Modern Day Clue

Rating: 7/10 (5 March 2018)

"Murder on the Orient Express" (2017) is a crime drama directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot, the best detective in the world, as he attempts to solve a murder he was unknowingly thrust into on the Orient Express. Detective Poirot is a last-minute addition to the train as he has been summoned to another case when Edward Ratchett, played by Johnny Depp, is murdered. The film is set in the 1930s and the script is superb for the era coupled with wonderful acting from an all-star cast. Though this film didn't invoke any feelings for me, I was highly entertained and thoroughly intrigued. The film reminded me of the board game Clue, which I loved as a child.
The surprise ending offered by the director, Kenneth Branagh, was well concealed through the film. He effectively keeps the viewer on the verge of figuring it out only to pull the rug out from under you. The production value of this film is immaculate. It is difficult to spot anything in this film that doesn't belong in the 1930s and everything looks authentic. However, with a budget of an estimated 55M, it would be hard pressed to not appear as real as possible. With a gross of over 100M, the film was well able to make its investment back, but it comes as a surprise it hasn't made more. This is a great film that can offer a certain level of nostalgia for lovers of the game Clue.