A dashing Poirot

Rating: 7/10 (10 February 2018)

There was a very good star studded version of Murder in the Orient Express made in 1974 by Sidney Lumet starring Albert Finney as Hercule Poirot.
I thought the later David Suchet television movie was disappointing.
Kenneth Branagh stars and directs this new version wearing a massive moustache which surprisingly was not too distracting, even if it did make him look like a walrus.
This is a stylish and muscular film with a star studded cast. Johnny Depp is the villain who becomes the victim on the train ride. Judi Dench, Michelle Pfieffer, Derek Jacobi, Willem Dafoe, Penelope Cruz are just some of the suspects.
It is an enjoyable film even if you are familiar with the ending. Branagh gets to grips with the rather fussy detective who finds murder abhorrent. Even though Poirot is tired he cannot resist exercising those tiny grey cells once more.
This Poirot does not overdo the humour and as the director he keeps the movie rattling along.