Evil Under the Sun
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Movie Reviews of Evil Under the Sun
Movie Review: Campy Christie Classic
Summary: 5 Stars
EVIL UNDER THE SUN contains perhaps the campiest dialogue and most over-the-top performances of the four sparkling, big budget adaptations of Agatha Christie mysteries (ORIENT EXPRESS, NILE, MIRROR, and this one) made by the same producers. Somehow, it all works better here with its exquisite locations, lyrical Cole Porter score, and knockout Anthony Powell costumes which are truly breathtaking.As always in a Christie mystery, no one seems able to have done the crime (despite everyone having a viable motive), and it's up to Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov who plays with the part more than ever in his broadest interpretation of the role in five tries - two films and three made-for-TV movies) to sort things out. He does so in a beautifully played denouement at the film's conclusion which makes everything clear.
The new DVD release is to be treasured for its very saturated colors (the VHS tape seemed washed out and vaguely unfocused) and clear sound (though mono, it seemed wonderfully rich and full). It's a terrific addition to anyone's mystery library and remains my favorite of the Christie adaptations. (I would like to see MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPESS get a widescreen DVD release some day, however.)
Movie Review: IF BABY YOU'RE THE BOTTOM.......
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't care what others say about this delirious souffle',I like it better than the other Christie/Poirot incarnations. For one thing, the others are just too stuffy and rather blah. "EVIL UNDER THE SUN" is a lot more fun---even if it isn't "faithful" to it's source material. The cast is priceless and seem to be having a good time. The photography is gorgeous with on location shooting in the Adriatic and the costumes are way over the top (in keeping with the overall campy tone of the script) but could be what rich, jaded people wore on holiday in an exotic locale. The performances are arch and the characters developed adequately enough to clue you to who's who and what's what. I didn't pick it apart when I first saw it in the theater because it satisfied me then and it satisfies me now on DVD from the reliable Anchor Bay folks. A top-notch quality cast delivers the goods and it's all very tongue-in-cheek anyway so why quibble over moot points when the damn thing is so entertaining? I just enjoy the performances, the scenery and the escapism of Maggie Smith and Diana Rigg as old rivals finally going at it as only actresses of this caliber can do. I think old Agatha would have liked this one!Movie Review: How can you go wrong with Louis Vuitton steamer trunks!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is by far my favorite of the Agatha Christie movie adaptations. Amazing location, great plot, unbelievable costumes, a score by Cole Porter, a uber-talented cast in some of their very best perfomances and an parade of Louis Vuitton luggage following Diana Rigg down a bumpy, exotic road. The sparing between Rigg and Smith is some of the best comedic dialogue ever written, and the transformation at the end of the movie is worth the price of the DVD.
I have owned this movie as a VHS and DVD. The miraculous restoration of the DVD puts the VHS to shame. It is breath-taking.
I suppose that to the Christie purest there have been a great deal of liberties taken with this production. But to the movie goer that wants great entertainment, this is the best of the Christie lot. (I won't go into my thoughts about the wretched "Mirror Cracked".) My three children consider this one of their favorite childhood movies, so much so that I had to buy them their own copies as the went off to college!
You really can't go wrong with this one!
Movie Review: Shines!
Summary: 5 Stars
Evil Under the Sun, is the best of the Agatha Christie mystery movies. There definitely was no crime committed in the casting of this movie. The acting ensemble is outstanding. While Peter Ustinov's portrayal of Poirot is top notch, it is Diana Rigg as the self-centered Arlena who steals the show. Maggie Smith as the hotel owner and James Mason as a Hollywood producer, along with Nicholas Clay as Arlena's new husband were all perfectly cast. Off hand, I don't remember the name of the actress who plays James Mason's wife but with her distinctive voice she, too, was perfect for the part. Roddy McDowell also lends his fine talent to this movie. Jane Birkin and Colin Blakely give great performances. 'Evil Under The Sun' offers further proof that Agatha Christie's mysteries are always entertaining. Another good Agatha Christie movie is 'Death on the Nile'. You won't be disappointed in either movie. ~ Mrs. B.
Movie Review: Hercule Poirot shows proper swimming techniques
Summary: 5 Stars
Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot is challenged to locate a missing jewel. To do this he must go to a small island. Guess who has a tendency to get seasick? He requests his fee in guineas (a guinea is equivalent of 21 shillings.)
Naturally someone(s) is unexplainably dispatched. Of course the island is loaded with the usual suspects. Everyone has a motive and an alibi. By this time you have completely forgotten how the movie started.
Speaking about the movie, they pulled out all the stops with expensive locations, costumes, and actors. And Cole Porter tossed in for ambiance. There was even an appearance of Roddy McDowall who played Alan "Mollymauk" Musgrave in "Lord Love A Duck" (1966)
Lord Love a Duck