Kenneth Branagh's forgettable adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic 1934 mystery novel derails long before the eventually snowbound strangers begin to suspect one another of murder. Prior to the steam-engine chugging out of the station, Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Branagh) is introduced with his ridiculous salt ‘n' pepper mustache. Shortly after leaving Istanbul, the corpse of American art dealer Edward Ratchett (Johnny Depp) is found with multiple stab wounds. After an avalanche forces the legendary luxury train to stop on a particularly precarious trestle, Poirot interviews passengers who had access to Ratchett's compartment, including his assistant (Josh Gad) and valet (Derek Jacobi), the Doctor (Leslie Odom Jr.), the Widow (Michelle Pfeiffer), the Missionary (Penelope Cruz), the Governess (Daisy Ridley), the Professor (Willem Dafoe), and the Princess (Judi Dench), who is traveling with her maid (Olivia Colman). Adapted in 1974 for the big screen (and later for TV), the story remains the same: all of the suspects had reason to loathe Ratchett. Unfortunately, this remake suffers mightily from Branagh's self-indulgent casting of himself as prissy Poirot, as well as his increasingly annoying overhead shots. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Kenneth Branagh and screenwriter Michael Greene, the behind-the-scenes featurettes “Agatha Christie: An Intimate Portrait” (19 min.), “Unusual Suspects” (18 min.), “The Art of Murder” (17 min.), “All Aboard: Filming” (17 min.), “Let's Talk About Hercule Poirot” (10 min.), and “Music of Murder” (8 min.), and a photo gallery. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a disappointing adaptation.] (S. Granger)
Murder on the Orient Express
Fox, 114 min., PG-13, DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $34.99, Feb. 27 Volume 33, Issue 1
Murder on the Orient Express
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