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Reviews
Poirot: The Big Four (2013)
A serious departure from the Agatha Christie's book
I found it very disappointing that the video story was a complete departure from the book story. Particularly that this theme was purely a one-man psychopathic spree on an imagined world domination mission, resulting in a theatrical anti-climax type ending, whereas the book was about a serious world control mission with global catastrophic possibilities. The only common factor was in fact world domination, but real versus imaginary is a very remote connection. I cannot help but wonder why the extreme departure from the original theme? I imagine Agatha would be turning in her grave. A couple of points for the film because taken on its own merits it was entertaining and it is always good to see the old faces. Update revision: my first effort included a reference to the staging of Poirot's death, 9certainly a spoiler), but again, the film differed greatly from the book. I am a dedicated, almost fanatical, fan of Agatha Christie stories and look forward to any video releases. What I find amazing about her writing is that films can be made almost exactly as she writes and verbalizes, without any departures, as proved in other instances.
Appointment with Death (1988)
A great film.
An avid fan of Agatha Christie, I enjoyed this film greatly. Particularly because of the quality of the cast and their impressive portrayal of the characters. Although David Suchet, in his series and films makes a very impressive Hercule Poirot, Peter Ustinov creates a far more real character and is a superb actor. Lauren Bacall, as always, impresses. Carrie Fisher excels and moves on from the Starwars era, to her advantage. Am I the only viewer to "fall in love with" Amber Bezer? Hayley Mills is also excellent, but I continually find it a bit difficult to not keep remembering her as Pollyanna and her other early successful parts. As usual in Christie movies, the reproduction of the period seems to be perfect, from the vehicles, the dress, realistic and appropriate sites and scenery, to the actor's portrayals is, in my opinion, superb.