Two excellent leads ably supported by a great cast. You can almost taste the dirt and sweat of the period that the story is set in. Great direction and cinematography. If you like your westerns guns blazing then this film will not be for you. This is a simple story very well told. A fascinating study of what life was like back then and the hardships.
Well worth watching
628 Reviews
Soulful, lyrical, powerful Western
bastille-852-73154728 December 2020
I'm a big fan of Paul Greengrass and Tom Hanks, so I was looking forward to this 19th-century Western. Based on the book of the same name, it tells the story of a Civil War veteran, Capt. Kidd (Hanks) who now serves as a news-teller in Texas. He must bring a young girl, Johanna, to her aunt and uncle. The film is skillfully well-made and leisurely paced, as its tone feels almost lyrical. Its western setting is depicted as harsh and realistic, but still unique and powerful. The film's cinematography of 19th-century north Texas is absolutely impeccable. After "Nomadland," it's the best cinematography of the year. From gorgeous wide shots of prairies and canyons and mountains to detailed sets of important towns at the time such as Wichita Falls, the shots look sublime throughout the film.
While the film's pacing is slow, it never feels too slow by any means. In fact, such leisurely pacing feels appropriate to the more lyrical tone of the film--almost like a more gritty version of a ballad. Even though the film is obviously very tonally different from Greengrass' other films, such as the original Bourne trilogy and "Captain Phillips," Greengrass is still able to build up lots of suspense at appropriate times over the course of the film--such as a scene when Capt. Kidd and Johanna must out-maneuver a gang of outlaws, a bumpy and dangerous stagecoach ride, and a desert storm. The emotional core between Kidd and Johanna is very well done, and the performances are very strong. Hanks does a great job showing a range of both charisma and grit in the role, and the young actress who plays Johanna is superb. My only criticism of the film was that the film could have developed Kidd and Johanna better as characters, although the limited dialogue between the two of them (as Johanna does not speak English) may be one of the reasons why character development within the scenes they are both together in can sometimes be a bit limited. Otherwise, this is a gritty yet gorgeous Western made with passion and talent. Gladly recommended. 8/10
While the film's pacing is slow, it never feels too slow by any means. In fact, such leisurely pacing feels appropriate to the more lyrical tone of the film--almost like a more gritty version of a ballad. Even though the film is obviously very tonally different from Greengrass' other films, such as the original Bourne trilogy and "Captain Phillips," Greengrass is still able to build up lots of suspense at appropriate times over the course of the film--such as a scene when Capt. Kidd and Johanna must out-maneuver a gang of outlaws, a bumpy and dangerous stagecoach ride, and a desert storm. The emotional core between Kidd and Johanna is very well done, and the performances are very strong. Hanks does a great job showing a range of both charisma and grit in the role, and the young actress who plays Johanna is superb. My only criticism of the film was that the film could have developed Kidd and Johanna better as characters, although the limited dialogue between the two of them (as Johanna does not speak English) may be one of the reasons why character development within the scenes they are both together in can sometimes be a bit limited. Otherwise, this is a gritty yet gorgeous Western made with passion and talent. Gladly recommended. 8/10
Awesome!
darkdementress26 January 2021
We all love tom Hanks and the little girl actress does such a good job. This is really historically accurate and realistic and i appreciate that. It's a sweet enjoyable story and not the same old tripe everyone is so used to. People don't appreciate good story and realistic movies anymore. Most people have the attention span of a spoon.. take for instance they think hell on wheels is the best show ever seen, even though it's a joke writing wise. This was actually well done. It was a bit odd how he didn't pick up his guns he tossed. And i think the horses disappeared and reappeared in one shot. But me and my family really enjoyed it. Great movie and worth seeing it. Don't listen to the sexist prejudice people in the reviews. Big yikes.. it's 2021 grow up.
A very different sort of film for Hanks.
planktonrules12 October 2021
The plot to "News of the World" is pretty simple and it's a leisurely paced film...somewhat like Clint Eastwood's "Cry Macho". It is set in 1870 in the Reconstruction Era in Texas. Captain Kidd (Tom Hanks) is a Civil War veteran who happens upon a head man and a wild blonde girl in the wilderness. There are papers with the dead man's possessions indicating that the girl, Johanna, was abducted and raised by Kiowa Indians after her parents were killed. She was discovered with the Kiowa and the US Army sent her with an agent to return her to her extended family. But he's dead...and no one seems willing to help...so Kidd finally agrees to take her the 400 miles to Castroville, Texas (near San Antonio).
As you'd suspect, this won't be easy since the child really wants to be with the Kiowa and she doesn't understand English. Her family were German immigrants...so she understands some German...but Kidd only knows a few words of the language himself. The film shows them on their journey across the Plains to her family.
This is a most enjoyable film and a nice change of pace for Tom Hanks. It also talks about a seldom discussed problem which happened on rare occasions...white kids being abducted and raised by various tribes. Interesting and never dull.
As you'd suspect, this won't be easy since the child really wants to be with the Kiowa and she doesn't understand English. Her family were German immigrants...so she understands some German...but Kidd only knows a few words of the language himself. The film shows them on their journey across the Plains to her family.
This is a most enjoyable film and a nice change of pace for Tom Hanks. It also talks about a seldom discussed problem which happened on rare occasions...white kids being abducted and raised by various tribes. Interesting and never dull.
