Murder on the Orient Express is just as intriguing and developed as it's source material.

Rating: 8/10 (26 February 2018)

Agatha Christie, Poirot, murder mystery. Suffice to say this story quite possibly pioneered the "Who Dunnit!?" sub-genre. With many popular mysteries utilising the same methodologies that Christie famously used in her book. Kenneth Branagh braves an attempt at adapting this beloved story...and thankfully he did. We all know the story. A group of passengers onboard the Orient Express are in the midst of a murder, and it's up to our heavily moustached detective to crack the case. Now, I'm a massive fan of Kenneth Branagh. He is a class act, both in his thespian acting style and his modern directing techniques. Fortunately, his talents are put to good use here. I thoroughly enjoyed this. I kept my expectations timid but secretly I had faith in Sir Branagh. His iteration of Hercule Poirot is inspired. The usage of quick wit, old-fashioned humour and that Shakespearean touch, he is able to create a character that lights up every scene. Then there's the moustache. It needs its own casting credit. It's magnificent. I just wanted him to interrogate a passenger and exclaim "I moustache you a question, but I'll shave it for later". His directing style, yet again, is understated and a beauty to behold. A super nice long exterior take as Poirot walks along each carriage of the train. Bird's Eye view of the crime scene as Poirot investigates. Majestic landscape shots as the train passes by. I adored it. Then there's the cast. Wow. Many A-Listers and many thespians to assist in Branagh's portrayal. The whole story has this old-school charm to it that made it utterly watchable. Yes there are a few pacing issues and the culprit's reveal might be slightly underwhelming and totally convenient, but to pluck up the courage and adapt this heavily beloved story is an achievement. This could've been terrible. Branagh modifies the story to make it feel fresh and it works on every level. Who needs superhero blockbusters when you can have a murder mystery with developed and memorable characters.