Opened: December 25, 2020

Directed by: Paul Greengrass

Starring: Tom Hanks, Helena Zengel, Michael Covino, Fred Hechinger, Neil Sandilands, Thomas Francis Murphy, Mare Winningham, Elizabeth Marvel, Chukwudi Iwuji, Gabriel Ebert, Ray McKinnon & Bill Camp

With an emotionally grounded performance from Tom Hanks, News of the World is a modern Western that shows how people can bond despite having major differences.

Former Confederate Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Hanks) earns a living by traveling from town-to-town reading news to the populace. While on the road, he encounters a girl he later names Johanna (Helena Zengel) whom has been left on her own. He takes her under his wing to deliver her home.

Hanks and Zengel give incredible performances that are physically straining. Their ability to connect over time shows the growth in not just their characters’ relationship, but also theirs.

Director Paul Greengrass does well in making a softer film that’s still packed with action. Many moments will have you holding your breath.

Final say: When worlds collide, we become stronger. ★★★★★