Murder on the Orient Express (2017) Review

This was one of my most anticipated movies of the fall season. My heart sank when I saw the Rotten Tomatoes score at 59%. I was expecting a major disappointment. I was pleasantly surprised. The cast is so much fun to watch. The landscapes are stunning. I really want Kenneth Branaugh (star and director) to take on a globe trotting movie in the vein of Around the World in 80 Days. This is a prime example of CGI used so very right. The snowy mountains really get you into the mood to solve a mystery. The feeling of warmth that he brings to this movie is the same Branaugh gave to Cinderella (2015). The mystery is super engaging. By now, you have most likely scrolled down and seen my review score. It's not perfect. Some lines that are given to this all-star cast are astoundingly awful. I don't know how these certain lines that make you cringe to the bone got through rough drafts of the scripts. Some shots are creative and astounding, some are creative and confusing. The first discovery of the murder is shot from above and it doesn't work as much as Btanaugh hoped. I applaud him for taking these risks, but it really brings the tension, like the train, to a grinding halt. These things didn't greatly affect my enjoyment and I want more movies like this one.

B

3 out of 4