Murder on the Orient Express

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This film is directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh where he also plays the enigmatic and overtly eccentric Hercule Poirot - is this egotistical or impressive? The jury is out on this one.

The film as a whole is a delight. I hadn't seen the original 1974 film with Albert Finney so I can't compare.  This version has definitely more bang for it's buck, taking you across the lavish European continent and sampling a taste of luxury and class aboard the Orient Express. The production value on this does show and makes the film better for it. This was a good romp, which had me grilled on who dunnit?

The main bug I had with this was there are far too many characters and not all of them get a fair amount of air time. Johnny Depp and Josh Gad stood out for me as they had enough lines to act with. If there are future films, the razzmataz cast list might be a worthy promotional tool but I think that distracts at times and they should focus on the plot than spectacle, after all it is Agatha Christie here.

Kenneth Branagh did well to put his own spin on he character, he certainly wins best moustache award. That thing is a beast!

Overall, I liked this film, it really had me guessing. Of course the whole thing is overly dramatic and over the top but I think there is a need for this type of film in a blockbuster busting cinema schedule.