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Post by babyfacedassassin24 on Nov 8, 2017 7:21:19 GMT -8
I may be one of the few who found Lumet’s version slow and overrated. It never lived up to the poster, the star names or the original source material IMO. One of the things that seems clear is that Branagh sped up the action, which I guess he felt he had to do to hold a digital audience’s attention, but this also reduced the characters to one dimensional stock figures. Did you feel that Michelle’s impact or performance were compromised in this regard? Michael, you've broken my heart, sir!! Lol lumet's film is a fave of mine, but i know u aren't alone in that opinion. Branagh has reduced many of the characters down, none more so than Cruz, Dench n Dafoe. However I don't think Michelle's work was compromised by this. Hers is the most fleshed out character in the group n has the most to do. She's really the only one u come away with feeling like u actually know, u feel like her character is an actual person.
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Post by michaelh on Nov 9, 2017 4:38:25 GMT -8
I may be one of the few who found Lumet’s version slow and overrated. It never lived up to the poster, the star names or the original source material IMO. One of the things that seems clear is that Branagh sped up the action, which I guess he felt he had to do to hold a digital audience’s attention, but this also reduced the characters to one dimensional stock figures. Did you feel that Michelle’s impact or performance were compromised in this regard? Michael, you've broken my heart, sir!! Lol lumet's film is a fave of mine, but i know u aren't alone in that opinion. Branagh has reduced many of the characters down, none more so than Cruz, Dench n Dafoe. However I don't think Michelle's work was compromised by this. Hers is the most fleshed out character in the group n has the most to do. She's really the only one u come away with feeling like u actually know, u feel like her character is an actual person. Oh no, did not mean to do that - just my memory of watching the first film and thinking it was a bit slow. One thing about the Lumet version - I never quite understood why the Academy gave Bergman an Oscar when I felt her role was among the least interesting. Thanks for sharing your reactions to the new one. Glad to hear that Pfeiffer's role and performance are strong.
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Post by Pfeiffer-Pfan on Nov 9, 2017 5:10:37 GMT -8
I'm just remembering they were originally going after Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron for Mrs. Hubbard. Women a good 17 years younger than Pfeiffer.
They absolutely made the correct call in the end.
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Post by michaelh on Nov 9, 2017 7:55:26 GMT -8
Agree. Michelle seems the better fit. All three possess the allure, the sophistication, and the beauty but Michelle has more of a world weary edginess. I think her age serves her well in this role, although I haven't seen the film yet.
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Post by babyfacedassassin24 on Nov 9, 2017 11:44:16 GMT -8
Michael, you've broken my heart, sir!! Lol lumet's film is a fave of mine, but i know u aren't alone in that opinion. Branagh has reduced many of the characters down, none more so than Cruz, Dench n Dafoe. However I don't think Michelle's work was compromised by this. Hers is the most fleshed out character in the group n has the most to do. She's really the only one u come away with feeling like u actually know, u feel like her character is an actual person. Oh no, did not mean to do that - just my memory of watching the first film and thinking it was a bit slow. One thing about the Lumet version - I never quite understood why the Academy gave Bergman an Oscar when I felt her role was among the least interesting. Thanks for sharing your reactions to the new one. Glad to hear that Pfeiffer's role and performance are strong. It's cool lol This one has a faster pace n far more levity than the previous film version so n more of Mrs. Hubbard than the previous one, all of which r assets. They're the same story, but 2 completely different films as they should be
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Post by babyfacedassassin24 on Nov 9, 2017 11:45:59 GMT -8
I'm just remembering they were originally going after Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron for Mrs. Hubbard. Women a good 17 years younger than Pfeiffer. They absolutely made the correct call in the end. Yes, but Jolie spent the entire summer going back and forth w the studio over script notes until the head of Fox said "nevermind." Tbh, I don't think she would've been able to handle the lighter aspects of the character; the annoying chatterbox side.
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Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2017 12:08:43 GMT -8
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Post by babyfacedassassin24 on Nov 9, 2017 12:12:05 GMT -8
Watched it three times already LOL so much more fun than answering emails lol
I love how Savannah actually lets her talk...most interviewers (ahem, Fallon) don't know when to let their guests actually talk
Apparently she'll be on Kelly n Ryan the week of Thanksgiving...
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Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2017 12:22:35 GMT -8
Apparently she'll be on Kelly n Ryan the week of Thanksgiving... Eleven days after 'Murder' comes out? That's weird.
