Evil Under the Sun (1982)
Another murder mystery. Well, I thought since I started with Hercule Poirot, I may write as many of them as I can - especially the old ones. I wouldn't call it a sequel but it's the third one in the series. Evil Under the Sun (1982) is another film that is based on a novel by Agatha Christie and another murder right around the corner.
Evil Under the Sun (1982)
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I realize I may have written quite a few of the murder mysteries these days but you must agree that these films are great. Also, I'm grateful that this one didn't have a recent remake. I still haven't come to good terms with remake films, and I'm unsure if I will but let's forget about that now. Evil Under the Sun was directed by Guy Hamilton and is packed with a great cast. The film doesn't lack in theatrics or diversions either - everyone had an alibi and the real shocker was the killer. What's more baffling was the modus operandi.
There were quite a few remarkable characters - be it the victim or the antagonist. Whether it's the motherless child who hates the new stepmother, or the ever-so-generous host of the hotel where everyone has been spending a lovely vacation or the scorned lover who wants the scores settled with the victim. One victim and everyone else at the hotel had the motive to kill her. But the murder and the murderer were no joke - it was quite brilliant overall. Even with all the people who had a bone to pick with the victim, the culprit seemed to be quite the surprising one. Now I'm guessing I'm giving out too many spoilers.
Although the plot seemed to be a tad mundane since so many plots are alike nowadays and even some bits and pieces also match with Christie's other murder plots. For example, an affair, a scorned lover, or a character that had been greatly wronged. But what was underneath the plot was slightly more different than others. Regardless, of the misdirection, the trap, the bait, and the murder, everything was pulled off beautifully.
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In the previous ones either the premise was too heartbreaking or there were just too many emotions flying around. But this one is more leveled in some aspects. The drama and the theatrical flare were there but not flagrant or excessive. Before I was relieved that there isn't a remake of this film but now I'm wondering if a remake of this wouldn't be a bad idea per se. I think the plot and characters involved would be great for a newer version or a retelling in any way. I didn't have much expectations from this film. Can you blame me? The first one raised the bar too high and the second one was fabulous too even with all the drama. But I was skeptical a tiny bit since I was almost sure that there wouldn't be a third strike. There wasn't any exaggeration which I preferred and I'd say I liked it more than Death on the Nile.
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