"Murder on the Orient Express" Review by Tim Hellman

'MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

A new cinematic version of Agatha Christie's classic 1934 murder mystery novel, which has been adapted into films three times before. Kenneth Branagh directed, produced and stars in the movie; as the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. Poirot is in charge of investigating a murder on the famous Orient Express. It was written by Michael Green, who's recent writing credits include co-scripting 'BLADE RUNNER 2049', 'LOGAN' and 'ALIEN COVENANT'. The film also features an all-star supporting cast including Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Willem Dafoe, Josh Gad and Johnny Depp. Ridley Scott also served as a producer on the flick, and it was shot on 65mm film. The movie has received mostly positive reviews from critics (although none are really raving about it), and it's also done modestly well at the Box Office too. I found it to be well made, and mostly (at least mildly) entertaining, but I'm definitely not raving about it either.

The story begins in 1930s Jerusalem, where the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Branagh) is solving a case. He's then expecting to go on a highly anticipated vacation. Before he can go on it though, he's given a telegram asking for his assistance on another case. His friend Buoc (Tom Bateman), who now directs the famous 'Orient Express', offers him a three day ride to his destination. Poirot meets a variety of different characters on his trip, including an American criminal named Samuel Ratchett (Depp). Ratchett asks the detective for his help, in acting as his personal bodyguard, but Poirot declines (stating that he doesn't aide criminals, he only catches them). Later Ratchett is killed, and the train is derailed by an avalanche. While the passengers are all stranded there, Poirot conducts an investigation to find out who killed Ratchett, and of course it has to be someone who's still on the train.

The movie is beautiful to look at; it looks like a classic big screen epic at almost all times. Branagh is of course a very talented filmmaker, and actor too, and he doesn't disappoint here. Most of the rest of the celebrities have little to do though; with the exception of Pfeiffer, who's always good in almost everything she does (it seems like). The story is a classic mystery as well, but (as I already said) it's been done multiple times before, and there's nothing really new here. I did have a mostly good time watching it though, but it's also nothing that will stay with me for very long.

New Poster for Kenneth Branagh's Upcoming Film "Murder on the Orient Express"

20th Century Fox recently released the first trailer for Kenneth Branagh's "Murder on the Orient Express". The film stars Branagh,Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley and Josh Gad.

"Murder on the Orient Express" hits theaters on November 10th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: CluesAreEverywhere.com

Plot Synopsis:

What starts out as a lavish train ride through Europe quickly unfolds into one of the most stylish, suspenseful and thrilling mysteries ever told. From the novel by best-selling author Agatha Christie, "Murder on the Orient Express" tells the tale of thirteen strangers stranded on a train, where everyone's a suspect. One man must race against time to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again. Kenneth Branagh directs and leads an all-star cast including Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley and Josh Gad.

First Trailer for Kenneth Branagh's "Murder on the Orient Express"

20th Century Fox recently released the first trailer for Kenneth Branagh's "Murder on the Orient Express". The film stars Branagh,Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley and Josh Gad.

"Murder on the Orient Express" hits theaters on November 10th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: CluesAreEverywhere.com

Plot Synopsis:

What starts out as a lavish train ride through Europe quickly unfolds into one of the most stylish, suspenseful and thrilling mysteries ever told. From the novel by best-selling author Agatha Christie, "Murder on the Orient Express" tells the tale of thirteen strangers stranded on a train, where everyone's a suspect. One man must race against time to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again. Kenneth Branagh directs and leads an all-star cast including Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley and Josh Gad.

"Murder on the Orient Express": Official Trailer

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" Review by Tim Hellman

'MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Tim Burton's new dark fantasy adventure, based on the 2011 young adult novel (of the same name) by Ransom Riggs. Burton directed the film, and Jane Goldman (a frequent writing collaborator of director Matthew Vaughn) wrote the screenplay. It tells the story of a boy that travels to a mysterious orphanage (on a Welsh island), after his grandfather is horrifically killed, that's filled with peculiar (but very gifted) children. The film stars Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Ella Purnell, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris O'Dowd, Terence Stamp, Judi Dench and Allison Janney. It's received mixed reviews from critics, and it underperformed at the Box Office (due to it's $110 million budget). I enjoyed it, but it definitely doesn't live up to Tim Burton's best (in the slightest).

