Make A Scene: Polar Adventure
Games and Education
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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express (2017) in Movies
Jul 11, 2019
For those unfamiliar with the novel, or the 1974 and 2001 adaptations, Murder tells the story of, well… a murder. On a train. It’s really a lot more than that. Branagh portrays Hercule Poirot, a famed Belgian detective who is looking forward to some time off. But during his travels, a most unfortunate thing happens. Two things actually. Someone is murdered aboard the train he is traveling on, the Orient Express (naturally). And the murderer would’ve gotten away free and clear had storm not caused an avalanche, which thanks to a derailed engine, caused the train to become stuck and the body to be discovered. Poirot’s friend, Bouc (Bateman), runs the train and requested that Poirot solve the mystery before the police arrive in fear of someone innocent being accused, and to save himself from a heyday with his father. Can Poirot find out who is the killer between the star-studded cast?
I’ve read the novel. Seen both adaptations. This film blows those earlier adaptations out of the water. There is no contest here. Now clearly, nothing can beat the book. But Murder is about as great a film you can get in the murky land of Hollywood these days. As mentioned, Branagh directed and starred in the film, which he shot on 65 mm. The last time he did this was with Hamlet in 1996. It looked good then, and it looks even better now. With eye-popping visuals throughout the entirety of the film, and a masterful soundtrack that seamlessly blended with the tones and themes of each scene, the film is a modern masterpiece.
It wasn’t without its faults. (Most) every film has them. And there are a lot of people who are upset with Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot, particularly the representation of his eccentric facial hair. I am not one of those people. I believe it, along with other amazing moments, lent a bit of humor to the movie to break up what should otherwise be, and is, a serious whodunit mystery. Also, I felt they changed a few things in the adaptation that didn’t necessarily need to be changed.
I found it hard to sit and write about the film though. Given the nature of a great mystery, I can’t tell you too much about it without risk of giving out crucial details to the plot and outcome. So I will leave you with this, boys, girls, and everything in between and beyond… with a great and talented cast (bravo to Michelle Pfeiffer in particular) who nailed home their characters, to great visuals, and a great score, this movie is definitely one you want to catch.
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Debbiereadsbook (1611 KP) rated Up In Smoke (Redwood Bay Fire #4) in Books
Dec 14, 2025
I will start by saying this: I wanted to give this book so many MORE than 5 stars, but most review sites will only let you do 5. I gave the previous 3 books 5 stars but this book is way WAY above those! So, while this is tagged as a 5 star read, it really should have more!
This book deals with some difficult subjects from both guys: lost of a sibling as a child, distancing parents, drug/alcohol abuse; and recovery from these, attempted suicide and suicidal thoughts.
All topics are dealt with sensitively, and with research. Some things are on page, and you need to be mindful of that, if you have triggers. But I honestly think we needed to get into Jesse's mind at his lowest point, so we could really appreciate how far he comes and cheer him on!!
I loved that Rico thinks outside the box to be able to help Jesse. Loved that once they both admit they are emotionally in for real, it takes time for the physical stuff to come. I loved that, I really did. So I'm gonna say this is probably one of Ms Welch's less steamy books, but it's not really about that, it's more about the emotional connection for these two.
And that emotion made me cry at times, it really did. Jesse at his worst, and his best. Such extremes of emotion that really pushed me. When he was tempted, and how he overcame the threat. How Rico felt when he finally let Jesse in. How both men felt they didn't deserve the other for a long time.
I loved that Jesse was adamant he be called Jay in the beginning, but after he comes home, he's just Jesse to Rico and that was that! Made me chuckle, did that fact.
Loved that we get to catch up with the previous couples, and the whole of the One Thirteen crew, and I had to chuckle a bit at the way Jesse met them all at once! Not why he met them then, just the way they all crowded him and Rico to say hello.
Loved the found family at the club Jesse finds himself dancing at! Those guys and gals are amazing!
It's also a longer book than Ms Welch usually writes, but you do need those extra pages to fully appreciate the awesomeness that this book is!
I'm struggling with this review, because I want to rant and rave and go on and on and ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN about it, but a coherent review that does not make.
So!
To sum up, in case you didn't get it in the beginning, I bloody LOVED this book, and I loved it so much that I filed it on my Masterpiece shelf. Because I do think that this is quite possibly Ms Welch's best book so far!! (under either author name!!)
Well done, Ms Welch, so very VERY well done!
5 full and so very shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere