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Stylish production and an all-star ensemble keep this Murder on the Orient Express from running off the rails, even if it never quite builds up to its classic predecessor's illustrious head of steam.
All Critics (264) | Top Critics (41) | Fresh (155) | Rotten (109) | DVD (1)
There's something quaint and comforting about this film and its brand of old-fashioned storytelling, where coincidences are extremely likely, everyone somehow knows a countess, and a man puts honor above all else.
Branagh's retelling of the classic Agatha Christie tale is visually sumptuous yet otherwise inert, a series of what are essentially cameos by performers far too gifted to waste their time like this.
While Branagh's revised version retains the basic elements, the mistakes he makes are numerous.
Contriving somehow both to dawdle and to rush, "Murder on the Orient Express" is handsome, undemanding, and almost wholly bereft of purpose.
The picture simply goes on too long, and is far too in love with Branagh's performance.
Still, Branagh clearly has fun with the eccentric nature of the Poirot character, whose gift of insight is a blessing when it comes to solving crimes but a curse in its effects on his daily existence.
Overall it's a decent adaptation, but I'm not sure if it's really all that necessary. I feel like the rich story would've been better served as a miniseries.
It's a strong effort that unfortunately lacks punch and seems unsure of exactly what it's supposed to be.
Dull take on the classic story that feels boring and neverending. The great cast saves the day. [Full review in Spanish].
[Murder on the Orient Express,] an ensemble experience featuring both big-budget production values and engaging storytelling that offers an alternative to the blockbuster bombast of typical Hollywood fare.
I'd gladly take this ride again, and I'd encourage you all to consider the same voyage.
The dots are not always connecting clearly when they are rolling rapidly, and while suspension of disbelief is needed for this whodunnit tale, Murder at the Orient Express is a well-crafted, old-fashioned and modish murder mystery with a fantastic twist.
The beginning of the film is perfect, an exotic location, a neat little introduction to the character, the sequences conjures up images of the great adventures of Lawrence of Arabia or even Indy Jones. Then we are getting on the train. The cast is amazing, of course, so is the narrow setting of the train and cinematography. Once Poirot starts investigating, things flow rather perfectly too. What's missing is a major shock or twist, at least if you're somewhat familiar with the story. They did a little action sequence here or there, but in the end the result is entertaining but a bit underwhelming.
Super Reviewer
Held onto the rails by visually stunning direction, effective performance from Branagh and cast, Murder on the Orient Express provides a solid pay-off even if its second act will have you thinking of the destination and not the journey. 3/5
What's the attraction in Agatha Christie's fantastical revenge fantasy based on the real life story of the infamous kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby? Undoubtably it's the story's requirement for a large cast, thus enabling the stars to crawl out as if it were award season, all looking for the red carpet. This particular production, guided no doubt by the earlier ones, squeezes the full court press out of the thing and, in my humble opinion, is the best one to date. "They don't make 'em like they use to," goes the old complaint, and yet this work spits that view out the back window of a speeding luxury train. One for a rainy afternoon.
It's not great, but it isn't terrible. The amazing cast isn't enough to make this an amazing movie!
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