Who doesn't love Hanks?
jamactechnical15 January 2021
I am not sure why some people rated this movie below 7 but I really enjoyed it. I was thoroughly entertained because I felt the connection with the characters. Tom has the ability to make the viewers connected to the characters regardless of what role he is playing in a movie as he had done very nicely here in the News of the World. If you are a fan of Hanks, it's worth checking it out...it was worth my time/money...a good recommend and a solid 7 stars.
Hanks in the saddle
ferguson-625 December 2020
Greetings again from the darkness. Even in the midst of a pandemic, December is Oscar-qualifying time. And that means we get Tom Hanks' latest movie. This time out, the two-time Oscar winner reunites with his CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (2013) director Paul Greengrass (three "Bourne" movies, and Oscar nominated for UNITED 93, 2006) for Hanks' first ride into the western genre. Luke Davies (Oscar nominated for LION, 2016) adapted the screenplay from Paulette Jiles' 2016 novel.
The beloved Mr. Hanks stars as Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd. We know his full name because he proudly announces it at each stop of his news-reading route. That's right, even in 1870, which is before television and radio and internet, a person could earn a living reading the news. OK, so it wasn't the millions that national anchors make these days, as he was dependent on the audience dropping a coin or two in the tin cup. For this they were treated to Captain Kidd's robust presentation of news and events (and some gossip) from around the nation ... straight from the news clippings he collected during his travels.
On the trail one day, Captain Kidd comes across a horrific scene of violence, and a 10 year old girl with a shock of blonde hair. She only speaks Kiowa, but the found paperwork lists her name as Johanna (the first American film for Helena Zengel). It turns out, tragic events in her family's home many years earlier left Johanna being raised by the Kiowa Indians. Captain Kidd is now on a mission to return her to her surviving relatives (an aunt and uncle), but there are at least three obstacles to his plan: it's a rigorous trip of about 400 miles, the girl doesn't want to go, and there remains much tension in the split among the post-war citizenry. So what we have here is a western road trip (trail ride) that's a blend of TRUE GRIT (minus the witty banter) and THE SEARCHERS.
It should be noted that Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd has served in three wars, including the recently concluded Civil War. He may make his living wearing bifocals and reading newspapers, but Kidd is no nerd. He handles pressure quite naturally, as we witness in chase scene up a rocky hill. The resulting shootout not only creates the first bond between Kidd and Johanna, but also flashes the Captain's calming influence. This is a soulful and principled Tom Hanks (as usual), but this time he's riding a horse and his furrowed brow is working overtime.
The trip to Johanna's home coincidentally takes Kidd very close to where he once lived - a place that holds his best and worst memories. As viewers we see what Captain Kidd and Johanna don't. They are both headed back to a past they no longer belong to. Along the way, the two travelers cross paths with characters played by Elizabeth Marvel, Ray McKinnon, Mare Winningham, and the always great Bill Camp. There is nothing rushed about the story or these people. Fans of director Greengrass will be surprised to find an absence of his trademark rapid-cut action sequences, but he has delivered a sweeping epic with superb cinematography (Dariusz Wolski, "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise), expert editing (Oscar winner William Goldenberg, ARGO), and a terrific score (8-time Oscar nominee James Newton Howard). Mr. Hanks delivers yet another stellar performance (of course), and young Ms. Zengel's assured performance likely means we will be treated to her work for years to come. It's a quasi-western period piece that is plenty interesting to watch, yet lacks the memorable moments to justify multiple watches or a place among the genre's best. Opens December 25, 2020
The beloved Mr. Hanks stars as Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd. We know his full name because he proudly announces it at each stop of his news-reading route. That's right, even in 1870, which is before television and radio and internet, a person could earn a living reading the news. OK, so it wasn't the millions that national anchors make these days, as he was dependent on the audience dropping a coin or two in the tin cup. For this they were treated to Captain Kidd's robust presentation of news and events (and some gossip) from around the nation ... straight from the news clippings he collected during his travels.
On the trail one day, Captain Kidd comes across a horrific scene of violence, and a 10 year old girl with a shock of blonde hair. She only speaks Kiowa, but the found paperwork lists her name as Johanna (the first American film for Helena Zengel). It turns out, tragic events in her family's home many years earlier left Johanna being raised by the Kiowa Indians. Captain Kidd is now on a mission to return her to her surviving relatives (an aunt and uncle), but there are at least three obstacles to his plan: it's a rigorous trip of about 400 miles, the girl doesn't want to go, and there remains much tension in the split among the post-war citizenry. So what we have here is a western road trip (trail ride) that's a blend of TRUE GRIT (minus the witty banter) and THE SEARCHERS.
It should be noted that Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd has served in three wars, including the recently concluded Civil War. He may make his living wearing bifocals and reading newspapers, but Kidd is no nerd. He handles pressure quite naturally, as we witness in chase scene up a rocky hill. The resulting shootout not only creates the first bond between Kidd and Johanna, but also flashes the Captain's calming influence. This is a soulful and principled Tom Hanks (as usual), but this time he's riding a horse and his furrowed brow is working overtime.
