A Haunting in Venice

#AHauntingInVenice #MovieReview This film initially presents itself as a horror movie but unfolds more as a murder mystery, deviating from the expectations set by its promotional material. It shares similarities with other movies starring the same actor in a recurring character role, resembling a continuation of a franchise with a different name. While the first two movies were decent, this one falls into the same category. It doesn't quite captivate or hold your attention throughout. The storyline feels somewhat lacking and could benefit from filling in some plot holes. Overall, it's an okay movie that doesn't excel in drawing the audience in. The predictability of the plot and clues may leave viewers feeling ahead of the protagonist, diminishing some of the suspense. Ultimately, this film seems more suited for streaming rather than a theatrical viewing. It may not be worth the expense of a cinema ticket.

Another take on Agatha Christie's books, this one takes the "Hallowe'en Party" (1969), into the screen on a loose adaptation. Again Kenneth Branagh leads on the direction and main role (the belgian detective Hercule Poirot), while on his retirement in Venice, in post-war Venice, 1947. The screenplay is by Agatha Christie (obviously) and Michael Green (Blue Eyed Samurai, Blade Runner 2049, Logan, and the previous two movies of this series "The Murder on the Orient Express - 2017, and Death in the Nile - 2022). It is a way better movie than Death in the Nile, but it doesn't reach the level of Orient Express tho. In all passes in a dark Venice palazzo, in a strange empty Venice, that is shown only into the begging and the end (that were actually shots on a London Studio as much of the movie). The CGI effects are really nice into deleting modern things (and actual tourist) nto some obvious closed famous spots on close angle shots. The cinematography of Haris Zambarloukos (another close colleague into Branagh works like the previous movies and Belfast) is really beautiful, even into the dark settings that can be into closed spaces or huge claustrophobic rooms. I've read somewhere that the actors weren't aware when something like a closing door, etc would happen, but I bet that after the first one the trick didn't work again. On the story side, Branagh is spot on Poirot again. The story follows the usual premise of a crime with several characters involved, but I killed the charade into mid-movie (knowing how usually Agatha Christie Stories area - I can't really compare to the book as I didn't even read it). But it is enjoyable anyway if is that that you search. The story plus acting and beautifully well done cinematography and settings ensure a 7,0 out of 10,0 / B on my score. How I miss to see Venice again.

While Kenneth Branagh is not our favourite Poirot, we like seeing Agatha Christie tales on the big screen. (We want to encourage more murder mysteries to be made.) Much improved over Death on the Nile, this one gives us interesting establishing shots of the titular Venice before we get to the haunted Pallazo where the majority of the film takes place. Michelle Yeoh was the highlight of the familiar faces populating this one. Tina Fey was an odd choice as the comic relief in a period film. We did both close our eyes sometime in the middle though.