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MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

Murder on the Orient Express is an incredible film. It is a perfect example of a classic suspenseful mystery movie. It is based on the detective novel by Agatha Christie. Watching this film really made me want to read the book.

The movie follows Hercule Poirot as he makes a journey aboard the train, The Orient Express. When someone gets murdered in the first-class carriage, while the train is temporarily stuck in snow, he interrogates the remaining passengers to find the culprit. As he slowly starts unraveling the different stories, lots of contradictory clues start to appear and they lead you, along with Hercule Poirot to finally make sense of this twisting tale. I really like how the movie allows you to connect to all the characters as they tell their stories in detail.

My favorite scene is the inevitable big reveal at the end of the film, when Poirot solves the case. I love mystery movies. This is the part when you find out if you are right about who you think committed the crime. I saw this film at in 70mm which was awesome. It gave the film a really authentic feeling.

I love how all the actors portray their characters. During the interrogations, you can tell that each character has something to hide. I really enjoyed Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot. I feel that he really fits the character and portrays how Hercule is feeling at any given time. His moustache is fabulous. I particularly like his moustache guard that he wears at night. This is very funny.

I love the attention to detail in this film. I that there is a slow, rocking sound of the train throughout the entire movie and that there is always movement outside the windows, while the train is in motion. I also like the small connections to Agatha Christie's other books. I love how they use black and white footage to represent flashbacks. This makes very clear what happened in the past rather than the present.

The moral of this film is that there is more to any situation than meets the eye. Nothing is just black and white or right and wrong. There is a gray area in between where people's actions can be both.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars for its real, authentic feel and recommend it for ages 10 through 18 as well as adults. This film opens in theaters November 10, 2017 so check it out.

Reviewed by Rohan F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

I was excited when I watched the film, Murder on the Orient Express. This movie is truly amazing. I always love mystery movies because they really get me thinking. This one is particularly puzzling. It kept me guessing till the end. The storyline pulls it all together well. The movie has an old-time feel since it takes place in the past. The screening I saw it at was on 70mm film which added to the overall feeling of it. Some parts of the movie are a bit scary, but there are very funny moments too.

The stars of this film are Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot, the protagonist, who is the most amazing detective. Penelope Cruz plays Pilar Estravados, a humble Spanish missionary and nurse. Willem Dafoe plays Cyrus Hardman, a stern German professor who keeps to himself while keeping an eye on everyone else. Other famous actors who are featured include Dame Judy Dench, a foreign princess, Michelle Pfeiffer, an American actress and Johnny Depp, a conman. They all play characters who are riding first class on the train, The Orient Express, when a murder occurs. Hercule Poirot must use his skills to collect the evidence and find the murderer. As the story unfolds, it is very hard to figure out who the murderer is and why. The tagline is "everyone is a suspect" and this turns out to be true, in the most unexpected ways.

My favorite part is in the beginning when Hercule Poirot solves a mystery of a stolen item and catches the culprit at The Waiting Wall. This scene is hilarious. Nothing about this movie is bad, I like when it shows the bottom of the old-fashioned train. Those scenes are particularly cool. The train drives through some awesome scenery on its journey from Istanbul to Paris. The message of this film is that things aren't always what they seem. The movie is based on the book by Agatha Christie and has a perfect ending to have a sequel, as they mention where Poirot must go next, which is the name of another book by the same author.

This movie is really amazing. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars for its awesome storyline and message. The movie is rated PG-13 and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18. Younger children might not understand the concept of murder mysteries and it contains violence such as stabbing and gun shooting. I believe adults will really enjoy it too.

Reviewed by Damon F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10.

The new mystery film Murder on the Orient Express thrilled with the very intense and complex plot that develops along with the audience's assumptions and theories. When someone watches a suspense movie, you try to keep up and solve the mystery yourself. I could not take my eyes off the screen because of how entertaining this film is and the mystery that unfolds every second of the way. Of course, the plot is very well scripted. It is impressive how everything makes sense and connects at the end. Also, I love how every doubt or question is answered. You can really notice how the filmmakers and the crew were very careful and delicate with the plot and the making of this movie. On another note, what also makes this movie so successful is the cast, a majority of which are A-list, experienced actors that portrayed their characters in the most excellent manner. And at the end, their work pays off as the result is a wonderful film that is most enjoyable.

Murder on the Orient Express is about a lavish train trip through Europe that quickly unfolds into a race against time to solve a murder aboard the train. When an avalanche stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks, the world's "greatest detective" interrogates all the passengers, searching for clues before the killer can commit another crime.

My favorite scene is when the detective interrogates the passengers to get insight on who may be the possible killer. I like this scene because you have the opportunity to see all the different personalities of the various characters in their personal excellent close ups. Also, you get to appreciate the work of all the outstanding actors such as Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz. They are also a big part as to why this movie is pleasurable. Their acting brings the plot to life.

The message of this film is there's more to life than simply right and wrong. In other words, black or white. There are sometimes human factors to consider. People should not be so quick to judged or criticize. The heart needs to be used instead of just thinking with the head or with superficial factors. The detective sees that and has compassion for many of the passengers and their situations. I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. It is in theaters now so, be sure to check it out.

By Alejandra G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

As a colleague of mine said after the closing credits, "Ever once in a while, isn't it great to see a wonderful film." This gentleman has been in the theater and entertainment business all his life, as were the others with whom I attended this screening. With a wonderful cast, under the direction of Kenneth Branagh, who also stars as Poirot, this film did not disappoint. The script, based on the classic novel by Agatha Christie, is filled with wonderful dialogue that one likes to savor it in your memory. The cinematography and locations were awe-inspiring. The camera shots coming over a precipice to see the iconic train below stops your heart at times. Yes, I loved it. Other critics have panned it and I ask why. Perhaps because it's too slow for our U.S. audience that craves action and adventure. But, for me, I enjoyed the costumes, the idea of being on that train, of sussing out "who done it" and more. Of course, I already knew the story but I put that into the back of my brain so I could watch this as if it was fresh and new. And, that made me happy. I loved it! I recommend it! Unless you are a speed junky, I think you will too. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Juror

A lavish trip through Europe quickly unfolds into a race against time to solve a murder aboard a train. Everyone's a suspect when Detective Hercule Poirot arrives to interrogate all passengers and search for clues before the killer can strike again.