Murder On The Orient Express Review: 6 Ups & 6 Downs

Kenneth Branagh's much-awaited adaptation of Agatha Christie's beloved mystery novel is in U.K. cinemas now ahead of its international rollout next week, and critics have been giving it a fairly measured round of praise so far.

Deemed a thoroughly three-star affair by most outlets, expect the Rotten Tomatoes score to nevertheless drop once American critics get their hands on it, as those without an existing affinity for the original story may be a little less patient with it.

That's not to say Murder on the Orient Express is a bad film, because it absolutely isn't, but those hoping for Branagh to render a deliciously witty and suspenseful take on the classic tale will probably be left pretty underwhelmed.

It works intermittently, sure, but with so many talented actors crammed into such a tight space, it's a damn shame the end result isn't more convincing. A lightly undemanding night at the movies? Sure, as long as you don't expect anything else...