Murder on the Orient Express

5

MatthewENov 14, 2017

With such a superb cast and powerful scenes, I guess this film should have had me enthralled. And indeed, the visuals were spectacular. But I did not find it very edifying. I do not really like "whodunnit" mysteries in the first place, andWith such a superb cast and powerful scenes, I guess this film should have had me enthralled. And indeed, the visuals were spectacular. But I did not find it very edifying. I do not really like "whodunnit" mysteries in the first place, and the premise of this one is particularly revolting. I will stop there to avoid giving the reader any unwanted hints.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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1

DarthNihilusNov 14, 2017

Even star power couldn't help this film. Despite having an all-star ensemble cast (who can all act very well), this film was a massive dud. The marketing campaign was very, very good and the only reason that this film ended up on my radar inEven star power couldn't help this film. Despite having an all-star ensemble cast (who can all act very well), this film was a massive dud. The marketing campaign was very, very good and the only reason that this film ended up on my radar in the first place. I was bored to death in theater and even fell asleep a few times due to the uninteresting plot, horrible dialogue and lacking character development or depth of story. Just an all around bad movie.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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6

Muskrat147Nov 14, 2017

A blatant misfire if there ever was one, Murder on the Orient Express largely disappointed. If it wasn’t for the clever marketing campaign, or the fact that Branagh was helming and starring in the lead role, I wouldn’t of been as excited as IA blatant misfire if there ever was one, Murder on the Orient Express largely disappointed. If it wasn’t for the clever marketing campaign, or the fact that Branagh was helming and starring in the lead role, I wouldn’t of been as excited as I was for this film. The story is there, the performances (which are pretty great) are there, but the characterization of each subject on the infamous train is quite dull. Many characters feel as if they are simply there in the background, and this didn’t help the “mystery” aspect that the story focuses around. The camerawork was somewhat distracting, and didn’t add anything to the film overall. What it did add was proof that Express suffers heavily from the “style over substance” syndrome, which doesn’t make it bad, but keeps it from being great. Murder on the Orient Express is fine entertainment, and can provide mild thrills; but, if you are looking for something with more of a “gut”, you won’t miss much if you skip.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

ledaumasNov 13, 2017

We loved it! It had the same plot as the previous film (of course...) with much better scenery and sets. That says a lot since the previous film was nominated for being a pretty movie (costumes, sets, etc.). What we really liked, which mightWe loved it! It had the same plot as the previous film (of course...) with much better scenery and sets. That says a lot since the previous film was nominated for being a pretty movie (costumes, sets, etc.). What we really liked, which might not be popular, is that the tempo was like the old black and white movies, but in color. Every word and action had a purpose. They don’t make movies like this anymore. For us, it was wonderful. We were not overwhelmed with a lot of physical action. Instead, this movie was cerebral which can often be more exciting.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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1

GinaKNov 13, 2017

I was extremely disappointed with this film. It is not that Branaugh can’t direct. See his “Dead Again” for a film that is both interesting and original. His adaptations of Shakespeare are interesting too. So what went wrong here? As I wasI was extremely disappointed with this film. It is not that Branaugh can’t direct. See his “Dead Again” for a film that is both interesting and original. His adaptations of Shakespeare are interesting too. So what went wrong here? As I was sitting in the theater, bored to tears, I decided that the first problem was the script, which was incredibly bad. The second problem was an inconsistent style. Branaugh wanted to be “modern,” but he just ended up with an irritating and dull film. Too many of the male characters looked alike, which does not help in a film that has to juggle so many characters and make them distinct. So much acting talent wasted, including Judi Dench! If you want to see a great version of this Christie story, dig up Sidney Lumet’s stylish film where every actor gets to shine and the plot is always coherent, no matter how complicated. Lumet also understood the glamour of the Orient Express, and Albert Finney is fantastic as Poirot. Another interesting adaptation, although darker, is the British television version with David Suchet. I went to this Branaugh film with high expectations and was totally disappointed.… Expand

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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8

twall3Nov 13, 2017

Well crafted and acted, intriguing mystery, many beautifully filmed establishing shots sprinkled in throughout. Believe the positive reviews and ignore the negative reviews on this one. A reminder that a great movie can be made WITHOUTWell crafted and acted, intriguing mystery, many beautifully filmed establishing shots sprinkled in throughout. Believe the positive reviews and ignore the negative reviews on this one. A reminder that a great movie can be made WITHOUT extreme violence, sex scenes, nudity, tons of bad language, etc. I'll admit that in the first few scenes introducing the detective, I thought his mustache was distractingly fake looking and didn't know if I'd like him. Before long his character more than impressed me - was wise, noble and steadfast. I hope he's featured in a similar sequel!… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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6

