Movies: Murder on the Orient Express, Goodbye Christopher Robin, Justice League

Murder on the Orient Express

This movie is the fourth adaptation of the original Agatha Christie novel in 1934.  This rendition was directed by Kenneth Branagh who is also featured heavily in the production.

There is an all star cast that includes Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi, Leslie Odon Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer and Daisy Ridley.

The costumes and cinematography are stellar in this film.  The performances by Kenneth Branagh and Michelle Pfeiffer were especially noteworthy.  Audience and critics response to date has been mixed.  We found the story classic and the production enjoyable.

The film is rated PG-13 for violence and thematic elements. It is listed as a Drama, Mystery, Suspense.  Run time is 1 hour, 54 minutes.

Rating  

Goodbye Christopher Robin

You may have deduced this film is about the creation of Winnie the Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner books that were originally published in 1926 and 1928 respectively.

Playwright A. A. Milne had just returned from the horrors of WWI in Europe and decides to move to the countryside where he can focus on his writing.  The wooded grounds and the stuffed animals of Milne’s son Christopher became the fodder for the subsequent books.  It is not an all happy affair.  Milne’s wife moves back to the city without her family.  The nanny fills in for the absent Mom.

The main actors are a surprising short list.  Margot Robbie skillfully plays the Mom and wife.  Domhnall Gleeson plays the stoic, often brooding husband and Father.  Kelly Macdonald shines as the Nanny.  Will Tilston is perfect as the 8 year old Christopher.  Alex Lawther is a pleasant surprise as the 18 year old Christopher.

The film is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some bullying, war images and brief language but is generally suitable for children.  It is listed as a Drama/Biography and runs 1 hour, 47 minutes.

Rating  

Justice League

Yup!  It happened.  Batman gets inspired by Superman’s selfless act of death.  With the help of Wonder Woman they form a new Justice League that recruits Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash.  They manage to resurrect Superman, join forces to battle Steppenwolf who wants to destroy Earth.

Ben Affleck plays Batman.  Gal Gadot plays Diana Prince (Wonder Woman).  Henry Cavill plays Superman.  Jason Momoa plays an excellent Aquaman.  Ezra Miller is refreshing as Flash.  Ray Fisher is intense as Cyborg.  Ciaran Hinds is great as the very angry Steppenwolf.

There are also several bit parts by J. K. Simmons, Willem Defoe, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons.

Critics were generally not kind in their reviews.  Audiences were mixed with their thoughts.  The special effects were prolific and essential for the film to work.  We chose to see it the XD Version (with enhanced visual and sound effects).

The movie is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action.  We do not recommend this film for young children.  The Genre is listed as Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy with a run time of 1 hour, 59 minutes.

Rating 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.