The trip to Johanna's home coincidentally takes Kidd very close to where he once lived - a place that holds his best and worst memories. As viewers we see what Captain Kidd and Johanna don't. They are both headed back to a past they no longer belong to. Along the way, the two travelers cross paths with characters played by Elizabeth Marvel, Ray McKinnon, Mare Winningham, and the always great Bill Camp. There is nothing rushed about the story or these people. Fans of director Greengrass will be surprised to find an absence of his trademark rapid-cut action sequences, but he has delivered a sweeping epic with superb cinematography (Dariusz Wolski, "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise), expert editing (Oscar winner William Goldenberg, ARGO), and a terrific score (8-time Oscar nominee James Newton Howard). Mr. Hanks delivers yet another stellar performance (of course), and young Ms. Zengel's assured performance likely means we will be treated to her work for years to come. It's a quasi-western period piece that is plenty interesting to watch, yet lacks the memorable moments to justify multiple watches or a place among the genre's best. Opens December 25, 2020
A Little Stale but Watchable
Neon_Gold10 February 2021
I didn't really love this film. I think it is competently made and you can tell the director knew what he was doing, i just think it was pretty average.
The story is very slow, it is almost a road movie. You can see the ending coming from a mile off. I just don't know if this was a story that needed to be told.
The script was pretty beige to me too. It wasn't gripping. It wasn't really passionate either. It just felt like a movie script from a western from 2006 that we have all forgot and you may have rented from blockbuster once but you don't really remember it. It just wasn't fresh.
I do think the set pieces were pretty good. They looked really nice and in turn provided some lovely shots. I didn't love the colour of this film. It was very muted. I get that it was a western but it just looked really grey and washed out. Maybe this was a choice i just didn't love it.
The acting was pretty good especially from the two leads. Some of the other acting was a bit over the top and out of place. Some of the antagonists seemed like pantomime villains and i also think when they were on screen the script also sagged. It turned into Saturday mourning cartoons a little bit.
I do think some of the action scenes were engaging however. I think they were pretty tense and enjoyable to watch.
I think you could watch this, just keep in mind it is slow. Do i think it should win any awards. No. But you could definitely check it out.
The story is very slow, it is almost a road movie. You can see the ending coming from a mile off. I just don't know if this was a story that needed to be told.
The script was pretty beige to me too. It wasn't gripping. It wasn't really passionate either. It just felt like a movie script from a western from 2006 that we have all forgot and you may have rented from blockbuster once but you don't really remember it. It just wasn't fresh.
I do think the set pieces were pretty good. They looked really nice and in turn provided some lovely shots. I didn't love the colour of this film. It was very muted. I get that it was a western but it just looked really grey and washed out. Maybe this was a choice i just didn't love it.
The acting was pretty good especially from the two leads. Some of the other acting was a bit over the top and out of place. Some of the antagonists seemed like pantomime villains and i also think when they were on screen the script also sagged. It turned into Saturday mourning cartoons a little bit.
I do think some of the action scenes were engaging however. I think they were pretty tense and enjoyable to watch.
I think you could watch this, just keep in mind it is slow. Do i think it should win any awards. No. But you could definitely check it out.
Beautiful story wonderfully told
mikegibb-6041811 February 2021
The combination of Tom Hanks in top form, as always, and director Paul Greengrass providing a visual delight and you have one of these joyous heartfelt films that often slip through the cracks. The story may be predictable but it is told with such warmth and feeling that I truthfully didn't want the film to end. A movie to gladden the heart in these difficult and depressing times.
Very Good
atractiveeyes15 January 2021
It's very good but so slow-paced and feels boring sometimes. The story is beautiful with a beautiful emotional connection between the leads, also tackles many interesting topics, and it's well written but it has nothing new or unique to deliver, we've seen many similar stories before. Tom Hanks' performance is very good and seeing him in a western role is new and interesting. The cinematography is amazing with many great frames and sceneries of the wildernesses. News Of The World is not a masterpiece but it's still worth a watch.
Great Films are rare today.
vader194821 January 2021
This film was truly fantastic. A dynamic story do well orchestrated I was glued to it. Hanks a magnificent actor shines out as usual portraying a most unique character in a tumultuous time in history. What I can say about Helena is that she is a marvel. Many young actresses cannot meet up to her as far as I can see. This duo of characters was superbly performed. Best film I have seen in a long long time.
tripod
SnoopyStyle19 January 2021
It's 1870. Former confederate soldier Captain Kidd (Tom Hanks) travels from town to town reading the newspapers for a paying audience. On the road, he comes across a lynched black man and a little white girl (Helena Zengel). She's a Kiowa child who apparently was taken from settlers many years ago. Kidd is forced to take the child back to her surviving family.
Director Paul Greengrass is doing a John Ford western. It's sort of like The Searchers. Tom Hanks is doing his everyman. The little girl is terrific. They have good chemistry together. It's a very simple road movie. It's all good... except for Greengrass standard shaky cam style. It doesn't really fit the genre. He needs a tripod. There are a few scenes that need some work but mostly it's the shaky cam.
Director Paul Greengrass is doing a John Ford western. It's sort of like The Searchers. Tom Hanks is doing his everyman. The little girl is terrific. They have good chemistry together. It's a very simple road movie. It's all good... except for Greengrass standard shaky cam style. It doesn't really fit the genre. He needs a tripod. There are a few scenes that need some work but mostly it's the shaky cam.
