced Constable on the case. If you like the play or an Agatha Christie Whodunit you should enjoy.
The film centres around The Mousetrap play in the West End in the 50's. I saw it just a couple of years ago. After the 100th performance it is being looked at to be made into a film. However differences on how it should be adapted come to surface and it's not long before someone is bumped off.
A clever take as this film almost becomes a film version of the story. Lots of scenes from the Theatre where the play is on feature.
Saoirse Ronan is the shining light here as the inexperienced Constable on the case. If you like the play or an Agatha Christie Whodunit you should enjoy.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Death on the Nile (2022) in Movies
Mar 16, 2022
Well Done
The old adage “they don’t make movies like this anymore” is no truer than when one is speaking about large budget, big name cast murder mysteries and with what must surely be a disappointing box office for DEATH ON THE NILE, they just might not try again.
And that is too bad for the latest Kenneth Branagh Hercule Poirot mystery DEATH ON THE NILE with Branagh starring, again, as the great Agatha Christie Belgian Detective is the stuff that makes going to movies fun - big characters, major stars, gorgeous scenery and a plot that will keep one guessing until the end.
Branagh’s previous work as Director and star of MURDER OF THE ORIENT EXPRESS was a bit of a disappointment as it was gorgeous and well cast - but the pacing of the film dragged and Branagh decided, inexplicably, to add an action scene to a drawing room mystery.
In DEATH ON THE NILE, Branagh (who Directed this film from an screenplay by Michael Green who adapted the Agatha Christie novel), corrected these mistakes and the film moves along spritely with the actors chewing the scenery - but quickly - making this a very enjoyable movie-going experience.
Branagh, in his second go-around as Poirot, seems much more relaxed and comfortable with his character. This is, perhaps, because they add a backstory to Poirot, so he has much more to set his character upon. On the surface, purists of the the Agatha Christie character will blanche at the thought of adding a backstory, but I’ll be darned if it doesn’t work and adds a layer of depth to the character and the film that I wasn’t expecting.
The All-Star cast knows what type of film they are in - and what is expected of them - and they deliver. Gal Gadot, Armie Hammmer, Rose Leslie, Letitia Wright, Jennifer Saunders, Sophie Okonedo and, surprisingly, Russell Brand all shine brightly in their “moment” that their character gets with Poirot. Special notice needs to be made of Annette Bening’s performance. It was GREAT to see this wonderful actress get a role she could sink her teeth into.
As always, with this type of film, the settings and costumes take a prominent position and they do not disappoint. Cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos should be hired by the Egyptian Chamber of Commerce for he lovingly shows the sites along the Nile River (circa ‘1930’s) in a beautiful poetic way while the Costumes by Pago Delgado are gorgeous and ornate - without being over-the-top.
If you get a chance to see DEATH ON THE NILE on the big screen, do so, you will be well rewarded for your efforts - and just might help get another of these big budget, big star mysteries made. If not, make sure to check this film out when it starts streaming near you - it’s a ton of fun.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
And that is too bad for the latest Kenneth Branagh Hercule Poirot mystery DEATH ON THE NILE with Branagh starring, again, as the great Agatha Christie Belgian Detective is the stuff that makes going to movies fun - big characters, major stars, gorgeous scenery and a plot that will keep one guessing until the end.
Branagh’s previous work as Director and star of MURDER OF THE ORIENT EXPRESS was a bit of a disappointment as it was gorgeous and well cast - but the pacing of the film dragged and Branagh decided, inexplicably, to add an action scene to a drawing room mystery.
In DEATH ON THE NILE, Branagh (who Directed this film from an screenplay by Michael Green who adapted the Agatha Christie novel), corrected these mistakes and the film moves along spritely with the actors chewing the scenery - but quickly - making this a very enjoyable movie-going experience.
Branagh, in his second go-around as Poirot, seems much more relaxed and comfortable with his character. This is, perhaps, because they add a backstory to Poirot, so he has much more to set his character upon. On the surface, purists of the the Agatha Christie character will blanche at the thought of adding a backstory, but I’ll be darned if it doesn’t work and adds a layer of depth to the character and the film that I wasn’t expecting.
The All-Star cast knows what type of film they are in - and what is expected of them - and they deliver. Gal Gadot, Armie Hammmer, Rose Leslie, Letitia Wright, Jennifer Saunders, Sophie Okonedo and, surprisingly, Russell Brand all shine brightly in their “moment” that their character gets with Poirot. Special notice needs to be made of Annette Bening’s performance. It was GREAT to see this wonderful actress get a role she could sink her teeth into.
