THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN - film / by Stephanie Puls

This adaptation of the best-selling book by the same name is a mystery/thriller/drama starring Emily Blunt.

I hadn't read the book so I had no idea what was coming with the twists and whilst they were pretty good (ie not predictable) I can't honestly say I was on the edge of my seat.

I won't tell you anything much about the plot as of course with a film of this nature you don't want to know what's coming. But to give you just a little idea, Emily Blunt plays Rachel, who is grappling with having lost some things dear to her due to alcoholism. BUT DID SHE REALLY LOSE THEM BECAUSE OF THE BOOZE?!

I didn't dislike this but I didn't love it. It was a bit like the film wanted to be a thriller but the thrilling elements just aren't strong enough. I wasn't very invested in the story which meant I wasn't all that interested in solving the 'but who is the baddie?' thing.

Emily Blunt is very good in this but she could only carry it so far. Justin Theroux and Allison Janney are two other faces you might recognise in the film and both are good but like Blunt, not given the chance to really shine.

Critics are divided on this one, skewing more to the negative & you can read about that here. The Sydney Morning Herald gave it 3 stars, which is probably half a star or so more generous that I would be.

Finally, a shout out to the numptie who kept checking Facebook on her phone during the film. DO NOT BE THAT GUY, YOU GUYS. Nothing will happen on Facebook in about two hours that can't wait. I PROMISE!