Snooze of the World
Francois8415 February 2021
'News of the World' isn't a bad movie as such. But nor is it a good one, either. Although nothing is particularly outright terrible about it, well except perhaps some of the script which is dull, and especially weak dialogue amongst some of the bad guys they encounter, it's all quite unengaging, boring, and falls flat. There is very little, besides the cinematography, that really grabs you an draws you into the film. Apparently the two main lead characters bond, but I'm not quite sure when and how, because director Paul Greengrass doesn't really want to let us in on it. There's very little chemistry between the two main protagonists that gives you reason to believe that they connect with each other deep down, and not much that really made me relate and connect to the characters and their situation either, meaning that as a result, I didn't care about them. It's a shame, because I was really hoping to enjoy this movie, not least as I like westerns in general. But I just found my attention wandering on far too many occasions during this one to enjoy and recommend it.
Decently entertaining, but not fantastic
Vatsugladnar13 January 2021
As Tom Hanks' movies go, this is a solid continuation of his work. The pace was a bit slow in some parts but I like that this was the kind of movie that had multiple sub-stories going at once that all were started and completed during the course of 15 to 20 minutes. I kept waiting for something 'devastating" to happen but that never really came about. A bit predictable at the end but hey, when I compare it to the movie I watched on HBO Max a couple of days earlier (WW1984) this movie belongs up there with Gone with the Wind (tongue in cheek and sarcastic).
But all in all, a good, decent, entertaining move but not one I would ever seek out to watch again.
But all in all, a good, decent, entertaining move but not one I would ever seek out to watch again.
News of the World Review
theredsky16 January 2021
An interesting story bogged down by repetitiveness. Tom Hanks is still great as always. He always puts a lot into each of his roles that makes each of his characters stand out from one another with this one being a reluctant father figure who chooses to help those in need. The direction by Paul Greengrass is great. I haven't seen much of his work but I'm interested in seeing what else he can do besides this and Captain Philips. Both of which Tom Hanks starred in. Helena Zengel is good at points and weak in others so I can't praise her performance nor can I bash it. This has an interesting concept of a Civil War Captain who travels from town to town reading the news to people stepping outside of his comfort zone to help someone in need. I think this film did a great job at showing the unrest in 1880s Texas. The film shows the tension between the people of Texas and the Union forces stationed there. It also does a good job at making you feel for some of the characters especially Hanks' character. The cinematography is also great. Greengrass does an incredible job at showing off these great landscapes with each shot feeling a little more different than the last. My big issue with this film comes down to its repetitiveness, pacing, and slow descent into boredom. There is a cool action set piece at the beginning but after that point, the film starts to throw similar situations of peril one after the other. After a while, you start to say to yourself "Haven't we already seen this before?" It doesn't help that the pacing is awful at times with some scenes going on for way to long while others are cut way too short like the scene where a town is basically controlled by outlaws. We spend so little time there and it was a very interesting scenario that is cut away from. I also take issue with the resolution of the film being not great. Without spoiling the film, we see what happens and you think that that's it but then the movie goes on for another 25-30 minutes and it's really boring aside from one 3 minute long scene with Hanks. It should have ended where I thought it was gonna end. If you like Tom Hanks or Western movies then you might get something out of this but you can wait until it comes out on DVD, Blu-Ray, or rental to watch it.
Western of Old
goodrichodyssey20 January 2021
News Of A Classic Western Feel, but not Quite Finishing the Deal
rgkarim17 January 2021
LIKES:
Beautifully Shot The Western Frontier unfolds Realism (mostly) that fits the Frontier Some Character Growth Action Scene that again Feels Very fitting The Acting With Score
DISLIKES: Pacing Gradually Gets Worse As Story Progresses Some of the Off The Way moments seem Shallow and Wedged in A Last Minute Impasse Held Little Point The Impromptu Answers at the last minute that extended the film without need Depressing At Many Times
Review:
There is one thing that continues to show improvement and that is how the camera work can capture a lot of the beautiful of the world. News of The World is a stylish, gorgeous display of the Western frontier and instilling with it the wild west nature of this genre. Through the use of various filters and natural setting to really craft the different levels of danger the 1800s wilderness provided. Costumes and makeup only further helped bring out the gritty nature of those days, and establish the danger of the outlaws that inhabited them. Bringing you into the world, the western frontier really unfolds, and brings you back into what made these types of movies shine in the past. The realism really helps with this, ditching aliens, stunts, and flashy scenes to instead take on a more down to earth movie. As Captain Kidd (Hanks) and Johanna (Zengel) continue to traverse the wilderness, one really feels the emotions of the scenes, the desperation of each step and trying to adapt to the situations at hands. Though not as exciting as some of my favorite Western movies, Greengrass and company have come up with clever ways to face the odds (mostly) and use some well-time monologues, strategy, and even kindness to assist the bravery and find a solution. One of these moments is a very good action scene that might not be flashy or filled with stunts, but still is suspenseful in the dark nature of the fight. The real life fight offers strategy given the odds, and has just enough draw out and planning to make you think twice about what the outcome will be. For me, it's brilliant because not only does it sort of add diversity to the film, but it also allows for some unorthodox character growth that movies struggle with these days. Each of these chapters on the adventure push our characters to face different demons, gradually changing them and trying to practice the lessons that each are trying to teach each other. All of this comes from great acting by the two leads, a sound chemistry between experience and new age that perfectly captures the dynamic they wanted. Hanks has another movie to add to his repertoire of awesome acting ability. His character is straightforward, and yet complex and Hanks hits all the marks as the scene requires, while seldom overcommitting to the part. As for young Zengel, for a role that primarily consisted of grunting, speaking different languages, and nonverbal acting, she accomplished this very well. Many roles like this are often more annoying than well done, but the direction of this film avoided that territory for the most part and knows just how much it takes to deliver the message without tearing my ears off in the process.