As always, with this type of film, the settings and costumes take a prominent position and they do not disappoint. Cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos should be hired by the Egyptian Chamber of Commerce for he lovingly shows the sites along the Nile River (circa ‘1930’s) in a beautiful poetic way while the Costumes by Pago Delgado are gorgeous and ornate - without being over-the-top.
If you get a chance to see DEATH ON THE NILE on the big screen, do so, you will be well rewarded for your efforts - and just might help get another of these big budget, big star mysteries made. If not, make sure to check this film out when it starts streaming near you - it’s a ton of fun.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2086 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When Poirot is called back to England, he must forgo a planned layover in Istanbul and find a berth on a surprisingly crowded train. A freak snow storm strands the train on the tracks, and that night a murder takes place. The victim had come to Poirot because he feared that his life was in danger. With the train stuck, the killer is still on board. But who could it be?
I had not read this book before, but I still knew the ending. Even knowing that, I was enthralled watching how it all played out. There is a reason that Agatha Christie is considered the queen of plots to this day. I also found the characters strong enough that I could keep them all straight, and there are plenty of suspects.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-murder-on-orient-express-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I had not read this book before, but I still knew the ending. Even knowing that, I was enthralled watching how it all played out. There is a reason that Agatha Christie is considered the queen of plots to this day. I also found the characters strong enough that I could keep them all straight, and there are plenty of suspects.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-murder-on-orient-express-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Dean (6924 KP) rated Jonathan Creek in TV
Aug 31, 2020 (Updated Aug 31, 2020)
Cast chemistry (2 more)
The ideas behind the crimes
Funny
Brilliant Mystery Drama
A brilliant TV show, one of my favourites and one you can easily watch again. This is more of a how they did it as well as a Whodunit?
The title character works as an ideas man for a stage performing illusionist. Often working out very complex crimes with a reporter friend. Often these are locked room murders or other baffling cases that don't make sense. The ideas behind most stories are really good and it's fun trying to work them out. There is plenty of comedy as well and the cast work great together.
The last 2 series weren't as good as the earlier ones but still enjoyable. The best ones though are the longer special episodes, especially "The Grinning Man". If you didn't catch them all or missed it completely it's worth checking it out if you are a fan of Agatha Christie style murder mysteries. Available on BBC iplayer and Alabi on demand.
The title character works as an ideas man for a stage performing illusionist. Often working out very complex crimes with a reporter friend. Often these are locked room murders or other baffling cases that don't make sense. The ideas behind most stories are really good and it's fun trying to work them out. There is plenty of comedy as well and the cast work great together.
The last 2 series weren't as good as the earlier ones but still enjoyable. The best ones though are the longer special episodes, especially "The Grinning Man". If you didn't catch them all or missed it completely it's worth checking it out if you are a fan of Agatha Christie style murder mysteries. Available on BBC iplayer and Alabi on demand.
Dean (6924 KP) rated Death on the Nile (2022) in Movies
Feb 27, 2022
Cinematography (1 more)
Very stylish
A decent remake
I'm a big Agatha Christie fan and the Ustinov version of this from '78 along with @Evil Under the Sun (1982) are two of my favourite films of her stories.
This doesn't differ too much in terms of the core story or characters. We do get a little look at Poirot's past. It looks stunning, the cinematography stands out as well as the opulence. From the Fashion, the steamer boat, all the details show the class of high luxury and wealth of the lead characters.
It's a bit raunchy as well to make it a bit more modern.
Some of cast are unrecognisable, Russell Brand looking very different. French and Saunders do seem a bit miscast though.
Some of details of the plot did seem a bit more rushed in this version. Also lacking a bit of charm of the original. Still a good effort and better than Murder on the Orient Express I felt.
This doesn't differ too much in terms of the core story or characters. We do get a little look at Poirot's past. It looks stunning, the cinematography stands out as well as the opulence. From the Fashion, the steamer boat, all the details show the class of high luxury and wealth of the lead characters.
It's a bit raunchy as well to make it a bit more modern.
Some of cast are unrecognisable, Russell Brand looking very different. French and Saunders do seem a bit miscast though.
Some of details of the plot did seem a bit more rushed in this version. Also lacking a bit of charm of the original. Still a good effort and better than Murder on the Orient Express I felt.