It’s the weekend again, and that means Film Focus. Here’s Mike Laidman with what’s new in local theaters.




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Sandwiched between Justice League and that big story about space that’s opening in a few weeks is a smaller, period piece, as well as a huge throwback from the 70’s.

This week take a look at the lavish crime drama Murder on the Orient Express, and then see where the modern history of boxing movies all began with a retro spin through the wonder that was Rocky. And yes, we’re talking about the original here. From 1976. So hold on.

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Mike Laidman

Welcome to another edition of Film Focus. I’m Mike Laidman.

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Murder on the Orient Express (2017, Kenneth Branagh)
Detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder on a train.

What starts out as a lavish train ride through Europe quickly unfolds into one of the most stylish, suspenseful, and thrilling mysteries ever told. From the novel by author Agatha Christie, "Murder on the Orient Express" tells the tale of thirteen strangers stranded on a train, where everyone's a suspect. One man must race against time to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again.

While there’s no debating that the movie is sumptuously shot, it is largely bereft of the kick and charm which make the novel so enticing. The all-star cast does well here, but one can’t help get the feeling that their talents are mostly wasted on a mystery/adventure that really has no reason being retold.

Kenneth Branagh, who directs and stars, clearly has fun with his portrayal of detective Poirot, but the same can’t quite be said of the audience. While still watchable, it’s a shame that Orient doesn’t live up to its source material.

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Rocky (1976, John G. Avildson)
Rocky Balboa gets the rare chance to fight Apollo Creed.

It was over 30 years ago that the world was first introduced to rocky Balboa - perhaps the most iconic movie boxing icon of all time - and to an extent, Sylvester Stallone, who is still going strong in action movies today.

The storyline is simple, and so it should be for an ‘against all odds’ kind of tale.

A slightly dimwitted amateur boxer from Philadelphia's tough neighborhood gets a surprise shot at fighting for the heavyweight championship, while at the same time he finds love in the arms of a shy, reclusive girl who works in the local pet store.

In addition to a heart-warming script, Stallone has created on the screen a character of enormous appeal and charm - half-articulate but funny, gruff but good-hearted.

Rocky is a glowing tribute to the human spirit - a reminder that the decent, little guys of the world often accomplish the impossible because they try so hard. So go see Rocky for the second, third, maybe even first time in theatres, and come out feeling like a million bucks.