Decent remake of a classic...

Rating: Null/10 (29 January 2018)

Murder on the Orient Express is a decent remake of a classic.
The positives include a veteran cast and a solid script. Kenneth Branagh's Hercule Poirot is always going to attract the inevitable comparison with David Suchet's performance.
Certainly the latest Poirot incarnation has a somewhat different vibe heavily emphasising the characters obsessive compulsive disorder. A little too much in my opinion but this is a minor point.
The feel of this film captures the essence of Christie's thriller but shifts the story's emphasis in a way that wont appeal to all. Previous incarnations of this story have tended to focus on the "who dunnit" aspect slowly unravelling a predictably complex story of murder.
This film flattens and compacts the sleuthing to emphasise the emotional trauma and loss that in some respects is really at the heart of this story. In that sense this film is hugely successful . I have not seen a version of this tale that made as strong an emotional connection with me.
Ultimately whether you prefer this film or older editions is really going to depend on your expectations. If you are a classic crime buff this interpretation may annoy and frustrate you. If on the other hand you can enjoy a tale based simply on its own merits you may come to appreciate this remake for what it is. Eight out of ten from me.