News of the World

News from the World skillfully combines a western road movie and an adventure drama, spiced with a dash of action. Story-wise, it is not a particularly complex film – as we travel from A to B, there is a mutual self-exploration, interspersed with a series of adventures and ending with a satisfying (if predictable) denouement. Even so, for two hours I was swept along on a nicely told tale of a spunky veteran and a vivacious girl brought together by fate. Tom Hanks guarantees a quality performance and the role of "The Captain" really suited him. The young Helena Zengel certainly didn't let herself be overshadowed by her more famous colleague and gave an equally convincing performance. As already mentioned, the film does not lack action (the chase and the shootout at the rocks), nor strong, even touching moments, like Johanna's homecoming or the reunion with the wife, and besides that it offers beautiful shots of natural scenery, which are enhanced by an unforgettable musical score. (04/25/2021)

Paul went out of his comfort zone into the prairie, where life is a circle, and you have to remember that in order to move on. A simple but beautifully constructed story, told with fluid camera strokes, that you've heard a hundred times before, but that the Hanks-Zengel duo will want to hear again and again. The film is a quiet commentary on America's brokenness and the need for kindness and acceptance of difference. It may not have any dizzying depth, but it's certainly Greengrass' most personal, intimate and moving work, and its simple goodness made me believe at times that the world isn't messed up. Hats off and I love it. (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)

This tranquil western road movie may not have a substantial dramatic plot, but it does have a humanistic heart. Simply Hanks. Its aim is to again show the slightly different corners and characters of the old American West and its code of justice and hardships in a more realistic way than Costner’s The Postman :-). But Greegrasse’s touch isn’t very apparent in it. Did she really direct it? James N. Howard’s return to the genre is nice, but due to the film’s minimalist approach, we can’t fully enjoy it until the closing credits. (01/22/2021)

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)