Murder on the Orient Express (2017)

Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Michelle Pfeiffer, Derek Jacobi, Daisy Ridley, Leslie Odom Jr.
Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Mystery
2017

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) reluctantly investigates a murder on the Orient Express. He soon discovers that the case is much more complex than he originally thought.

Review:

Tim: I actually had such a great time watching the Murder on the Orient Express remake that I'd go so far as to call this a great movie and (more surprisingly) claim this movie is better than the original. That might be a bit blasphemous, but this movie is an absolute blast. I was so impressed with what Kenneth Branagh created here. This is a movie featuring a fun, entertaining character that we love spending time with. It's populated by an impressive supporting cast of strong actors all giving effective performances. Plus, it leverages Agatha Christie's brilliant source material quite well. I didn't expect to love the movie as much as I did, but it's such an entertaining ride.

The cast is the first thing that you focus on with this movie. Branagh does an equally good job in front of the camera as behind it. I actually thought Branagh gave a superior performance to Albert Finney's in the original. Branagh's Poirot is more accessible, more likable. He's certainly as quirky and challenging as we'd expect, but it felt easier to connect with and care about Branagh's version. He gives an incredible performance. I sincerely hope we see him play this role many more times. Branagh is easily the best member of the cast. Luckily, he gets strong support from the rest of the cast. Penelope Cruz is good in a smaller role. She doesn't make a massive impact on the film, but her presence was welcome. Willem Dafoe gives a performance characterized by its subtlety. He has several strong moments but never overpowers the role. Judi Dench was solid in her small role. Johnny Depp was great (it's been a long time since I've said that). The key is that Depp's role is limited. He plays the part well with just a bit of his trademark weirdness (fortunately, not too much). Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, and Leslie Odom, Jr. all added good performances as well. Josh Gad continues to impress. As a whole, I was struck by how Branagh ensured we spent most of the time with his character- that's who we needed to connect with, and then just enough time with the rest of the cast to get to know them. None of the supporting characters gets a chance to steal the show because their roles were purposely limited, to strong effect. It was a great example of a director ensuring his cast did what was best for the film, not for their respective careers. I'm sure each would have liked more screen time, more opportunities to make their mark. That's not what the movie needed, though, and Branagh balances this perfectly.

I loved how Branagh brought this story to life. The cinematography was impressive- this is a gorgeous movie to look at and I was mesmerized by the colors and the views. The movie looks incredible. Branagh keeps the action moving- the dialogue felt crisp. It feels like Branagh doesn't waste a moment, but every one is moving the story forward. The film was surprisingly funny as well, but it never felt forced. It was authentically entertaining. When you add all these elements up, that translates into a thoroughly enjoyable, fun film.

I walked away from Murder on the Orient Express impressed with how Branagh improved on the original. This is pure entertainment, but it takes the story and character development seriously. It also has no problems poking fun at itself and laughing along the way. Branagh hits all the right notes at the right times here, and I have to say that this a great film. .

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Murder on the Orient Express (1974), Thor