All of this good though does start to wane in some departments though, especially near the end where things seem to drop into a rushed mess. First of all, while not the fastest movie to begin with, the last thirty or so minutes really feels dragged out and a mess. Things that were swiftly moving suddenly rush into a few scenes that seem to hit a wall and then become ridiculous, not as exciting, shallow finishes that seem to drag on and on. A shame given the quality, and though it does complete the circle of events, it really felt the most off for me given the way the rest of the film presented. Many of those moments seemed shoe horned in, a visit to one location, a sudden storm that would reveal something elusive, and even the final destination were all so last minute to me that it lacked the full punch I think they were going for. One impasse in particular violated my cardinal rules and given what happens about eight minutes later, was completely unnecessary given the consequences that were seen (did not like this scene at all). And ironically, the last minute answers, and filling those holes were both needed, but not needed given how it extended the film to unnecessary lengths. About twenty minutes of the movie could have either been cut or condensed to give me the same information and still not bore me to the point of fighting sleep. Though this film has much more depressing elements than others, it's this end point especially that sucks the life from you and makes you question many things. Yes, for those that are fighting the 2020 blahs, this movie may not be for you given how tough grit it is, so exercise that caution before departing on the trail.
The VERDICT:
The high marks from rotten tomatoes and film credits are right in their remarks of how visually amazing this film is and how it's a breath of fresh air in regards to the movie telling. News of the World trades flair for being there and drops you back into the Wild West Frontier that captured so many young minds along time ago. Realistic travels, a world that is dangerous and engrossing, with very fitting moments are just some of the highlights to this film. Though this reviewer feels it's the acting and most of the character development that deserves praise as the strongest aspect of the movies. Despite all the good though, the movie's main weaknesses for me are the depressing nature of the film and the end where things seem to be sort of crammed together and yet extend the film. Taking all of that in, the results of the movie for me are;
Action/Adventure/Drama: 7.0 Movie Overall: 6.0
Beautifully Shot The Western Frontier unfolds Realism (mostly) that fits the Frontier Some Character Growth Action Scene that again Feels Very fitting The Acting With Score
DISLIKES: Pacing Gradually Gets Worse As Story Progresses Some of the Off The Way moments seem Shallow and Wedged in A Last Minute Impasse Held Little Point The Impromptu Answers at the last minute that extended the film without need Depressing At Many Times
Review:
There is one thing that continues to show improvement and that is how the camera work can capture a lot of the beautiful of the world. News of The World is a stylish, gorgeous display of the Western frontier and instilling with it the wild west nature of this genre. Through the use of various filters and natural setting to really craft the different levels of danger the 1800s wilderness provided. Costumes and makeup only further helped bring out the gritty nature of those days, and establish the danger of the outlaws that inhabited them. Bringing you into the world, the western frontier really unfolds, and brings you back into what made these types of movies shine in the past. The realism really helps with this, ditching aliens, stunts, and flashy scenes to instead take on a more down to earth movie. As Captain Kidd (Hanks) and Johanna (Zengel) continue to traverse the wilderness, one really feels the emotions of the scenes, the desperation of each step and trying to adapt to the situations at hands. Though not as exciting as some of my favorite Western movies, Greengrass and company have come up with clever ways to face the odds (mostly) and use some well-time monologues, strategy, and even kindness to assist the bravery and find a solution. One of these moments is a very good action scene that might not be flashy or filled with stunts, but still is suspenseful in the dark nature of the fight. The real life fight offers strategy given the odds, and has just enough draw out and planning to make you think twice about what the outcome will be. For me, it's brilliant because not only does it sort of add diversity to the film, but it also allows for some unorthodox character growth that movies struggle with these days. Each of these chapters on the adventure push our characters to face different demons, gradually changing them and trying to practice the lessons that each are trying to teach each other. All of this comes from great acting by the two leads, a sound chemistry between experience and new age that perfectly captures the dynamic they wanted. Hanks has another movie to add to his repertoire of awesome acting ability. His character is straightforward, and yet complex and Hanks hits all the marks as the scene requires, while seldom overcommitting to the part. As for young Zengel, for a role that primarily consisted of grunting, speaking different languages, and nonverbal acting, she accomplished this very well. Many roles like this are often more annoying than well done, but the direction of this film avoided that territory for the most part and knows just how much it takes to deliver the message without tearing my ears off in the process.
All of this good though does start to wane in some departments though, especially near the end where things seem to drop into a rushed mess. First of all, while not the fastest movie to begin with, the last thirty or so minutes really feels dragged out and a mess. Things that were swiftly moving suddenly rush into a few scenes that seem to hit a wall and then become ridiculous, not as exciting, shallow finishes that seem to drag on and on. A shame given the quality, and though it does complete the circle of events, it really felt the most off for me given the way the rest of the film presented. Many of those moments seemed shoe horned in, a visit to one location, a sudden storm that would reveal something elusive, and even the final destination were all so last minute to me that it lacked the full punch I think they were going for. One impasse in particular violated my cardinal rules and given what happens about eight minutes later, was completely unnecessary given the consequences that were seen (did not like this scene at all). And ironically, the last minute answers, and filling those holes were both needed, but not needed given how it extended the film to unnecessary lengths. About twenty minutes of the movie could have either been cut or condensed to give me the same information and still not bore me to the point of fighting sleep. Though this film has much more depressing elements than others, it's this end point especially that sucks the life from you and makes you question many things. Yes, for those that are fighting the 2020 blahs, this movie may not be for you given how tough grit it is, so exercise that caution before departing on the trail.
