Review of Murder on the Orient Express (2017) by Thomas D — 11 Nov 2017

Who doesn't love a good mystery? Murder on the Orient Express is one of the most famous mystery novels of all time, written by Agatha Christie, and now has two big screen adaptations. The first, made in 1974, was critically acclaimed and featured some of the greatest actors at that time. The second, released this weekend, features another fantastic ensemble cast, and manages to be a serviceable crime-mystery-thriller, if not as exciting or shocking as some would hope.

Kenneth Branagh directs and stars as Hercule Poirot, the "greatest detective in the world". While the rest of the film consists the likes of Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi, Leslie Odom Jr, Lucy Boynton, and Daisy Ridley. Safe to say, it's one of the best ensembles any film has ever compiled, and truthfully, they actually do a great job of giving each actor a scene here or there to show their talent. At the very least, I found it nice to have such a famous cast because it's nowhere near as obvious who is at fault when it could be any one of these award winning actors and you would believe it.

I think where the film struggles is its script. The problem is with the way the film is constructed. It's very difficult to put together a good mystery, I can acknowledge that. But having the background of the characters pretty much laid out in front of you within the first half of the movie, raises an eyebrow before an eyebrow is supposed to be raised. Of course, I can't get into the major specifics without spoiling the surprises, because there are definitely some surprises. I just found the way the film was written to be interesting and not the way I would have gone about things. I guess my point is, less is more when it comes to revealing things.

Branagh brings the most out of the script that he can, even considering the enormously difficult task of balancing serious subject matter with quippy humor. That part of the film is impressive, as is the cinematography and production design. There are mind blowing long shots taking you through the train that bring you right into the Orient Express as if you're just another passenger. Surely, the production design will get a strong Oscar consideration, even if the overall film is a bit of a letdown in terms of award hopefuls.

Murder on the Orient Express is far from a perfect film, and can be a bit of a mess in some sequences, but it's an enjoyable film that presents a worthy mystery of telling. Sometimes that's all you can ask for.

6.7/10.