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Post by babyfacedassassin24 on Nov 9, 2017 12:30:42 GMT -8
Apparently she'll be on Kelly n Ryan the week of Thanksgiving... Eleven days after 'Murder' comes out? That's weird. Right?! I'm guessing the studio plans to push on ahead n promote this film beyond opening weekend cuz they feel it's got potential to gather an audience beyond the first week...
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Post by michaelh on Nov 9, 2017 12:38:37 GMT -8
Eleven days after 'Murder' comes out? That's weird. Right?! I'm guessing the studio plans to push on ahead n promote this film beyond opening weekend cuz they feel it's got potential to gather an audience beyond the first week... Four day holiday weekend. I'm sure they hoping for legs at the box-office.
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Post by johnjohn on Nov 9, 2017 14:17:25 GMT -8
Just saw the movie and I was happely surprised, very entertaining. Michelle was great, loved her performance, humerous and touching! To my surprise most of the audience stayed until she finished her song (wich I liked very much btw).
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Post by babyfacedassassin24 on Nov 9, 2017 14:33:43 GMT -8
San Francisco Chronicle: But the most interesting bit of casting is Michelle Pfeiffer as Caroline, the divorcee originally played by Lauren Bacall. It’s easy to forget, because she’s so down-to-earth, but Pfeiffer is a great screen actress — not just good, or very good, or interesting, but genuinely great, as in one of the best we have. In writing this adaptation, Michael Green apparently understood this, and gave Pfeiffer a chance to hit one out of the park. One doesn’t expect that kind of intensity in a sedate British murder mystery, but Pfeiffer brings it. On her own, she helps Branagh make the case for his remake over the original. www.sfchronicle.com/movies/article/A-successful-new-stab-at-Murder-on-the-Orient-12343368.php
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Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2017 16:57:41 GMT -8
I didn't even need to click the link to know that Mick LaSalle wrote that, Lol. He is a Super-Pfan! I don't think he reviwed mother!, did he?
I'm seeing this tonight. I just hope I'm not bored.
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Post by babyfacedassassin24 on Nov 9, 2017 17:27:06 GMT -8
I didn't even need to click the link to know that Mick LaSalle wrote that, Lol. He is a Super-Pfan! I don't think he reviwed mother!, did he? I'm seeing this tonight. I just hope I'm not bored. If u do find yourself bored, u can at least focus on the pretty-ness of the film. It's so incredible to look at, literally every frame is gorgeous
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Post by babyfacedassassin24 on Nov 9, 2017 17:28:30 GMT -8
I don't think anyone has given her a bad review for this film, have they?? They've all thought she was great
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Post by michaelh on Nov 9, 2017 17:37:15 GMT -8
Love that Mick LaSalle review!
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Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2017 22:58:35 GMT -8
I feel like we have said this way too often about her films, but Pfeiffer was the best thing about it. Acting her butt off, taking what she is given and running with it and continuing to show how underrated she is. I liked Branagh just fine, but the screenplay is a joke and it's a bit of a slog to get through. Leslie Odom Jr. is one of my favorite people, but I thought he was pretty bad in his minimal screen time and don't get me started on Josh Gad. Awful. This is not 'New Years Eve' or 'Dark Shadows' level bad, it's just...meh. The film just kind of sits there. The folks at my theatre liked it for the most part, no boos or walk outs. They all seemed to like the song, too and most everyone stayed to listen to it.
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Post by babyfacedassassin24 on Nov 9, 2017 23:32:52 GMT -8
I feel like we have said this way too often about her films, but Pfeiffer was the best thing about it. Acting her butt off, taking what she is given and running with it and continuing to show how underrated she is. I liked Branagh just fine, but the screenplay is a joke and it's a bit of a slog to get through. Leslie Odom Jr. is one of my favorite people, but I thought he was pretty bad in his minimal screen time and don't get me started on Josh Gad. Awful. This is not 'New Years Eve' or 'Dark Shadows' level bad, it's just...meh. The film just kind of sits there. The folks at my theatre liked it for the most part, no boos or walk outs. They all seemed to like the song, too and most everyone stayed to listen to it. I'm glad someone else said it cuz for me, the script is the one element that doesn't fully work. It's a mixed bag of a screenplay; at certain times it gives the characters some great moments n at other times it lets them down. There were a couple of times when a character was on screen n I was thinking: why don't u have better things to say?! It's frustrating cuz all the other elements r ready n willing to bring it n make a good movie!! It's just not the strongest script. In cases such as this, it's a testament to an actor's strength n talent if they r able to rise above it, which Michelle thankfully does n turns in some pretty solid n fine work here, making those lines far better than they ever would otherwise be. Actually, in my review I called the screenplay a strong first draft
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Post by roald on Nov 9, 2017 23:59:51 GMT -8
babyfacedassassin24 can you please share your review with us? I'm eager to read it
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Post by michaelh on Nov 10, 2017 3:05:30 GMT -8
I will see it next week when I’m in Los Angeles.
