Agatha Christie's books and numerous adaptations of them being one of my main reasons for being so fond of detective mysteries, and have been a big fan of her for most of my life. She is nicknamed the Queen of Crime for good reason. This French series loosely adapts her work, or bases itself around it, and is entertaining and charming in its own right, providing light comedy as well as engrossing mysteries.
"Murder Party", the only episode of 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' to have an English sounding title, is the third (though again not straight up faithful, though that is to be expected for the series and it has always been very clear from the start of the series that the adaptations are loose, but still respectful) adaptation of my personal favourite Miss Marple book 'A Murder is Announced'. Did enjoy the Geraldine McEwen version and it was one of the better adaptations of the Marple series. The best though is the Joan Hickson version, probably my personal favourite of her adaptations, all of which pretty good to outstanding. "Murder Party" is a good enough episode, though after the Laurence/Avril episodes were starting to improve and their chemistry was starting to grow on me it is ever so slightly on the bland side.
There is a lot to like, but some of the pace can be dull and makes the mystery, which is a great and very diverting one with a shocking final solution, plod at times.
Would have liked more suspense, the direction has had more imagination before, and there is not as much surprises or risks as with some of the previous Laurence/Avril adaptations, it did feel safe at times.
From the sounds of this review, one would think that "Murder Party" is terrible. Will say this right now, personally do not consider this terrible and it is nowhere near among the worst Laurence/Avril episodes. Which were episodes where Laurence really didn't appeal as a character and the chemistry between him and Alice did not gel. That has improved.
Laurence has become more interesting and has been less obnoxious than he was before. Alice though has always been the much more interesting and likeable character and she is a breath of fresh air that has in some episodes been much needed. The chemistry is more harmonious, not feeling too much if using an analogy like a good looking dish albeit with two flavours that don't go together and one unappeals in taste.
Visually "Murder Party" is great. The period detail and scenery are lavish. The colours are vibrant while not being drab or garish and the stylish photography complements beautifully. The music continues to match the light-hearted and at times very atmospheric tone without any jarring. The writing thought provokes and intrigues with the right amount of entertainment value, the light-heartedness not tired, over-played or pointless.
Despite having pacing issues, the mystery does have enough compelling and twisty, which keeps one on their tones and guessing, parts and is respectful. The ending does shock. The acting is good, Samuel Labarthe is much more comfortable now (important as he has more to do), the supporting cast are solid (especially Valeria Cavalli) and warm and good natured Elodie Frenck steals every scene she's in. Ever charming Blandine Bellavoir is my favourite though.
Summarising, has its quibbles but a lot of good elements. 7/10
"Murder Party", the only episode of 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' to have an English sounding title, is the third (though again not straight up faithful, though that is to be expected for the series and it has always been very clear from the start of the series that the adaptations are loose, but still respectful) adaptation of my personal favourite Miss Marple book 'A Murder is Announced'. Did enjoy the Geraldine McEwen version and it was one of the better adaptations of the Marple series. The best though is the Joan Hickson version, probably my personal favourite of her adaptations, all of which pretty good to outstanding. "Murder Party" is a good enough episode, though after the Laurence/Avril episodes were starting to improve and their chemistry was starting to grow on me it is ever so slightly on the bland side.
There is a lot to like, but some of the pace can be dull and makes the mystery, which is a great and very diverting one with a shocking final solution, plod at times.
Would have liked more suspense, the direction has had more imagination before, and there is not as much surprises or risks as with some of the previous Laurence/Avril adaptations, it did feel safe at times.
From the sounds of this review, one would think that "Murder Party" is terrible. Will say this right now, personally do not consider this terrible and it is nowhere near among the worst Laurence/Avril episodes. Which were episodes where Laurence really didn't appeal as a character and the chemistry between him and Alice did not gel. That has improved.
Laurence has become more interesting and has been less obnoxious than he was before. Alice though has always been the much more interesting and likeable character and she is a breath of fresh air that has in some episodes been much needed. The chemistry is more harmonious, not feeling too much if using an analogy like a good looking dish albeit with two flavours that don't go together and one unappeals in taste.
Visually "Murder Party" is great. The period detail and scenery are lavish. The colours are vibrant while not being drab or garish and the stylish photography complements beautifully. The music continues to match the light-hearted and at times very atmospheric tone without any jarring. The writing thought provokes and intrigues with the right amount of entertainment value, the light-heartedness not tired, over-played or pointless.
Despite having pacing issues, the mystery does have enough compelling and twisty, which keeps one on their tones and guessing, parts and is respectful. The ending does shock. The acting is good, Samuel Labarthe is much more comfortable now (important as he has more to do), the supporting cast are solid (especially Valeria Cavalli) and warm and good natured Elodie Frenck steals every scene she's in. Ever charming Blandine Bellavoir is my favourite though.
Summarising, has its quibbles but a lot of good elements. 7/10
