Dog’s Movie House: Hercule Poirot Goes The Horror Route In “A Haunting In Venice.”
Howdy Folks! It’s The Kendog here and I must admit that I’m a big Kenneth Branagh fan, both as an actor and director! As a director, Branagh has a style that is all his own, whether it is directing huge Shakespearean adaptations or Marvel Comic Book movies, the man knows his way around the camera. Recently he has devoted his directing aesthetic to the works of the great novelist Agatha Christie, so far creating three films based on her work. First he started with the most famous of her works with “Murder On The Orient Express” followed by the slightly less well known “A Death On The Nile.” Both were successful enough to merit a third film. This one’s called “A Haunting In Venice” and is actually the best of the bunch, a twisty, turning thriller that clearly leans into its supernaturual elements. The result is a mystery/horror hybrid that proves to be quite entertaining.
Continue readingDog’s Movie House: “Belfast” A Heartwarming Love Letter To Both Families And Ireland!”
Howdy Folks! It’s The Kendog here with a look at writer/director Kenneth Branagh’s latest and probably most personal film. It’s called “Belfast” and details the trials and triumphs of a family in Belfast, Ireland during the late 1960s when the violence between the Protestants and Catholics was escalating. While the film has an overreaching narrative, the destination is not so much as important as the journey. Shot in glorious black and white with some brilliant performances, particularly by the young Jude Hill as the young child who serves as the lens for this particular story, “Belfast” is one of the best films of the year and is not to be missed!
Continue readingDog’s Movie House: “Murder On The Orient Express” Good Old-Fashioned Whodunnit!
Howdy Folks! It’s The Kendog!
Johnny Depp as Ratchett in “Murder On The Orient Express”
You know the saying “they don’t make them like they used to?” Well, in movies for the most part that’s true. With the exception of a few filmmakers out there like Christopher Nolan and, to a lesser extent, Mel Gibson, the era of old-fashioned moviemaking has gone mostly the way of the Dodo. Which is why it’s refreshing to see Kenneth Branagh’s polished version of Agatha Christie’s “Murder On The Orient Express” hit theaters this week. As old-fashioned as they come in all the best ways, this film is an above average update featuring a captivating story, witty banter, and wonderful performances.
