It started so well.

The first third of the film set up what could have been a crime thriller with a spooky curse overshadowing events. My appetite was whet, but I was to be sadly let down.

The pace slackened after the good start and, one by one, it became apparent that virtually all of the characters knew the murder victim and were connected to each other by various family relationships, work or friendship. In real life they would surely have had to declare conflict of interest, making this film highly implausible and far fetched - even in the context of being fictional entertainment.

However, I must say that most of the acting was spot on despite the cast possibly suspecting they were making a turkey? Also in its favour are a few good atmospheric scenes and, a witty, humorous one involving a modernist artist.

Its a shame the plot was so poor.

'The Spaniard's Curse' is no masterpiece, its an easily forgotten 'thriller' with an unbelievable plot and no real pace but despite this i still love it.

It is lovable in its stupidity without realisation much like my passion for Bollywood films with their over the top zoom-ins and backlit beauties with hair blowing in the wind. 'The Spandiard's Curse' presents an over-the-top London where all people either speak the Queen's English or Cockney Ryhming Slang, a world where a ancient curse can be used to murder people and a world where people can seriously wear a bathrobe with a cravat.

There are also a few moments of genuine quality here, I like the scene where the murderer runs through how 'the murderer' would have done the crime - a stunning moment of good performance - stunning because for a brief moment you realize this guy can act and really should be doing something better. I also like the ending because it certainly is surprising and actually gives the film a kind of resonance it was otherwise lacking.

Overall a great film that you really must see to understand its appeal.