MOVIE REVIEW: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

Belgian Detective Hercule Poirot probes the mystery of a murdered American tycoon aboard the legendary Orient Express as 20th Century Fox and producers Ridley Scott, Simon Kinberg, and Mark Gordon bring Agatha Christie's classic whodunit back to the big screen. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Kenneth Branagh, Mark Gordon

Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp

Release Date: Nov 10, 2017

Genres: Detective Film, Drama, Mystery

Rated PG-13 for violence and thematic elements

Review:

Murder on the Orient Express is a solid and lavishly directed throwback murder mystery.  Kenneth Branagh, lover of all things classical, directs his film with a steady hand, keeping everything visually stimulating even during some of the slower portions.  Branagh does fine work pulling double duty as Hercule Poirot, one of Agatha Christie’s most beloved characters.  It’s an interesting iteration of the character that captures his quirks and mannerisms while infusing him with a tinge of sadness.  Branagh is front and center for the majority of the film but the impressive ensemble is given plenty of time to shine with Michelle Pfeiffer and Daisy Ridley leaving the biggest impression.  The central mystery, which is over 80 years old, isn’t terribly complex and fairly common knowledge so there is a lack of urgency to the whole thing. Kenneth Branagh clearly loves the material and it comes through on screen but I’m not sure if people will be rushing to revisit it after the initial viewing.

B