Movie Breakdown: News Of The World

Pre-Screening Stance:

Director Paul Greengrass hasn’t made a good movie since 2013’s Captain Phillips, which also happened to star Tom Hanks. This gives me some faith in News Of The World. Also, I’m intrigued by the fact that this is Hanks first Western.

Post-Screening Ramble:

News Of The World is one of those movies that looks good on paper and plays OK on the screen, but it’s not memorable at all. The story here is a simple one, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Tom Hanks) makes a living by going from town to town and reading the news. On one particular trip, he comes upon a young girl, Johanna (Helena Zengel), whose transporters have been killed. This sets him on a path to return her safely to her family.

Essentially, News Of The World is a road trip movie, but with horses and the occasional gun fight. The standard stranger side-eye is there at the beginning of the journey, and eventually a legit bond is made as the pair make their way through dangerous territories. It’s the back and forth between Captain Kidd and Johanna – and not the action scenes or any of director Paul Greengrass’ many sweeping shots of the landscape – that keeps the film afloat. Johanna doesn’t speak English, which provides an intriguing roadblock for not just the hair-raising moments, but also any of the usual day-to-day things the two need to take care of. And well, that’s pretty much it. If I’m being honest, this is a film that probably doesn’t get talked about without the name Hanks on the poster. Again, it’s fine and certainly not bad, but don’t be surprised if when it’s over you find yourself feeling very “whelmed.”

It’s out on December 25.

One Last Thought:

Watching Tom Hanks read the news made me realize that his voice should be incorporated into all the various smart devices that are out there. I’d definitely pay to switch the default voice to his – it’s so calming.