The VERDICT:
The high marks from rotten tomatoes and film credits are right in their remarks of how visually amazing this film is and how it's a breath of fresh air in regards to the movie telling. News of the World trades flair for being there and drops you back into the Wild West Frontier that captured so many young minds along time ago. Realistic travels, a world that is dangerous and engrossing, with very fitting moments are just some of the highlights to this film. Though this reviewer feels it's the acting and most of the character development that deserves praise as the strongest aspect of the movies. Despite all the good though, the movie's main weaknesses for me are the depressing nature of the film and the end where things seem to be sort of crammed together and yet extend the film. Taking all of that in, the results of the movie for me are;
Action/Adventure/Drama: 7.0 Movie Overall: 6.0
Excellent Movie
smaimes9115 January 2021
good adaptation
Kirpianuscus18 July 2023
I love the book and this makes the first contact with its adaptation to not be the most happy. In the structure of story, the presence of Britt Johnson, alive , and the golden coin are important.
In same measure, Tom Hanks was not the expected Captain jefferson kyle Kidd.
But... It is a real beautiful film. For compensations, from the coin battle confrontation to the Mr. Farley and his Erath (journal and town ) and the almost mystical scenes of dust storm , with Amerindians as shadows, the decision of Johanna and the sepia image. Not last, the nice portrait of John Calley and the beautiful art of Elizabeth Marvel to propose the fair portrait orf of Mrs. Gannett is a real good point.
But, sure, the great virtue of film is the inspired work of Helena Zengel.
So, just inspired adaptation at whole.
In same measure, Tom Hanks was not the expected Captain jefferson kyle Kidd.
But... It is a real beautiful film. For compensations, from the coin battle confrontation to the Mr. Farley and his Erath (journal and town ) and the almost mystical scenes of dust storm , with Amerindians as shadows, the decision of Johanna and the sepia image. Not last, the nice portrait of John Calley and the beautiful art of Elizabeth Marvel to propose the fair portrait orf of Mrs. Gannett is a real good point.
But, sure, the great virtue of film is the inspired work of Helena Zengel.
So, just inspired adaptation at whole.
great beginning, technically great, disappointing overall
dmitri_faleev30 December 2020
It's hard to recommend this film because the beginning is so great. But as the story progresses, the story and the world both seem shallow and ridiculous.
With that said, cinematography, acting and directing were excellent throughout.
With that said, cinematography, acting and directing were excellent throughout.
Ominous, hardscrabble western cobbled together across the Texas landscape
PotassiumMan28 December 2020
Tom Hanks is a 19th century newsman who reads newspaper stories to townsfolk in Texas. On his route of numerous locations, he comes across a young German-born girl who has been living under the care of native Americans who have been slaughtered. He takes it upon himself as her new guardian to escort her across the countryside to safety in the hope of finding her a new home. Along the way, they achieve an expected bond as two lonely souls in a treacherous world of danger of adversity.
Hanks is great as always, as the film is told from his weary, anguished eyes. But newcomer Helena Zengel steals the film from right underneath him with a mesmerizing performance as a young girl traumatized by personal tragedy, untrusting of the world around her and just beginning to learn her communication. Together, they bring this rugged journey to life. Director Paul Greengrass makes a vivid recreation of 19th century American wilderness, a land of difficult terrain and occasionally bitter climate. Through it all, it becomes a battle for survival for both the old man and the child he is protecting. An old school tale of American grit, this one is expertly crafted and highly recommended.
Hanks is great as always, as the film is told from his weary, anguished eyes. But newcomer Helena Zengel steals the film from right underneath him with a mesmerizing performance as a young girl traumatized by personal tragedy, untrusting of the world around her and just beginning to learn her communication. Together, they bring this rugged journey to life. Director Paul Greengrass makes a vivid recreation of 19th century American wilderness, a land of difficult terrain and occasionally bitter climate. Through it all, it becomes a battle for survival for both the old man and the child he is protecting. An old school tale of American grit, this one is expertly crafted and highly recommended.
Tough message, but Tom Hanks is great.
Tron7915 January 2021
I did enjoy watching this film on Amazon Prime's early release because Tom Hanks was excellent. But it's hard to watch how horrible the people were depicted in the post Civil War Texas. You have a lynching. You have greedy capitalists who destroy the buffalo and abuse their workers. You have evil men at every turn down the road. You have a little girl who just wants to go back to her Indian kidnappers because she likes being an Indian. Several times, I felt like the best thing for her would be to grant her wish to return to them instead of subjecting her to the American settlers. The little girl describes how everything is connected in nature in a big circle of life, while Tom Hanks says that Americans just go in a straight line and look ahead. The movie infers that there is no time to appreciate nature for the settlers. One character even says that there is no time for stories. He needs to focus on working the fields.
