Review of News of the World (2020) by Moviemitch96 — 26 Dec 2020

This western from director Paul Greengrass (The 'Bourne' trilogy, 'Captain Phillips') stars Tom Hanks as a traveler who goes town to town throughout Texas to read the news to townsfolk. During his travels, he finds a young orphaned Kiowa girl and is tasked with bringing her to safety to her remaining living relatives.

First off, I love westerns. It's one of my favorite genres. Second, I was a huge fan of 'Captain Phillips', the last film Hanks and Greengrass collaborated on together, so this film had a lot going for it for me, and I'm happy to report that it's very well-done in most regards.

There are times where it feels as though it follows a few too many familiar western tropes, but this is largely overshadowed by just about everything else, especially the impressive and impeccable production design and cinematography, which makes you feel transported to right in the middle of the wild west.

The majestic musical score from the great James Newton Howard, along with the action and story are sure to keep you gripped as well. Hanks also delivers an always reliably great and heroic lead performance, and even establishes a touching and genuine bond with Helena Zengel, the young actress who plays the Kiowa girl.

Overall, it does feel like another formulaic western in some regards, but the epic feel and look of it all, along with Hanks' performance and bond with Zengel makes it plenty enjoyable and worthwhile.