BY CHRISTOPHER STAMM
GUEST MOVIE REVIEWER
Death on the Nile (Now showing in theatres)
Rated PG-13 – for mild language, overt sexual innuendo
Agatha Christie was arguably one of the greatest mystery writers of the 20th century, with multiple works having been adapted into feature films, sometimes more than once.
The latest adaption is Death on the Nile which, after sitting on a shelf for the last two years due to the pandemic, has at long last hit the big screens, and the wait was worth it.
Wonderfully crafted, this version directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh hits all the right notes.
Branagh stars as Hercule Poirot (yeah, good luck pronouncing that one) revisiting the role he played in Murder on the Orient Express, which acts as a sort of prequel, but viewing of that film is not necessary prior to seeing this one. With him is a who’s who of Hollywood, including Annette Benning, Armie Hammer, and Gal Gadot. Rounding out the cast and making an impressive return to the big screen after its debut in Orient Express, is Branagh’s mustache, which nearly steals the movie. Seriously, it’s captivating and mesmerizing to behold.
Taking place in 1937, the premise is nothing new: Rich people gather, old scores are revealed, murder most foul, then the whodunit.
But that’s the fun. We are along for the investigation, and the twists and turns are well crafted and help keep us viewers on our toes.
The standout for me was the visuals. This film is so very well-filmed and directed. It was a pleasure to watch. Well worth the price of admission.
Death on the Nile gets three solid stars but then it gets a bonus star for that mustache bringing it up to four out of five stars. Man, I am telling you that mustache is something to see and marvel at!
Mary (my wife) has already informed me that she will not allow me to grow one just like it, which is a real bummer, cause as stated that things rocks!