A Haunting in Venice

       Directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, this is the third film in the growing series of Hercule Poirot mysteries. Based on the Agatha Christie novel, "Hallowe'en Party", the setting is Venice for this whodunit with supernatural overtones.

      As with his other films in the series, Mr. Branagh surrounds himself with an all-star cast including Camille Cottin, Jamie Doran, Tina Fey, Kelly Reilly, Jude Hill, Riccardo Scamarcio and Michele Yeoh. Only Ms. Fey seems miscast, her performance too modern for a 1947 story.

      Her character sets things in motion when she invites Poirot to witness a seance in an attempt to discover the deception of the medium, played by Michele Yeoh. When a murder occurs during the evening, it is up to Poirot to solve the case.

      Venice itself becomes a character with gorgeous cinematography adding to the natural beauty of the city. Mr. Branagh's direction fills the story with creepy visuals, the camera swirling through dark halls, empty rooms, and hidden cellars while all the characters are locked in for the night as Poirot looks for motives and clues.

       The supernatural element may be suspect, but it's done well and adds to a darker tone than the previous films. If you enjoy the series, you will not be disappointed. If you are new to Ms. Christie's famous detective, you should find yourself, at a medium, mildly entertained.