Solid Adaptation

Rating: 8/10 (16 January 2019)

Agatha Christie is widely considered one of the best mystery writers of all time, and Murder on the Orient Express is widely considered one of her best works, so it's a perfect combination for a good movie. This is, of course, not the first time this novel was adapted for the big screen, and the original 1973 version is a classic. This version doesn't do much to add to the story, but it still succeeds. Here, the best parts are the acting, with an A-list cast, and the cinematography. The cast includes the likes of Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Willem Defoe, among many others. Kenneth Branagh's portrayal of Hercule Poirot was enjoyable to watch and loyal to his character in the book. And the moustache. That alone deserved the Oscar for "Best Makeup and Hairstyling." The costume design was fantastic, and all the characters, despite being familiar faces, look great in their period clothes. The set design was equally good, with the train itself looking classy and elegant. The whole look of the train and the people on board brings the viewers back to the 1910s, to an age of transcontinental train travel.
The movie does have its faults, however. It is a two-hour movie, so it can't be as in-depth as the book, but it's stupid how fast Poirot figured out the connection between Ratchet and the Armstrong case. And, as stated earlier, it doesn't really do much to add to the story. I don't have a problem with that personally, but some may consider that a detracting element. And, of course, it's not exactly like the book. While it would be nice if the movie were completely true to the book, nothing particularly egregious happens in this version. Even still, this is a very solid movie, and a great adaptation, especially for the faithful portrayal of Poirot.
One thing that must be said; Murder on the Orient Express is notable for its plot twist. If you haven't read the book and don't know what happens and how it ends, go read the book. The book is much better than any film adaptation, and the ending is all the better. In this version, the only changes to the ending are how it goes down. Poirot tells his findings outside the train. Either way, don't find out the ending by watching this version.