News of the World
(Universal Pictures)
By Lucas Allen
After thrilling us with Jason Bourne films, director Paul Greengrass turns his attention to the western genre with the adaptation of the Paulette Giles novel “News of the World.” Greengrass co-wrote the script with Oscar-nominated writer Luke Davis, and reunited with his “Captain Phillips” star Tom Hanks in the actor’s first western. This film may be no “Unforgiven,” but it cuts pretty close.
In 1870, former Civil War Capt. Jefferson Kidd (Hanks) travels from town to town in Texas reading the printed news from around the country to the paying townsfolk. It’s his way of cheering up those struggling from post-war hardships. On his way to another town, he finds an abandoned wagon that was attacked, and the only survivor is a young girl named Johanna (newcomer Helena Zengel). Kidd soon finds out that she was born to a German family, whom the Kiowa killed before stealing her and raising her as part of their tribe, which is why she doesn’t speak English.
With local authorities unable to help, Kidd puts it upon himself to bring Johanna down to the southern part of Texas to be with her aunt and uncle. But the trip won’t be easy as the road is paved with many obstacles. It includes greedy traders looking to buy the child, a community with a corrupt leader selling propaganda, and the outside elements. However, their growing bond is what will help them survive.
Whether or not you’cw read the book, the story is pretty dark for a western, but with a feel-good heart at the center that helps elevate it. It’s interesting when we’re following the lead character going through a self-discovering journey about himself, while it’s also about a clash of cultures during a time of fear and doubt. However, the story can be a tad predictable at times, especially if you’ve seen many Hollywood westerns this film is striving to be. But for the most part, it’s still a heartwarming tale that’ll make you feel good by the end of it.
No matter how you feel about the story, the movie is certainly well-made and it looks breathtaking with its long shots on the western landscape. The gorgeous cinematography adds to the depth of feeling like you’re lost in the environment with the characters. Greengrass directs some tense scenes with some good precision, while going for a realistic bit of action. But most importantly, you’ll grow to love the characters, who make the suspenseful scenes more palpable. With that said, the movie certainly takes you back to when the genre was more viable on the big screen as well as the early era of television.
Hanks is once again outstanding in a dramatic role, bringing a more fatherly quality as well as his kindly persona. He’s also delightful when he’s performing his act of reading the news that brings to mind his conductor character from “The Polar Express.” Zengel is also great in her first film role playing a young girl stuck in-between two different worlds and needing somebody to help her find a way. The scenes between the two actors becomes the story’s heart and soul that help drive the film.
“News of the World” can be absorbing in its heartwarming story and its stunning western filmmaking. It has a lot of the best elements of a modern genre film wrapped around a nice gift for movie lovers everywhere. If you want to feel better about going to the movies again, this film will certainly make that happen.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for violence, disturbing images, thematic elements, and some language)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
