Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
2017
114 Minutes
Genius Belgian detective Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of an American tycoon aboard the Orient Express train.
User Review
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WHAT I LIKED: The most noteable and appealing thing about Kenneth Branagh's 'Murder on the Orient Express,' is that it's simply a beautiful cinematic experience that impresses ten-fold with its aesthetics and star-studded cast. Yes perhaps as it should be, beyond all else what you get here is something to dazzle the eye and warm the soul as the cinematography, set design, costume design and score are hugely indulgent and beautiful despite the fairly single setting of the film. This is of course no surprise from Kenneth Branagh and his usual collaborations, but the attention to detail in his filmmaking and compositions are still astounding - one overhead shot framing the murder scene brilliantly like a Cluedo board, many other tracking shots sweeping through the train to give a real sense of the environment and mystery - amounting to something that's simply charming and beautiful to behold.
Top that with a largely brighter and less serious tone than the 1974 version, as well as some further character development and a great cast to deliver all that; what you've got is a charming, fun and engaging time at the cinema that doesn't demand you take things too seriously.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It is true that this version spells things out slightly more (particularly with the casting of a certain Johnny Depp) and puts the tension and mystery far behind the indulgent beauty and characterisation on display.
VERDICT: 'Murder on the Orient Express' is a fun, indulgent and beautiful time at the movies, and the fact it doesn't try to be anything more than that is both a good and a bad thing.0 member like this review.
