Review: News Of The World
Paul Greengrass and Tom Hanks set a high bar when they collaborated on the critically acclaimed Captain Phillips that was released in 2013. Typically known for his work in documentary filmmaking, Greengrass seemed to have a handle on dramatic work when he was able to effectively build suspense and draw out a standout performance from Hanks in Captain Phillips. When the announcement was made that the two would be working together on a new story about the post-Civil War era, it seemed like a great opportunity for the duo to turn out something great again.
In interviews on the press tour for News of the World, Greengrass cited many of his favorite Westerns as inspiration for the movie - films like The Searchers. He wanted to do something different from his other films and carry a redemptive and positive tone throughout. While it was an admirable goal on his part, it also had an underwhelming effect. Jason Kidd (Hanks) as a character seems to idle through the story, not acting with any sort of conviction or potency.
With the exception of a heart-racing shootout and a few moving moments between Kidd and the young girl he rescues, Johanna, (an impressive Helena Zengel) it’s a film that ultimately falls flat - an unfortunate outcome for a project with so much potential in front of and behind the camera.