MovieChat Forums > Murder on the Orient Express (2017) Discussion > I enjoyed it even more the second time a...

I enjoyed it even more the second time around

posted 6 years ago by PrimeMinisterX (8291)
8 replies | jump to latest

I rewatched this one tonight, making this the second time that I've seen it. And I have to say, I enjoyed it a lot more the second time around than I did the first.

Being a big fan of the story who has not only read the book but also seen the 1974 and 2010 adaptations, the 2017 version was weighed down for me by expectations and comparisons to everything that had come before it, and that undoubtedly hampered my appreciation somewhat. But this time I cast all that aside and just enjoyed it on its own terms and really had a good time with it.

While there are still a few things I'd have rather seen done differently--a bit more emphasis on clues so that we understand how Poirot is making his deductions would be good, as well as improved CGI in a few shots (or perhaps no CGI at all)--all in all I think this is a good adaptation that particularly excels visually and has some REALLY beautiful cinematography.

With its slight modifications to the original story, I also think this film justifies its existence. After all, what would be the point of a new version if it was just going to give us the same thing that previous versions gave us? From the opening prologue to the brief action beats to Branagh's mirthful Poirot, I think this film succeeds in giving us something different while still essentially remaining faithful to the story.

All this is to say that if you watched it once and weren't super-enthusiastic, consider giving it one more look. I enjoyed it the first time, but definitely enjoyed it MORE the second time and will bump my rating from a relatively weak 7 to a strong 7.5 or even 8.

I am really looking forward to Death on the Nile and can't wait to see what Branagh gives us with that one.

[–] FilmKnowItAll (8) 6 years ago

I agree. Even though there are significant plot holes, Kenneth Branagh did a really great job in directing and acting in it. Also, a very literate script by Michael Green.

[–] PrimeMinisterX (8291) 6 years ago

Cool, glad you enjoyed it.

Had you seen previous adaptations?

[–] FilmKnowItAll (8) 6 years ago

Of course. How could I make a comparison then with the previous versions. The Alfred Molina version was bad; Finney was over-the-top in 1974; and Suchet's version was, well, I liked his deeply religious adherence there, but it was made for TV. While I do question some of the things they did for this 2017 version, in terms of moving the action out of the train so it doesn't appear claustrophobic, overall, it was a meatier and intelligent fresh attack on the story.

[–] PrimeMinisterX (8291) 6 years ago

I need to see the '74 version again. I haven't seen it in at least five years at this point and don't remember it was, but I did really enjoy it the first time I watched it. And in fact, it was my first exposure to the story.

Suchet's version was strange in the way it added in the whole religious element, which simply doesn't exist in the book, but I appreciated that it decided to do something different. After all, if you're going to tell the story in the exact same way, I don't see the point of adapting it anew. You need to justify the decision to tell the story again, and I think Suchet's version does that. It's made for TV, yes, but they did good work with the budget they had.

[–] Aries (762) 3 years ago

Ditto. I watched it first when it was released and thought it was pretty good - an easy 7-8/10

Re-watched it again last night and it was still very enjoyable. Great cast, cinematography, dialogue and pace. I haven't read AC's novel (have read a bunch of her other stuff incl. Poirot stories tho) nor seen the previous renditions of this one, so had no prejudice or eagerness to nitpick. Thought it was very entertaining overall.

One of the worst things for me is watching a good movie and then going to IMDb, only to see review after review of 1-2 stars from spoilt people, trashing the movie simply because it failed to meet their ridiculous and at times, unrealistic expectations. Everyone's a perfectionist online who could've done a much better job had they been in charge lol. So it's good to see others enjoying it and giving it a fair review.

BTW, even though KB didn't resemble Poirot exactly (esp. the stache), I thought he did a great job.

[–] PrimeMinisterX (8291) 3 years ago

Nice. Glad to hear you liked it!

The novel is good and I would recommend it, though surprisingly this is one of those rare stories that I think actually works better as a film than it does as a book. It is inherently cinematic.

For different takes, I would also recommend checking out the 1974 and 2010 versions, and if you're not already familiar, you may also want to look into the British ITV series "Poirot" that ran from the late 80s to the mid-2010s starring David Suchet. (The 2010 MOTOE actually belongs to the Poirot series.)

Are people giving this film 1s and 2s over at IMDB? Well that's just people being assholes. Obviously it's much better than that. Overall, while I don't think it's a great adaptation, I do think it's a good one. Solid. Hopefully Death on the Nile will be just as good if not better.

[–] Aries (762) 3 years ago

Yeah, tons of 1-2 star reviews from pretentious, entitled assholes. Had to actually re-order the reviews by highest ratings to see some positive reviews.

I am thinking of watching the TV series with David Suchet, cause his appearance and demeanor were a lot closer to what Poirot's should've been like IMO (I've watched a few scenes in YT). Your recommendation has pushed me into doing it and I've got it on my watch list now.

Looking forward to Death on the Nile.

[–] PrimeMinisterX (8291) 3 years ago

The Poirot series, overall, is amazing! If you like Agatha's stories, you should enjoy it.

Bear in mind I do say "overall." Some individual episodes are busts.