Murder on the Orient Express (2017) - All aboard in every sense of the phrase

One of the unexpected benefits of the rise of popularity for the superhero genre is it has given some filmmakers the leverage to tell more classic stories with non-superpowered characters, who are still superheroes in their respective way. Before there were characters with capes and God-like powers, there were people with talents and skills far beyond what most other people could comprehend. These were characters like Sherlock Holmes with his uncanny abilities at deductive reasoning, and Paladin (Richard Boone) from Have Gun, Will Travel with his desire for justice, profound wisdom, and lightning fast quick draw. And of course, the reason we are here today, Hercule Poirot, one of the greatest detectives in mystery fiction, making a triumphant return to the big screen thanks to one of Hollywoods real superheroes, Kenneth Branagh.

For those of you who may not already know, Hercule Poirot is the creation of Agatha Christie. An accomplished British mystery writer who has had her works adapted to the big screen many times before. You know those murder mysteries where all the suspects are placed in one room in a large mansion as the detective breaks down the events of the puzzle leading up to who the killer was? It was the works of Agatha Christie which made that famous, both in practice and in parody. Her most famous novel, Murder on the Orient Express, was adapted to the silver screen before in 1974 by Sidney Lumet. As of this writing, I have not yet seen that version, but I plan to do so very soon. Once again, I must clarify that because I have not yet read this book, I cannot attest to the films accuracy or lack thereof. As always, this is a review of the film strictly as a film.

The story takes place in the 1930s. It follows the great detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), a talented and skilled detective burdened with a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder which causes him to see everything that is out of place always, along with a passionate disposition for right and wrong, and delivering justice. Seeking a much-desired vacation, he boards a luxury train called The Orient Express. Also aboard the train and some colorful characters all played by accomplished actors who all get their equal time in the spotlight (more on them in a minute). As the train runs through the snowy mountains, it is struck by an avalanche and is stuck on the tracks until the repair team frees the engine from the fallen snow. Right around the same time, one of the passengers is found murdered, and Poirot is the only one who can solve the mystery and set things right once again.

Short version:

This film is wonderful. The acting is superb, the directing is on point, the cinematography is gorgeous, the editing is fluid, and it has one of the best commentaries on the human condition I have seen this year. Without going into too much more detail, I would like to take this opportunity to recommend that you see this movie immediately. Now, if you're interested to read further as to why I love this film so much, then please, by all means, read on.

Long Version:

This film was directed by Kenneth Branagh, whom I previously referred to as one of Hollywood's real superheroes. Born in Belfast and classically trained in Shakespearian theater, he made his directorial debut with his film adaptation of Henry V, which earned him Oscar nominations for directing and acting. Since then he went on to direct and star in more Shakespeare adaptations, including his most famous take on Hamlet. An unabridged four hour long epic in every way. Branagh is also no stranger to murder mysteries. In 1991 he directed and starred in a great mystery thriller titled Dead Again. Which, if you have not yet seen, please do so.

What makes Kenneth Branagh such an incredible director is that he always seems to be having fun, and it shows. His energy as an actor showcases his unique talent to put every ounce of emotion into a line regardless of if it deserves it or not. Furthermore, as a director, he has a keen eye for composition and movement. He is very fond of the long take which he uses beautifully, as every long take is full of texture and fluid flow. Almost like riding a roller coaster. It is this very sense of dominant individual style that makes this old story feel fresh, and I am so happy to see him return to the director's chair. I have missed him a great deal.

The cinematography is stunning. The film was shot in a unique format called Glorious 65mm. Which, incidentally, was the same format that Branagh used to shoot his adaptation of Hamlet as mentioned earlier. Which was also, until recently, the last film to be shot on said format. One of the benefits from Glorious 65mm is that it is a large format of cinema. As such, it is capable of recreating detail, color, and sharpness to an almost supernatural level that standard film has yet to match. In other words, if a conventional film is equivalent to color pencils, Glorious 65mm is equal to oil paint. Even though you have to see this format on a larger screen to benefit from it, I found its standard presentation still glorious.

The acting is where this film gets to shine the most. The entire cast is committed to the characters they play and is apparently having the time of their lives. Speaking personally, the two actors who stand out the most are Daisy Ridley and Leslie Odor Jr. Without spoiling anything, the two of them have a few moments and lines of dialogue that I found to be the most clever and best delivered. Also, some of the more experienced cast grace the screen with colorful performances, especially one of my all-time favorites Michelle Pfeiffer. And, of course, where would an old-fashioned murder mystery be without the tremendous and powerful Dame Judy Dench commanding everyone's full attention without uttering a single word.

Rather you have read the book or not, have seen the original 1974 adaptation or not, or have any interest in seeing a good murder mystery on the big screen this year, this is the movie you owe it to yourself to see. It is the beginning of something more beautiful down the road that I hope to see more of in the future.

Is this movie worth seeing?
Yes.

Is it worth seeing in theaters?
Yes.

Why?
It is one of the best-crafted films of the year and one that must be seen on the big screen to be fully appreciated.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you for reading.