Murder on the Orient Express

I read the book first, and have to say I really enjoyed the movie too. There are some changes that chafed--Hercule not figuring things out on his own for one--but there's other changes that I thought pretty good ideas. Making the Italian guy a Mexican instead, because we as Americans don't have the prejudice against Italians that we did 100 years ago. Connections (SPOILERS BELOW) between the passengers and the dead family in question were made stronger. Macqueen, for example, had a surface level connection in the books, and the one in this movie is stronger. Col. Arbuthnot is blended with, I believe, a Greek doctor from the book. He is now a doctor due to the connection mentioned above. As he's black and this is the 1930s, this is significant. The missionary's story was also wonderful. Penelope Cruz did a great job. I think my favorite part is the most subtle role I've ever seen Willem Dafoe in, period. It shocked me at first, but he played it very well. Johnny Depp played Ratchett pretty well, though it was weird to hear him speak plain English with no accent. Overall I would say, if you're not too strict with wanting it to be "just like the books" you'll like it just fine.

I don't know why the highlighted reviews showed for this movie are ones saying the film is bad when apparently 90% of the ratings are 5 stars. But I am with the 5 star group. Excellent movie, I don't care how cliche it was, (which is kinda was) It was amazing! Some movies need to be cliche to enjoy them fully, this is one of those movies. 10/10, would watch instead of being a productive member of society again.

Agatha Christie & Kenneth Branagh at their best.... if you don't like a who dunnit story, then this film is not for you. This is the third adaptation, I tend to favor the one played by David Suchet; however, Mr. Branagh brings much of Poirot's character to life, which was lacking in the "Poirot" series played by Mr. Suchet, no offense! (in this movie, he is a bit more physical, afterall, he was a police officer). I give this movie high ratings because I've seen all the Poirot series, movies, interview w/Agatha's grandson, David Suchet and much more. They did a fine job, only one thing bothered me - the suit was not as fine tailored as the ones Mr. Suchet wore :) Enjoy and pay attention.....