This is not a Clint Eastwood film like Unforgiven where I found myself rooting for the most evil man in the West to kill Little Bill. The film hints that Tom Hanks' character may not be a great guy, but I never saw proof of this. I just saw someone who did his duty during the war. This is more of a story of how horrid people of Texas treated each other and the native population. It shows the resentment of the townsfolk for the Northern soldiers and the Northern President after the war ended. It was interesting how the army took away the Texans' guns and only allowed them buck shot weapons. It's a story of how the natural resources were abused with an awful scene showing an endless field of skinned buffalos.
Tom Hanks is very believable as an aging man just scraping out a simple living reading the news. I thought the film was shot with a gritty reality in mind. The gun fight scenes did remind me a bit of Unforgiven in the way that it's not like Hollywood depicts when it's real people fighting for their lives. It showed us a dangerous road and an unforgiving terrain. It was worth watching, but it's a very tough message to stomach even if that's the reality of those times.
This is not a Clint Eastwood film like Unforgiven where I found myself rooting for the most evil man in the West to kill Little Bill. The film hints that Tom Hanks' character may not be a great guy, but I never saw proof of this. I just saw someone who did his duty during the war. This is more of a story of how horrid people of Texas treated each other and the native population. It shows the resentment of the townsfolk for the Northern soldiers and the Northern President after the war ended. It was interesting how the army took away the Texans' guns and only allowed them buck shot weapons. It's a story of how the natural resources were abused with an awful scene showing an endless field of skinned buffalos.
Tom Hanks is very believable as an aging man just scraping out a simple living reading the news. I thought the film was shot with a gritty reality in mind. The gun fight scenes did remind me a bit of Unforgiven in the way that it's not like Hollywood depicts when it's real people fighting for their lives. It showed us a dangerous road and an unforgiving terrain. It was worth watching, but it's a very tough message to stomach even if that's the reality of those times.
Extra, Extra... Superior Talent Turns in Pedestrian Effort
jaredpahl7 January 2021
It wasn't unreasonable for me to be properly excited for News of the World. The newest Hollywood western, and the first new theatrical release in about five months that felt worth taking a trip to the cinema to see, News of the World had two big talents on board: star Tom Hanks and director Paul Greengrass. If there were anyone to put a little blind faith in, it would be two men behind some of the great films of the last three decades. The Greengrass-Hanks pairing, so fruitful in Captain Phillips, is, however, pretty barren in their second outing. News of the World is a considerable disappointment from these two great artists.
Based on the novel by Paulette Jiles, News of the World is simplistic to a fault. Tom Hanks is Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a Civil War veteran who currently makes a living reading newspapers to busy townspeople in a sort of theatrical storytime across the country. Kidd stumbles one day upon an orphaned German girl named Johanna (Helena Zengel). Johanna was taken in by Kiowa Indians as a youngin' and has completely assimilated to their ways. Kidd figures out that she needs to be transported to her surviving German relatives, and Kidd... takes her there. That's the story for ya. Cross country road trips are not new to the Western genre, but Jiles' story strikes me as unusually thin. The attempts to create tension along the way are woeful. At two separate points along the trail, two separate groups of men show up out of nowhere just to announce to Kidd, in so many words, that they will be the bad guys for the next bit. Obviously, these characters aren't the important ones. Kidd and Johanna are.
Their relationship is the centerpiece, and I can't really fault it. Hanks, the ever-reliable professional, rolls up his sleeves and says his lines with conviction as he always does. Zengel has an appropriate look; she isn't an annoying little cutie or smug growler as so many movie kids are these days, and she gives a good performance. I might even call it impressive. A scene or two or three of their growing bond hits home. These are the moments when you can see that director Greengrass kind of knows what he's doing.
Elsewhere, things aren't as pretty. Greengrass' reputation is with visceral shaky cameras and documentary-style filmmaking. That's not what News of the World needs, and it's not exactly what the movie is. But Greengrass is no hack. He's also one of the preeminent masters of immediacy and excitement. Those qualities are what I miss. That is what is glaringly lacking with the approach he brings to News of the World. This isn't a United 93-esque docudrama, brimming with that sort of intensity. News of the World is a traditional story and it is shot like a traditional "movie". Just not as painterly or carefully composed as some. However, the only thing that directorial restraint creates is a limp, boring visual look. I think I would have respected a full lean into documentary authenticity here, or conversely, a full lean into John Ford-ian grandeur, but what we get instead is a hesitant attempt to be a little (but not too much) different from Greengrass' other works. For the most part, it's soft-focused, claustrophobic and close-up heavy, with only the occasional drone shot to highlight some dull Texan exteriors. Weaksauce. There's a way to envelope an audience in verisimilitude that Greengrass has perfected in his oeuvre (make it tight, immediate, suspenseful), and there's a way to do it on a giant canvas (look at the pictorial magnificence of something like Dances with Wolves). Greengrass and his cinematographer do neither with News of the World. You can't just point a camera at a beautiful landscape and have it transport the viewer there.
Nothing grabs in News of the World. Tom Hanks is out there doing his thing, but is Captain Kidd really an interesting character? Is Hanks' performance anything special? No. The story is blah, the filmmaking is blah. It's very strange to see Paul Greengrass so lackadaisical. He seems uninterested in the material, and why shouldn't he be? The material is uninteresting. But still, there was something to salvage here. I mentioned that father-daughter relationship. It works on its own, in those individual scenes. But I trusted these filmmakers to come at it with a considered point of view. To put some kind of spin on it. To find something worthwhile in there. That didn't happen. What a shame.
