Tom Hanks doesn’t have to try improving himself as a performer because, at this point in his career, being Tom Hanks will simply do. But “simply do” simply won’t do for Hanks, and we should all be grateful that he consciously grows with each role he takes, especially in his 2010s output. (See: Captain Phillips, Bridge of Spies, It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.)
News of the World surprised me. I haven’t looked forward to a Paul Greengrass movie in a while, not because I don’t like him but because I can’t remember the last movie he made without consulting Ye Olde Wikipedia; I did not, therefore, have any real expectations for this movie. But this movie worked on me, and worked so well that I can say comfortably that it’d be a year-ender for me if this wasn’t such an exceptional year (for movies (except for the whole “theaters are shut down” part)).
You can read my full review over at Paste Magazine.
A Constant Visual Feast 