Jake's grandfather, Abraham (Stamp), has been telling Jacob (Butterfield) stories about a magical place, filled with kids with special powers, since he was a very young boy. He also told him about vicious monsters with tentacles, that Abraham had to fight (as a child), and a beautiful headmistress, named Miss Peregrine (Green), that watched over the gifted children. Miss Peregrine is a Ymbryne, according to Abraham (in his stories), which can change into a bird and control time. The children's powers ranged from turning invisible, to controlling air. After Abraham is mysteriously (and very violently) killed, Jake (who's now 16-years-old) travels to the mysterious place, on an island off the coast of Wales, with his father Franklin (O'Dowd). Once there, Jacob learns that the stories are all true!

The movie (like all of Tim Burton's work) is visually stunning, and quite beautiful to watch. There might be a little too much CGI, for some people's tastes, but I still enjoyed it. The film is very dark, violent (especially for a kids' movie) and weird (like all of Tim Burton's films); and that's why I liked it as well. It's also got plenty of action, and fascinating characters. While the performances are all good (especially the always amazing Eva Green), the characters are slightly underdeveloped though; and the drama is a bit forced (and lacking any true emotion). The story is also a little too complicated, and somewhat hard to follow. It's far from a perfect movie, but it is entertaining; it's definitely better than Burton's last couple films.

New Trailer for Tim Burton's "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children"

20th Century Fox recently released a new trailer for Tim Burton's upcoming film "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children". The upcoming film stars Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Ella Purnell, Allison Janney, Terence Stamp, Rupert Everett, with Judi Dench and Samuel L. Jackson

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" hits theaters on September 30th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at:www.staypeculiar.com

Plot Synopsis:

From visionary director Tim Burton, and based upon the best-selling novel, comes an unforgettable motion picture experience. When Jake discovers clues to a mystery that spans alternate realities and times, he uncovers a secret refuge known as Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As he learns about the residents and their unusual abilities, Jake realizes that safety is an illusion, and danger lurks in the form of powerful, hidden enemies. Jake must figure out who is real, who can be trusted, and who he really is.

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children": Official Trailer #2

First Trailer for Tim Burton's Upcoming Film "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children"

20th Century Fox recently released the official poster and trailer for Tim Burton's upcoming film "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children". The upcoming film stars Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Ella Purnell, Allison Janney, Terence Stamp, Rupert Everett, with Judi Dench and Samuel L. Jackson

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" hits theaters on September 30th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at:www.staypeculiar.com

Plot Synopsis:

From visionary director Tim Burton, and based upon the best-selling novel, comes an unforgettable motion picture experience. When Jake discovers clues to a mystery that spans alternate realities and times, he uncovers a secret refuge known as Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As he learns about the residents and their unusual abilities, Jake realizes that safety is an illusion, and danger lurks in the form of powerful, hidden enemies. Jake must figure out who is real, who can be trusted, and who he really is.

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children": Official Trailer

Official Stills and Trailer for "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"

Fox Searchlight Pictures recently released stills and the official trailer for the upcoming film "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel". The film stars Maggie Smith Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel and Richard Gere.

"The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" hits theaters on 3/6.

Plot Synopsis:

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL is the expansionist dream of Sonny (Dev Patel), and it’s making more claims on his time than he has available, considering his imminent marriage to the love of his life, Sunaina (Tina Desai). Sonny has his eye on a promising property now that his first venture, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful, has only a single remaining vacancy – posing a rooming predicament for fresh arrivals Guy (Richard Gere) and Lavinia (Tamsin Greig). Evelyn and Douglas (Judi Dench and Bill Nighy) have now joined the Jaipur workforce, and are wondering where their regular dates for Chilla pancakes will lead, while Norman and Carol (Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle) are negotiating the tricky waters of an exclusive relationship, as Madge (Celia Imrie) juggles two eligible and very wealthy suitors. Perhaps the only one who may know the answers is newly installed co-manager of the hotel, Muriel (Maggie Smith), the keeper of everyone's secrets. As the demands of a traditional Indian wedding threaten to engulf them all, an unexpected way forward presents itself.

"The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel": Official Trailer