Hitting theaters and premium video on demand this Christmas, News of the World takes us back to a time when the world was divided and tells a story of an unlikely friendship based on trust and loyalty.
Photo Credit: Bruce W. Talamon/Universal Pictures
I’m a huge Tom Hanks fan. And I love when he brings the Captain Phillips persona to the big screen. So, needlessly to say, I had huge hopes for News of the World. Did it live up to my expectations? Read on to find out.
Synopsis
Five years after the end of the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Tom Hanks), a veteran of three wars, now moves from town to town as a non-fiction storyteller, sharing the news of presidents and queens, glorious feuds, devastating catastrophes, and gripping adventures from the far reaches of the globe.
In the plains of Texas, he crosses paths with Johanna (Helena Zengel, System Crasher), a 10-year-old taken in by the Kiowa people six years earlier and raised as one of their own. Johanna, hostile to a world she’s never experienced, is being returned to her biological aunt and uncle against her will.
Kidd agrees to deliver the child where the law says she belongs. As they travel hundreds of miles into the unforgiving wilderness, the two will face tremendous challenges of both human and natural forces as they search for a place that either can call home.
News of the World is directed by Greengrass (the Bourne films, United 93) from his screenplay with Luke Davies (Lion), based on the National Book Award finalist and best-selling novel by Paulette Jiles. The film is produced by Gary Goetzman (Mamma Mia! franchise, Greyhound), Gail Mutrux (The Danish Girl, Donnie Brasco) and Gregory Goodman (22 July, 8 Mile). The executive producers are Steven Shareshian and Tore Schmidt. The film’s music is by eight-time Academy Award® nominee James Newton Howard.
Photo Credit: Bruce W. Talamon/Universal Pictures
Is News of the World kid-friendly
The film is rated PG-13, so it is suitable for old kids and teens. But I don’t think it one many will be begging to watch.
It is one that could be put on while younger kids are still awake because much of the movie will probably go right over their little heads. But since this is one movie you need to give your full attention I would wait till they are in bed.
Photo Credit: Bruce W. Talamon/Universal Pictures
My overall review
I’ll admit as a movie lover, I have been waiting for a good movie to give us a reason to return to theaters. But unfortunately, News of the World wasn’t that movie for me. And trust me, I wanted it to be. I love historical dramas and News of the World had great potential to be the movie to give that much-needed boost to theaters. But just missed that particular mark.
But if you just push past the slow beginning the story is wonderful and leaves you with a little spark of hope for the world. Of course, Tom Hanks brings everything you want to the screen. And watching him and Helena Zengel together was simply brilliant.
So, I do think it is worth a watch on-demand! That way you can pause and come back when the story is dragging a little or when you need an emotional break.
Will you be seeing News of the World this holiday season? Share your thoughts in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear them.
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