Actor/musician David McCallum has passed at 90. A veteran of movies and TV, he memorably played on a classic episode of the original The Outer Limits, The Sixth Finger. He was part of large casts in The Great Escape and The Greatest Story Ever Told. He shot to super stardom on the popular spy show, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., as agent Illya Kuryakin. Most recently, he has spent two decades as the medical examiner, "Ducky" Mallard, on the action hit, NCIS, and when a character asks Gibbs what did Ducky look like when he was young, he responds, "Illya Kuriakin".
It is 1947, and retired detective, Hercule Poirot (Branagh), is approached by mystery writer and friend, Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey), to debunk a psychic (Michelle Yeoh) in Venice, Italy. It seems that a host wants to communicate with her deceased daughter who died under tragic circumstances involving spirits. A skeptical Poirot and assorted guests (including Jamie Dornan and Kelly Reilly), who have ties to the girl, attend a séance where strange things happen leading to a deepening mystery and even murder! While Poirot subsequently interviews the gallery of suspects, he learns of each person’s connection, and hidden secrets are revealed as unscrupulous motives emerges. Attempting to uncover the truth, he experiences disturbing sounds and visions that point to the supernatural. Can he find the killer before he or anyone else becomes another victim?
This engaging story shows Branagh in control with well-placed shots and steadily building narrative. Patient, mystery lovers will appreciate the deliberate pacing and clues hiding in plain sight that reward them with surprising twists and betrayals. It functions primarily as a splendid mystery with detours into psychological horror. The ultimate question posits if Poirot is really being confronted by ghosts, and whether he can solve the murder(s) and explain the bizarre events.
Perhaps the best of his Poirot
trilogy of films, by making liberal
changes with the source material, Branagh may be on the right path for future
adaptations to tantalize and intrigue mystery lovers.
****
of ***** stars (add ½* for mystery fans)
Musician Gary Wright has passed at 80. This artist scored hit songs Dream Weaver and Love Is Alive and my personal favorite, Really Wanna Know You.
Director Antoine Fuqua (Olympus Has Fallen) and frequent collaborator, Denzel Washington (Training Day), complete their trilogy of the avenger in The Equalizer 3, a solid, efficient thriller based on The Equalizer TV series (in turn inspired by TV’s Have Gun Will Travel!)
In Sicily, Italy, retired CIA assassin Robert McCall (Washington) executes a bloody crime scene and cryptically leaves a trail for a young CIA operative (Dakota Fanning) to follow. He ends up in a small town where he finds timely refuge and support from the townspeople who open their hearts to him. Increasingly, he observes his adoptive town being menaced by a ruthless Mafia gang, and when they physically threaten the residents, McCall must emerge from the shadows to take decisive, uncompromising action even as the CIA is closing in.
Washington always commands the screen as the iconic lead and never disappoints whether in quiet, contemplative moments or lethal takedowns against seemingly overwhelming odds. Against a picturesque background, the action is swift and abrupt, and yes, as before, he still has his watch to time out his violent responses. While you almost wish there was more to learn about his past life, it’s the details of his character that are interesting including his principals, compulsive habits, and powers of observation. Although the narrative is straightforward, a couple of characters are given short shrift, but the filmmakers know to keep focus on McCall. (There are also moments that recall The Bourne Identity, A History of Violence, and even Spartacus.)
****
of ***** stars (for fans)
Musician Jimmy Buffett has passed at 76. This legend of pop rock made island tunes into an industry singing about the tropics to adoring fans and 'Parrotheads'. His greatest hits album became a big hit, and his concerts built a phenomenon. He even dabbled in film and TV recently making numerous appearances on the revival of Hawaii Five-0.
I have been blessed seeing many pop artists, but Buffett was one I did not have the pleasure of experiencing.The closest I got was visiting San Diego decades ago and a friend taking me to Buffett hangout, The Belly Up Tavern. For me, his music brings comfort and a smile.
