calummccorquodale Reviews

Poirot: Peril at End House (1990) Season 2, Episode 1

Highly Recommended with just a few criticisms

[8/10 · 30 July 2015]

The first of Christie's full length novels to be adapted for ITVs long running Poirot, Peril at End House sets the mark (a high one). Without giving away too much, I'll say that, for me anyway, there was a definitive line between the aspects of the film that I class as "good" and "bad". To begin with the good - as usual the acting is of top quality; Polly Walker stood out particularly as young Nick Buckley, Alison Sterling portrayed Fredrica Rice perfectly, pale faced, a little aloof exactly as I'd envisaged her in the book; and of course David Suchet as the brilliant Hercule Poirot. Seeing Carol Macready (102 Dalmatians) was a pleasant surprise, not whom I'd have pictured as Mrs Croft - she seemed considerably younger and vivacious compared to the disabled Mrs Croft in the book, however brought a grin to my face on several occasions. Yet again, the music is beautiful, as are costumes (notably Polly Walker in her first scene). The time period has been captured and presented exceptionally well bringing a real authentic feel to the film, something that isn't as strong with some of the newer Poirot adaptations.

Peril at End House is almost entirely faithful to the novel which is in the middle of the road of the five Poirot stories I've read, the best being Death on The Nile. I love the story and the intricacy of some of the characters as they grow throughout. Despite identifying the murderer early on (I rarely do) there's always another twist or turn waiting round the corner to catch you out. Unfortunately, whether down to cutting or simple lack of planning a substantial amount of questions remain unanswered after the climax in which the murderer is revealed. The book does reveal the answers but I was disappointed to see that the film didn't; omissions include explanations as to Maggie Buckley's arrival, the bullet, the chocolates, the motive behind a hatred toward a certain person. Being one of the longer films, 100 minutes, this was probably a time issue, however with certain slow points in the middle, it would have been satisfying to have a more expressive conclusion. Brilliant, nonetheless. I highly recommend to all! Acting, scenery and music is immense but may need to read novel to clarify unanswered questions or theories.

Marple: Miss Marple: Nemesis (2007) Season 3, Episode 4

Nemesis!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[9/10 · 6 October 2014]

Wow!One of the best Marple adaptation of the whole series.

I loved this episode from beginning to end. The concept of the destinations of the coach trip as the setting for the story was ingenious and original, adding some extra excitement to the plot.

Not the most beautify filmed episode admittedly, though I found the overall atmosphere of the movie dark from start to finish giving an anticipated atmosphere throughout.

I thought the murderer's identity and motive was fantastic, however, faced with a rather obvious set of clues such as the strand of straw at the murder scene and the murderer's reaction to the mention of Verity I had guessed and guessed correctly their identity early on.

Anne Reid was perfect as Mother Agnes as was Amanda Burton as Sister Clotilde. Emily Woof and will Mellor fitted nicely as edgy couple Rowena and Martin Waddy with Adrian Rawlins as solicitor Derek Turnbull.

Music was beautiful as always and quite emotional in this episode given the circumstances.

Well filmed, great directing and a good film to relax in front of on a Saturday night and enjoy.

Marple: Ordeal by Innocence (2007) Season 3, Episode 2

I loved it!!

[9/10 · 5 September 2014]

One of the best episodes in my opinion and what's all this nonsense about the outcome not making sense? Made perfect sense to me....

7:50pm to 8:15pm - Jacko Argyle is hitching a lift 8:00 - Young boy sees Tina Argyle's bike outside Sunny Point She must have arrived just before 8 In the house, Kirsten kills Rachel at 8 Tina sticks around until 8:05 considering whether to cross At this time she sees a boat advancing but decides to leave (It must be her we see as the boat nears land in first scene 2 years previously) Kirsten leaves boat at 8:06 approx. and waits for Jacko to arrive At 8:15, Jacko is dropped off at pub and therefore provides himself with an alliby. He catches a lift back to Sunny Point. For this to work he must ensure he keeps his face hidden and is dropped off just a few minutes walk away He arrives at Sunny Point at 8:30 Money is exchanged before Jacko leaves and Kirsten returns to house Kirsten arrives back at 8:35 to change and return to find the body at 8:40. If this isn't the case and Jacko had somehow arrived earlier then Kirsten would have arrived back at the house much earlier than 8:40 (this is definitely the time she arrives) as she wanted to get back as soon as possible. Therefore these times must be correct.

Marple: A Murder Is Announced (2005) Season 1, Episode 4

A "Must Watch" is Announced

[9/10 · 30 August 2014]

I have now watched the whole of series one and this episode is definitely second best on my list. At the start of the story we know little about the characters and their backgrounds but as time elapses we begin to learn more about certain characters personalities and past (particularly the Blacklock sisters Charlotte and Letitia). Of all the episodes I have seen it was this one that engaged me the most. The unique idea of advertising the murder in the paper was very good and therefore had me hooked up from the moment the movie began. All three murders are very thrilling indeed as the viewer makes the assumption that Letitia is the intended victim when in fact she is the killer herself. Yet another of Christie's great plots! The acting and casting decisions are superb. Zoe Wannamaker is the perfect Letitia/Charlotte Blacklock, Alexander Armstrong fits right in to character as clueless Inspector Cradock and Catherine Tate brings just enough humour portraying refugee cook, Mitzy. (Looking back at the Joan Hickson version of this film I notice the cook's name is Hannah not Mitzy. A minor change though I found it curious as the cook in the book is called Mitzy). The only casting I preferred from the 80s version was Samantha Bond as Julia as I feel she portrayed a far more interesting and sarcastic character as Julia's described in the book.

Some of the acting in the 80s version however is very poor indeed. The attempted murder of the cook at the end is a flaw in the plot as Miss Marple and the others have no way of knowing that Hannah may be stabbed with a knife instead therefore dying a quicker death than drowning and not having the time to be saved as planned. I think this was realised and therefore cut out of the McEwan episode.

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable and easy to watch episode with an unexpected twist at the end. 9/10. My only criticism is the scene in which the lights go out and Rudi is shot as I felt it was rushed and a little messy. Great episode all the same

Marple: The Body in the Library (2004) Season 1, Episode 1

Great story, wonderful twist, why so many harsh reviews?

[9/10 · 30 August 2014]

I thought that this was one of the better episodes as it has a much deeper and complex plot than some of the others. The characters are strong, particularly Dolly, Arthur, Adelaide and Josie and the plot keeps you guessing right until the end. I actually prefer the new Marples to the older ones because I find that Geraldine McEwan is so much more of a warm, likable character in the way she portrays Miss Marple.Why so many criticisms? I understand that if you read the book first then the movie may fall short to your standards, especially with the added twist, however it is still an extremely good thing to watch with just enough humour and a great array of stars including Joanna Lumley, David Walliams and James Fox.

Obviously there are some details of the killers plot that you have to work out for yourself. For example, how the body left the hotel avoiding detection. Some gaps you will have to fill for yourself however I like that about an episode. It makes you think more about the actual scheme and not rely on Miss Marple to give you all of the answers.

I really enjoyed it and is definitely a good one. 9/10