CineAutoctonoNov 12, 2017

"Murder on the Orient Express" was a good movie, the characters, the photography, the decorations and above all, the Hercule Poirot character was fascinating, but the story is a bit slow and confusing, you see it, and you do not understand"Murder on the Orient Express" was a good movie, the characters, the photography, the decorations and above all, the Hercule Poirot character was fascinating, but the story is a bit slow and confusing, you see it, and you do not understand what happen, you have to go deeper into the characters to complete a puzzle of 1000 pieces, and you would take a whole year, wasting your life in solving it, and in some characters, we did not see its origins, but the ending was beautiful and moving.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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6

MichaelObeNov 12, 2017

The Kenneth Branagh's version of the classic Agatha Christie's detective is not necessary, isn't it? The Film with script like this and with cast like this (Depp, Dench, Pfeiffer, Dafoe, Gad...) could make any movie better or at leastThe Kenneth Branagh's version of the classic Agatha Christie's detective is not necessary, isn't it? The Film with script like this and with cast like this (Depp, Dench, Pfeiffer, Dafoe, Gad...) could make any movie better or at least stronger. But, instead of working with actors, Branagh is drunk on attention himself (and his mustache). As a result, film is not good as it could be, is not mysterious as a version of 1974 with Bergman and Finney and is not fresh as Branagh wanted to.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

thedaywalkerNov 11, 2017

It's ok
I personally love misteries and kinda enjoyed this one and the connections it made, but i think it could have been a bit smarter in the delivery and mistery. I solved the case with my first guess and was just waiting on way they wouldIt's ok
I personally love misteries and kinda enjoyed this one and the connections it made, but i think it could have been a bit smarter in the delivery and mistery. I solved the case with my first guess and was just waiting on way they would piece it out. So maybe they should have been more misterious with their mistery… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

easterfieldsNov 11, 2017

Kenneth Branagh has done a superb job with this film as well as the starring character. Not for everyone, especially since this is an old crime tale and most viewers have long since been desensitized by much worse and severe crime tales.Kenneth Branagh has done a superb job with this film as well as the starring character. Not for everyone, especially since this is an old crime tale and most viewers have long since been desensitized by much worse and severe crime tales. Nonetheless, Kenneth knows his material well and gives the spotlight moment to each of the great members of the supporting cast. A very enjoyable and thought-provoking experience. I hope to see a follow-up!… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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8

ProteusNov 11, 2017

Whats not to like folks? Brannagh is great...charming. The story itself a classic. Good actors abound. And you get what is promised. That can't be said for so many movies. Take grandma, the kids your wife and your mistress. Enjoy.

7 of 10 users found this helpful73

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3

foxgroveNov 11, 2017

After a quirky and humorous first half an hour leading up to the murder the film begins to derail. The interrogations begin and the film, pretty much like the train itself, comes to a halt. Until this point, Kenneth Brannagh, the fine editingAfter a quirky and humorous first half an hour leading up to the murder the film begins to derail. The interrogations begin and the film, pretty much like the train itself, comes to a halt. Until this point, Kenneth Brannagh, the fine editing and the exemplary camera work have contributed to a promising start. Brannagh presents Poiret with much charm and charisma and is really the only cast member (Michelle Pfeiffer not withstanding)with anything of significance to do. Production values are as predictably as good as they should be, but are still somewhat behind those of the earlier 1974 version. And let's face it that was no masterpiece either. However, at least in that one the cast had a bit more to work with. A remake was certainly not out of the question, it's just a shame that the result should end up being an opportunity missed. Also at 2 hours the film feels as long as the train journey itself.… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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7

bkristmanNov 11, 2017

Excellent version of a classic story with Ken Brannagh doing a great turn as Poirot and as director .
He brings the usual quirkiness to the role as well as added nuance,depth and physicality which is welcome.
The rest of the actors do goodExcellent version of a classic story with Ken Brannagh doing a great turn as Poirot and as director .
He brings the usual quirkiness to the role as well as added nuance,depth and physicality which is welcome.
The rest of the actors do good work as well.
Johnny Depp plays his part straight up .
Well worth seeing.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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7

