This is a remake. Most times that would make most moviegoers flip their noses up and ignore this offering. Honestly, I didn’t expect too much from the film even with the tantalizing cast that was offered up. I thought “Oh great, Hollywood has ran out of ideas again !” That being said, I was pleasantly shocked to find a fantastically acted, directed, and shot film that pays homage and does it’s own thing at the same time.
If you aren’t in the know, Murder On The Orient Express, is an Agatha Christie murder mystery book that has been adapted six ways to Sunday for the big screen. It revolves around the master detective, Hercule Poirot, a man that has a massive case of OCD. He also extremely entertained and self aware of his own overt genius in his field. On tihe luxury train, The Orient Express is a wide ranging cast of characters that go from religious missionary to a princess. When a unfortunate accident where an avalanche derails the train one of the residents turns up a lot deader than he was a few hours earlier. Now, it’s up to the great Hercule Poirot to take down the nefarious killer who is one of the multiple illustrious guests.
The cast all get their time to shine especially during the multiple interrogation scenes. Daisy Ridley plays Mary Debenham a lovely young lady with secrets. This movie definitely shows that her talent will take her past being “That Star Wars Girl.” She handles scenes with Kenneth Branagh’s delightfully played Poirot handily.
Johnny Depp plays the Gangster Edward Ratchett and he’s as smarmy as needed. Josh Gad plays Ratchett’s drunkard right hand man. It’s the best acting I’ve seen from Gad to date. Willem Dafoe plays a racist professor that doesn’t quite want to associate with Dr. Arbuthnot (played by Leslie Odom Jr.) due to his race. Judi Dench is the stuffy Princess Dragomiroff. But, Michelle Pfeiffer has the most memorable character outside of Poirot. She plays Caroline Hubbard, a fast talking and flirtatious American that steals about every scene she is in. Poirot is the true star of this film though. Kenneth Branagh exudes quirkiness and over confidence in his abilities. His portrayal is as intriguing as the mystery itself and left me wanting more of him as Hercule Poirot.
I went in to this movie as a blank slate not knowing any of the details of the story prior to seeing it (except that it took place on a train). I was looking to see another half thought remake and received an artful retelling of a classic story. Rife with fantastic performances, pacing that keeps the story moving at the right pace, and cinematography that stood out to a man that rarely looks for that in films. This movie is undeniably worth your money, time, and 4 1/2 Stars.
“Vidaamuyarchi,” now streaming on Netflix, is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language action thriller directed and written by Magizh Thirumeni. Produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under Lyca Productions, the film boasts a runtime of 150 minutes. The narrative follows Arjun (Ajith Kumar) on a relentless quest to rescue his wife Kayal (Trisha Krishnan) after she is abducted by a mysterious group in Azerbaijan. The ensemble cast includes Arjun Sarja, Regina Cassandra, and Arav in pivotal roles.
Drawing inspiration from the 1997 American film “Breakdown,” “Vidaamuyarchi” offers a familiar storyline but is elevated by compelling performances. Ajith Kumar delivers a commendable portrayal of a husband battling against time and adversities, while Trisha Krishnan effectively captures the emotional depth of her character. The film’s cinematography by Om Prakash enhances the tension and atmosphere, and Anirudh Ravichander’s music complements the narrative’s intensity.
However, the film’s predictability and pacing issues may deter some viewers. Despite these shortcomings, “Vidaamuyarchi” provides an engaging experience for fans of the action thriller genre.
Rating: 6.5/10
Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world! Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father’s footsteps in THE NAKED GUN, directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy). Joining the cast are Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston.
only in theatres August 1st.
Movie
Fifteen years after the original animated film took flight, this live-action adaptation proves that its story is as powerful and relevant as ever.
As an unabashed fan of the original 2010 animated masterpiece How to Train Your Dragon, I approached the new live-action adaptation with cautious excitement. And let me say this upfront: it blew me away. This isn’t just a remake—it’s a heartfelt reimagining that understands exactly what made the original special, while carving out a new legacy all its own.
The decision to bring back Dean DeBlois, the creative force behind the animated trilogy, was nothing short of inspired. His return doesn’t just lend authenticity—it infuses the film with the same emotional richness, visual wonder, and narrative soul that made the original soar. DeBlois clearly understands that this story isn’t just about dragons—it’s about identity, empathy, and the quiet courage it takes to be different.
This film is a masterclass, in my opinion, on how to adapt animation to live action. Instead of chasing spectacle for spectacle’s sake, it stays grounded in character and emotion. The filmmakers preserve the heart of the story—Hiccup and Toothless’s bond, the tension between father and son, the forging of peace between enemies—while adding just enough new layers and textures to make it feel fresh. Small changes enhance the world rather than distract from it, proving that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when you’re already working with gold.
The performances, across the board, are extraordinary. Mason Thames is a revelation as Hiccup. He captures the awkwardness, intelligence, and inner strength of the character with stunning nuance. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick with even greater emotional depth—his presence is towering, both literally and figuratively, anchoring the film with gravitas. Nick Frost brings warmth and perfectly timed humor to Gobber, effortlessly making the character his own. And Nico Parker’s Astrid is fierce, grounded, and utterly magnetic—her chemistry with Thames sparks with authenticity.
Fifteen years after the original animated film took flight, this live-action adaptation proves that its story is as powerful and relevant as ever. It’s rare to see a remake that feels both lovingly faithful and genuinely new, but How to Train Your Dragon accomplishes just that. With breathtaking visuals, deeply human performances, and an unwavering emotional core, this film isn’t just a retelling—it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with this world of dragons in the first place.
Heartfelt, heroic, and unforgettable—How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a 10 out of 10
VidaayMuyarchi
Justice has a new Daddy. Watch the new trailer for NakedGun,
Fifteen years after the original animated film took flight, this live-action adaptation proves that its story is as powerful and relevant as ever.
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