57/100
Based on the novel by Paulette Jiles, News of the World is simplistic to a fault. Tom Hanks is Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a Civil War veteran who currently makes a living reading newspapers to busy townspeople in a sort of theatrical storytime across the country. Kidd stumbles one day upon an orphaned German girl named Johanna (Helena Zengel). Johanna was taken in by Kiowa Indians as a youngin' and has completely assimilated to their ways. Kidd figures out that she needs to be transported to her surviving German relatives, and Kidd... takes her there. That's the story for ya. Cross country road trips are not new to the Western genre, but Jiles' story strikes me as unusually thin. The attempts to create tension along the way are woeful. At two separate points along the trail, two separate groups of men show up out of nowhere just to announce to Kidd, in so many words, that they will be the bad guys for the next bit. Obviously, these characters aren't the important ones. Kidd and Johanna are.
Their relationship is the centerpiece, and I can't really fault it. Hanks, the ever-reliable professional, rolls up his sleeves and says his lines with conviction as he always does. Zengel has an appropriate look; she isn't an annoying little cutie or smug growler as so many movie kids are these days, and she gives a good performance. I might even call it impressive. A scene or two or three of their growing bond hits home. These are the moments when you can see that director Greengrass kind of knows what he's doing.
Elsewhere, things aren't as pretty. Greengrass' reputation is with visceral shaky cameras and documentary-style filmmaking. That's not what News of the World needs, and it's not exactly what the movie is. But Greengrass is no hack. He's also one of the preeminent masters of immediacy and excitement. Those qualities are what I miss. That is what is glaringly lacking with the approach he brings to News of the World. This isn't a United 93-esque docudrama, brimming with that sort of intensity. News of the World is a traditional story and it is shot like a traditional "movie". Just not as painterly or carefully composed as some. However, the only thing that directorial restraint creates is a limp, boring visual look. I think I would have respected a full lean into documentary authenticity here, or conversely, a full lean into John Ford-ian grandeur, but what we get instead is a hesitant attempt to be a little (but not too much) different from Greengrass' other works. For the most part, it's soft-focused, claustrophobic and close-up heavy, with only the occasional drone shot to highlight some dull Texan exteriors. Weaksauce. There's a way to envelope an audience in verisimilitude that Greengrass has perfected in his oeuvre (make it tight, immediate, suspenseful), and there's a way to do it on a giant canvas (look at the pictorial magnificence of something like Dances with Wolves). Greengrass and his cinematographer do neither with News of the World. You can't just point a camera at a beautiful landscape and have it transport the viewer there.
Nothing grabs in News of the World. Tom Hanks is out there doing his thing, but is Captain Kidd really an interesting character? Is Hanks' performance anything special? No. The story is blah, the filmmaking is blah. It's very strange to see Paul Greengrass so lackadaisical. He seems uninterested in the material, and why shouldn't he be? The material is uninteresting. But still, there was something to salvage here. I mentioned that father-daughter relationship. It works on its own, in those individual scenes. But I trusted these filmmakers to come at it with a considered point of view. To put some kind of spin on it. To find something worthwhile in there. That didn't happen. What a shame.
57/100
Only one character is developed
Bullwinkle16 January 2021
Even Castaway had two characters (Wilson), but the lack of dialogue from the girl gave us almost no insight as to what was going on for her. We only see the Captain's story, and that is a shame. Even The Captain's story isn't really revealed until the very end. It's a good enough Western, but won't move people much.
Read All About It...
Xstal14 January 2021
Ageing Hollywood thespian, once again performing as self, upstaged by 12 year old co-star in unoriginal and exasperating 19th century Texan tale that reveals how little has been learnt and how little attitudes have changed in the intervening years - especially when it comes to stereotypes, preconceptions and biases.
Pathetic
Jos B16 January 2021
It's an outrage how Paul Greengrass had the actual nerve to write down this miserable excuse for an original story. The most joy to be had while watching, is finding out how all your thirteen in a dozen predictions of what will happen next will actually come true.
The predictability ranges from knowing how dialogues will play out (almost to the word), how certain scenes will roll along, how characters will behave, to which scenes or dramatic moments are bound to come up, followed by the inevitably cheesy ending.
Add some overly sentimental contemplations of indigenous Americans, the south, slavery, in a 'that's just how things were back then, back to the story!'-kind of way, and you'll find yourself amazed that you haven't yet vomited all over the room.
A special mention must be made to the computer generated images. Rare in frequency, but each time so atrocious that your mind wanders off for minutes, unable to understand how anyone could ever admit them to a high budget movie released in two thousand freaking twenty one.
If you're against the use of the fast forward button, get ready for a two hour trip of cinematic disaster tourism. Shame on all involved.
The predictability ranges from knowing how dialogues will play out (almost to the word), how certain scenes will roll along, how characters will behave, to which scenes or dramatic moments are bound to come up, followed by the inevitably cheesy ending.
Add some overly sentimental contemplations of indigenous Americans, the south, slavery, in a 'that's just how things were back then, back to the story!'-kind of way, and you'll find yourself amazed that you haven't yet vomited all over the room.
A special mention must be made to the computer generated images. Rare in frequency, but each time so atrocious that your mind wanders off for minutes, unable to understand how anyone could ever admit them to a high budget movie released in two thousand freaking twenty one.
If you're against the use of the fast forward button, get ready for a two hour trip of cinematic disaster tourism. Shame on all involved.
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