BTW, it was number one at the UK boxoffice this week, ahead of Thor. Kinda shocked by that news.
The reactions to the film are interesting to read. Feeling grateful that Michelle is getting so much praise for her performance.
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Post by Pfeiffer-Pfan on Nov 10, 2017 10:18:45 GMT -8
I saw the film for a second time last night. It allowed me to pick up on all the little clues, but did highlight how sluggish it felt at times.
What really gives the movie life:
- Pfeiffer: Without a doubt she is the best thing in the film. Bias be damned. The material she has towards the end, however short, is harrowing and she gives it everything she has. - Barnagh: Fun as Poirot and is good at switching between levity and stern intensity. - The Score: Absolutely beautiful work by Patrick Doyle. - The cinematography
Where it falters: - The script: At the very lest, the dialogue needed another polish and the characters needed to breathe a little more. - Pacing/editing: the middle section sags far too much and try as the cast might, they can't keep the narrative as engaging as it should be.
This is a solid 7/10. I'm glad it was made and I'm glad Michelle is in it. Both her performance and song is a wonderful treat for us fans. However, as alluded to above, it seems like the movies she stars in these days can't quite support her performances. She is often great in so-so movies and that needs to change.
At least she is exceptional in this quite good movie.
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Post by Admin on Nov 10, 2017 10:41:58 GMT -8
However, as alluded to above, it seems like the movies she stars in these days can't quite support her performances. She is often great in so-so movies and that needs to change. Yes. I want another Age of Innocence or Dangerous Liaisons. I know that's asking a lot. I'm thrilled she is back and I don't blame her for taking most of these roles, they all look good to great on paper, and I know films are subjective, but I really want her in a critically acclaimed and beloved across the board film, one that I want to watch over and over again and not just fast forward to her parts and skip the rest of the film. I know it's hard because there just aren't as many great projects or roles for older women, but there has got to be a director, producer, writer out there who has a stunningly great project for her that will actually live up to or exceed expectations in the end.
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Post by dasadbd28 on Nov 10, 2017 13:13:49 GMT -8
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Post by Pfeiffer-Pfan on Nov 10, 2017 13:28:51 GMT -8
I'd say that's pretty good. Hopefully it'll have legs throughout the holiday season.
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Post by babyfacedassassin24 on Nov 10, 2017 14:42:56 GMT -8
babyfacedassassin24 can you please share your review with us? I'm eager to read it Ugh lol I get nervous when ppl I know read my stuff but here ya go lol cinapse.co/murder-on-the-orient-express-almost-reaches-its-destination-3e37bcaa1c9bIts not on the same level as my stuff usually is so don't judge lol. I'm just really overworked right now n even more so since the studios r already sending me their screeners for awards consideration...so apologies lol
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Post by roald on Nov 11, 2017 1:36:50 GMT -8
Very good review babyfacedassassin24. I've written some movie reviews myself and like to read reviews by other critics, not only to see what the they have to say, but also how they say it and I have to say this is a really well written review. Btw, I'm going to see the movie tonight and am really excited.
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Post by dasadbd28 on Nov 11, 2017 2:23:14 GMT -8
Tracking at 27.8m for it's opening weekend. Pretty good.
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Post by michaelh on Nov 11, 2017 5:13:15 GMT -8
Tracking at 27.8m for it's opening weekend. Pretty good. Yes, higher than predicted and with a meh 59% on RT and a B CinemaScore. Maybe what surprises me the most is there is still a sizable market for a film like this. On that point alone, I’m hoping it turns a tidy profit so that larger scale films aren’t limited to comic book heroes and action genres. Too bad they didn’t tweak the script a bit more - this might have been an Awards contender considering the talent involved.
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Post by michaelh on Nov 11, 2017 5:24:09 GMT -8
Very good review babyfacedassassin24. I've written some movie reviews myself and like to read reviews by other critics, not only to see what the they have to say, but also how they say it and I have to say this is a really well written review. Btw, I'm going to see the movie tonight and am really excited. Great review - very observant and balanced. Makes me want to see it even more in spite of your reservations about the script. Well done.
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