I'm a huge fan of Kenneth Branagh and his embrace of one of my favorite characters starting with 'Murder on the Orient Express' (my favorite so far and regardless of this film want more) I have to say disappointed in this film. Loaded with incredible talent, admittedly loved Tina Fey but lacking the humor and chemistry of Tom Bateman as one of the very few in Poirot's circle of 'friends' ("I have no friends!") she still allowed us to see what an incredible actor she is. I noticed midway I was bored. A dark background required for this type of film but missing was the incredible delight of being shot in Kodak 65mm film. Yes Venice is exotic but we are cheated. Missing to were the incredible quotable quotes from Poirot and others. Missing were the talents of this cast. Cheated! Camera angles used supposedly to create tension but causing imax headaches or a bad trip. I stayed as one reviewer stated to see the 'who done it' but only to add all the answers (clues) to the murders after an hour plus in a typical Poirot slam dunk without the clues so intellectually left throughout the film for Poirot and the viewers.
Still, I want more. From all of the prior actors that brought Poirot to life, Albert Finney, Peter Ustinov, David Suchet, I love Kenneth Branagh. I'm hopeful he will continue. I so looked forward to this film and hate to write a negative review but to quote the great Poirot, "I yes, it is most sad. The truth is sad!" But rest assured 'I have not lost my faith'...
Still, I want more. From all of the prior actors that brought Poirot to life, Albert Finney, Peter Ustinov, David Suchet, I love Kenneth Branagh. I'm hopeful he will continue. I so looked forward to this film and hate to write a negative review but to quote the great Poirot, "I yes, it is most sad. The truth is sad!" But rest assured 'I have not lost my faith'...