Greengrass reunites with Tom Hanks to bring us this Western drama following a Texan (Hanks), plying his trade by delivering news to townspeople across the west, who gets caught up in the rescue attempt of a 10-year-old girl (Helena Zengel), orphaned after the killings of the Kiowa tribe members who took her in after they killed her family years earlier. The last time Hanks and Greengrass teamed up for a film was in 2013 for their mostly-excellent “Captain Phillips.” In “News of the World,” which also eerily deals with a pandemic (tuberculosis), fake news and racism, don’t expect Greengrass’ usual kinetic, handheld camera stylings, this is a thorough departure to unsuaul territory for the UK-born filmmaker of “United 93,” “Captain Phillips” and “The Bourne Ultimatum.” A real shame if you ask me, as this seems to be an attempt to find a new cinematic identity, of sorts, and the result is a film comparable to the Coen’s “True Grit,” albeit lacking the commendable auteur-driven voice of that 2010 feature.With all that being said, the movie isn’t half-bad. Greengrass wrote the screenplay alongside “Lion” scribe Luke Davies, it is based on the National Book Award finalist and best-selling novel by Paulette Jiles. “News of the World” also co-stars Elizabeth Marvel, Mare Winningham, Mare Winningham, and newcomer Helena Zengel. A scheduled Christmas Day release is planned in theaters and on VOD. Contribute Hire me
Advertise Donate Team Contact Privacy Policy