shpostalNov 10, 2017

Yet another remake of an already classic movie and Agatha Christie murder mystery, the new version of "Murder On The Orient Express" is actually not bad, if it isn't terribly original or mind blowing. But hey, it is a "whodunit", andYet another remake of an already classic movie and Agatha Christie murder mystery, the new version of "Murder On The Orient Express" is actually not bad, if it isn't terribly original or mind blowing. But hey, it is a "whodunit", and without the usual ultra violent gore that goes into most movies involving murderers and gangster types. That makes it kinda fun if you're not familiar with the original film and book, which I was not. Director Kenneth Branagh also stars as the irrepressible detective Hercule Poirot, very self assured without being cocky, intelligent and very polite. I can't help but notice that people overall at least in this country are getting more and more selfish and rude in public - I doubt people younger than 45 or so even know what good manners even are. So we get this gentleman on board the famous Orient Express bound from Istanbul to Calais, France and then by ferry to merry old England. The scenery is breathtaking, and I hope it was shot on location, because I would be disappointed to see computer imagery taking over everything. The cast includes Johnny Depp, the nasty bad guy, Michelle Pfieffer and Judy Dench among others all in the confines of a train that is halted due to an avalanche that derails the locomotive and forces them to wait for crews to come out to their location and dig them out. It's during this wait that the mystery unfolds, Poirot assuming charge to find out who murdered one of the other characters and put all the pieces of an interesting puzzle together. Branagh is the true star of the show, his two layered mustache twitching along as he interviews suspects and tries to solve the crime. It is refreshing to see an old style mystery that is focused much more on characters, motives and a much more cerebral approach instead of the normal crime movies we see nowadays, even if it's a re-make. "Murder On The Orient Express" is not a cinematic masterpiece, nor does it get too heavy handed for its own good. Rather, it's a plot that is entertaining to follow and try to figure out, and a movie not hard to enjoy but still having a certain amount of class and spectacular scenery I assume are the Alps or the Balkans. It's a nice way to spend a couple hours on an old tried and true formula that works because of the cast and a careful script.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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6

AxeTNov 10, 2017

Sumptuous, elegant, 65mm richly photographed all star cast in the famous old mystery adapted probably many times over all the years, so why do it again now? Why not if it has some mildly humorous witty philosophy on the endless culturalSumptuous, elegant, 65mm richly photographed all star cast in the famous old mystery adapted probably many times over all the years, so why do it again now? Why not if it has some mildly humorous witty philosophy on the endless cultural fascination with crime and murder stories more in fashion than ever now?… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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6

IttiacesNov 10, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Admittedly I enjoyed this movie a little less than expected. It looks beautiful, has an A-list cast and of course is adapted from a book by legendary crime writer Agatha Christie. I took a Christie expert to the theatre with me, who has over the years read everything that bears her name. When Kenneth Branagh appeared on screen for the first time, she turned to me and said: "No, Nooo, Noooooo". So if you're a hardcore Hercule Poirot fan, then you may find this hard to watch as Brannagh does not embody that character as faithfully as he is written. If you don't care about that whatsoever then, good news, you'll probably enjoy this incarnation a lot more. There are a lot of very well known actors in this that share screen time with each other and don't take up a lot of individual attention. Daisy Ridley and Michelle Pfeiffer do seem to get more time. Pfeifer is electric; I wish she'd do more movies. Of course, there were no weak performances as you would expect from a group of this calibre. Johnny Depp as much as I love him does ham it up terribly, this seems to be an ongoing feature of all his work these days, but his character is engaging.

Overall the pace does seem stilted, and it drags on a little too long for me. Being shot entirely in a studio, all of the environments outside the train were CG, even though they proved stunning. A couple of the backdrops, although pretty, did not look photoreal which you'd expect from a feature like this. The ending set the franchise up for a sequel, Death on the Nile, another Christie book so if you enjoyed this one then there's another to look forward to. It's a decent movie, and the all-star cast provides a novelty that you won't get in any films these days. Worth a look.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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5

EpicLadySpongeNov 10, 2017

What makes this mystery with a twist end up losing its twist halfway through the film is how the film begins to struggle apart when the film gets to the halfway point. Regardless, Murder on the Orient Express at least tries to become what itWhat makes this mystery with a twist end up losing its twist halfway through the film is how the film begins to struggle apart when the film gets to the halfway point. Regardless, Murder on the Orient Express at least tries to become what it wants to be. Maybe if it had more pressure built to it, it may become what it wants to be.… Expand

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

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Murder on the Orient Express

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