Christie fans, take the express to see this new, lovely version of a classic

Rating: 8/10 (11 November 2017)

Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh, who also directed) is, by his own admission, the world's greatest detective circa 1930. Its true. Using his "little gray cells" he has solved some unsolvable crimes. At the start of the film, in Israel, Poirot discovers who stole a rare, bejeweled artifact and it wasn't a rabbi, priest, or iman, as suspected. Now, Mr. Hercule just wants to get back to London. His mode of transportation is the famous Orient Express, from Istanbul to Paris. On board, he meets kind folks like Mary (Daisy Ridley), a governess, Dr Arbuthnot (Leslie Odom, Jr.), the grand Mrs. Hubbard (Michelle Pfeiffer), a Princess (Judi Dench), among others, and a man described as most unpleasant, Mr. Ratchet (Johnny Depp). In fact, when Ratchet finds out Mr. Poirot is on the train, he asks him for a huge favor. Ratchet, a self-described art dealer, insists someone is trying to "off" him and wants Hercule to protect him. Poirot says no, for he has his doubts about who Ratchet truly is. As the train passes through mountains, an avalanche stops the train in the early morning and it is soon discovered Ratchet was murdered in the night, even though he slept with a gun. It appears his late night coffee was drugged. One of the first things brought to life, too, was that the dead man's name wasn't Ratchet, but Cassetti, and as such, was the kidnapper/murderer of a young girl, Daisy Armstrong, some years before. One by one, Poirot interviews the rest of the passengers, trying to find a killer. Could it be his secretary, McQueen (Josh Gad), who was stealing money from his boss? Or perhaps it was the Austrian professor (Willem Dafoe) who seethes with hatred for others? The culprit, whom Poirot DOES uncover, is almost beyond belief! Who done it? Thie classic tale is a feast for the eyes and ears. The scenery is breathtaking and the script witty, amid the horror. Then, too, the cast is superb, each doing fine work, especially Branagh as Poirot. Needless to say, the costumes are likewise wonderful as they recreates the garb of the thirties. Perhaps the only criticism might be leveled at the pace, as it is slow at times. Nevertheless, discerning movie goers will want to EXPRESSLY make a date to view it.