Dependability at the Cinema

Just when you thought they have run out of Agatha Christie mysteries to turn into movies, another pops up.  This one is based on something called "Halloween Stories."  You have to admit that the new title is much more enticing.

Frankly, I've long been a sucker for these sagas, especially the ones featuring Inspector Hercule Poirot.   That role franchise has now been turned over to Kenneth Branagh who has starred in and directed three of them so far.  He's got a good feel for the genre and, as far as I am concerned, he can keep going.

These films are cinematic meat loaf.   Warm and comforting and you know exactly what you are in for.  There's a gathering.  Somebody is murdered.   Then another prime suspect is murdered.   Poirot gathers the remaining suspects in a room and then reveals what happened.  It's as predictable and entertaining as that.

This one doesn't feature the usual plethora of "Love Boat"-like stars populating the cast.   Truth told, I didn't recognize many of them.   But a surprise and welcome addition was Tina Fey (?!) as a mystery writer along for the ride.  Somebody has come a long way from the Weekend Update desk on SNL.

Again, nothing you will see in this film will be new to you.   But it's as always a fun ride and diversion.   There's not many good reasons to head out to the theater these days.   But if you want to remember what that sensation was like, this is a good one to sample.

LEN'S RATING:  Three-and-a-half stars.

Dinner last night:  A very long travel day so nothing really.