Movies Out This Weekend: 'Murder On The Orient Express' And More

Treacherous train rides with a side of glamour, hilarious-but-disastrous family holidays and malicious teenagers are all taking to the big screen this weekend.

Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz and Judi Dench bring Agatha Christie's famous murder-mystery novel to life in "Murder on the Orient Express." Meanwhile, Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman star in a chilling psychological mystery about a vengeful high schooler in the film "The Killing of a Sacred Deer."

Francis McDormand gives a spectacular performance in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," in which she plays a mother who will stop at nothing to get justice for her murdered daughter.

On a lighter note, "Daddy's Home 2" will bring some laughs to theaters as Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg reunite for more family madness just in time for Christmas.

Here's what to see and what to skip.

Movies Out This Weekend

“Murder on the Orient Express” — Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz, Johnny Depp, directed by Kenneth Branagh

Based on Agatha Christie’s 1934 mystery novel, the film tells the tale of thirteen glamorous strangers aboard an ultra-luxurious train traveling through Europe. After a brutal murder occurs en route, everyone becomes a suspect. Luckily, the world’s most-renowned investigator, Hercule Poirot -- played by the film's director Kenneth Branagh -- is on board to solve the crime. Notwithstanding the second act’s sluggishness, this movie version is buoyed by an all-star cast, excellent direction and spectacular cinematography.

See it. Much like Sidney Lumet's 1974 film adaptation of the novel, this remake will keep you guessing "whodunnit" until the climactic ending.

“The Killing of a Sacred Deer” — Nicole Kidman, Alicia Silverstone, Colin Farrell, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

You’ve been forewarned: This film requires patience. Lanthimos’s horror-mystery follows the story of cardiac surgeon Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell), who — along with his wife (Nicole Kidman) — befriends a seemingly harmless teenage boy named Martin (Barry Keoghan) to their family. However, it’s not long before Martin's sinister intentions become clear and Steven's entire family is put in danger. Inspired by Euripides’ play “Iphigenia in Aulis,” the film is anchored by brilliant performances, a well-thought-out screenplay, elegant camera work and adept direction.

See it. This supernatural movie is spellbinding!

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” — Francis McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, directed by Martin McDonagh

After months go by without anyone being arrested for her daughter’s murder, Mildred Hayes (Francis McDormand) is at her wit's end. Frustrated and desperate for justice, she makes a gutsy move to post three billboards around town, which display controversial messages about her town’s chief of police (Woody Harrelson) and his lieutenant (Sam Rockwell). The result? A fierce standoff between the grieving mother and Ebbing’s law enforcement, as well as the people in town. McDonagh’s dark comedy is witty, narratively engaging and filled with superb performances.

See it. But just expect to hear a lot of expletives.

Daddy’s Home 2 — Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell, Linda Cardellini, directed by Sean Anders

The last time we saw Brad (Will Ferrell) and his stepchildren's dad, Dusty (Mark Wahlberg), in “Daddy’s Home,” they were competing for the affection of Dusty’s two young children. In the film's sequel, the two have moved past their differences and are ready for their families to share the perfect Christmas together. However, their awesome plan quickly unravels as Dusty’s macho father (Mel Gibson) and Brad’s emotional father (John Lithgow) arrive just before the holidays, and too many strong personalities butt heads under one roof.

Skip it. It has a few laughs, but the screenplay meanders, causing the narrative to lose its Holiday sparkle by the end.

Check out the movie trailers:

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• Patch Living: Your November Entertainment Guide
• Behind The Scenes Of 'Lady Bird' With Director Greta Gerwig
• Inside The Making Of 'Wonderstruck' With Director Todd Haynes
• Inside The Making Of 'The Florida Project' With Director Sean Baker
• Reviews of 'Thor: Ragnarok,' 'Lady Bird,' A Bad Moms Christmas,' And 'Last Flag Flying'
• Reviews of 'Suburbicon,' 'Jigsaw,' 'Thank You For Your Service' And 'All I See Is You'
• What's New On Netflix: November 2017

Top Photo: Johnny Depp attends the 'Murder On The Orient Express' World Premiere at Royal Albert Hall on November 2 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)