A Haunting in Venice * * * ½

Kenneth Brannagh reprises his role as Inspector Hercule Poirot. He has previously done Death On The Nile and Murder on the Orient Express.  I should admit I have seen neither of them.

He makes a pretty good Inspector Poirot if that's what he wants to do. Though the Inspector is such a two dimensional, comical character I don't know what the appeal is for any actor, unless it is to flesh him out, which Brannagh does a pretty good job of to be honest.  

Poirot gets a free ride on a Gondolier

I went to see this because there isn't much else on at the moment and I was having a lazy Saturday afternoon (what's new?).  I also went to see it because it's set in Venice in the winter.  Having recently experienced being there in the depth of winter it somewhat piked my interest.

On that score it looks great.  Though how they managed to find locations without billions of tourists is a mystery to me.  Must have CGI'd them out.

It is 1947. The inspector is invited to a Halloween Party by an old acquaintance who is a famous American novelist .  She is pretty sure that a medium who will visit the party is the genuine article.  

Set in an old orphanage that is apparently haunted (of course) the seance begins. Poirot is quick to point out a few tricks and props.  But then something else happens and we have to wonder.   And then something else happens - namely someone tries to kill the Inspector (indeed!) Then something else happens and the Inspector has to wonder if Seance lady is the genuine article, or is he going nuts?

After a few guests die (impaling is the go), all is explained in a final scene in which he gathers the party in one room. (Didn't see that scene coming did ya?)  The murderer is revealed, and I have to admit I certainly didn't see that coming! Then its morning and despite the body count everyone seems to be happy, even a little boy who has just lost his father.

It looks good though and it's well done. It's a fair way to while away a couple of hours and consider whether you too should overdress and talk condescendingly like the good inspector. (Some folk say I already do that.)