Pleasant Surprise

Rating: 8/10 (7 February 2018)

I avoided this film for the longest time because I have serious reservations, and rightly so, about this trend of remaking films. Not even the star power of Johnny Depp could pull me into watching this film under normal circumstances. It was not until I was utterly desperate for something to watch that I relented and gave this film a try. I am glad that I did.
First off, I am an Agatha Christie fan. Murder On the Orient Express is one of the crown jewels of the Christie crown. So, naturally, there was a preponderance of skepticism from the start. I mean, how could anyone but Peter Ustinov play the indomitable Hercule Poirot? This was an open and shut case.....that is, until Kenneth Branagh took up the mantle of the saucy Belgian's mustache.
Branagh's performance gives more than enough reason to overlook certain creative liberties taken with the plot or the fact that someone actually had the unmitigated gall to commit acts of cinematic terrorism such as casting Josh Gad McQueen in this film. Branagh truly is the rightful heir to the role of Hercule Poirot and I hope to see more of him. Perhaps in my second favorite Agatha Christie tale, Death on the Nile?
The writing and directing in this film were good. Johnny Depp's character lacked depth as did most of the other characters. Michelle Pfeiffer was her usual glorious self as was Judi Dench, Willem Defoe and Derek Jacobi. Nevertheless, the strength of Branagh's performance is more than enough reason to overlook the liberties taken with the plot and the casting misfires.
I was pleasantly surprised with this film and look forward to more Hercule Poirot a la Kenneth Branagh.