News of the World

A few years after the Civil War, Captain Kidd is traveling through Texas reading the news to the people. One day he comes across a little girl who was once abducted by Indians, and he decides to return her to her relatives. But it's not going to be an easy journey. This intimate western relies on great cinematography, music and an excellent Tom Hanks in the lead role, and isn't afraid of a slower pace, but unfortunately it tells a story that is woefully transparent and not very revelatory. And ultimately a little boring. (01/21/2021)

Tom Hanks is as reliable as ever, but News of the World is easily the most boring film Paul Greengrass has directed. It feels way more sterile and far less personal than any of his other work. For such an intriguing premise, I found myself struggling to stay awake, especially in the second half. It's basically the epitome of a "Netflix standard." (02/15/2021)

A Greengrass film that doesn’t feel it was directed by him. A slow, deliberate and down-to-earth western where not much happens or is said. The main idea is appealing, the interaction between the two main characters is decent, but there is no sensation. A more restrained and focused version of the post-apocalyptic The Postman with Costner wanting it all and we know how that turned out. (03/17/2021)

A beautiful film full of important ideas. Tom Hanks can't even do it any other way, and so once again he acts great and the western environment suits him very much. Paul Greengrass kind of gave up on being Paul Greengrass and pops his head up only a few times, but that’s fine, because the story is told one hundred percent skillfully, and however much the final quarter hour can be predicted, it affected me exactly as they planned. If you (didn't) like the slightly more melancholy The Homesman with Tommy Lee Jones, expect the same from News of the World. (02/10/2021)

More was probably expected from a Paul Greengrass/Tom Hanks collaboration. For me, it's a an unnecessary and uninteresting film that didn't bring anything new. It's shot well, acted well (Helena Zengel, after System Crasher, proves once again that she is on an excellent path). The stumbling block for me is the story, did Greengrass really have to choose such an uninteresting subject? Watching a traveling journalist in the Wild West is probably the most boring option available. It lacks action, emotion, drive, and tension – everything I like basically. Weak three stars for Hanks. Story***, Action*, Humor>No, Violence>No, Entertainment**, Music***, Visuals***, Atmosphere***, Tension**. 5/10. (01/15/2021)