By Paul Hall
With today’s news traveling as fast as the push of a button, it is sometimes remarkable to think that some updates used to take days, weeks or even months to find their way to the next town. Such is the case for the people of Texas in the new film News of the World, in theaters now.
Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Tom Hanks) has served his country in three wars. Now, five years after the end of the Civil War, Captain Kidd travels from town to town reading the news of the day with emotion and style. It’s the news courtesy of a plethora of newspapers from around the United States and the world.
He plays to packed houses wherever he travels as people come to hear the good, the bad and the humorous from the far reaches of the world. Along his travels he comes across a scared young girl, Johanna (Helena Zengel). Johanna was taken in by the Kiowa people after her family was attacked years earlier. Raised as one of their own, she fears the captain at first, as Kidd is trying to find anyone along his path to turn her over to and leave her. But as the travels continue and the bond grows, he knows there is simply one place to leave her: with family.
The journey is filled with outlaws and landowners who try to use Kidd as a mouthpiece to speak to the masses their various rhetoric. Kidd has his own set of morals, but he is missing his wife who has been left behind after his last military stint and does not travel with him. Alone, Kidd wants to move on and keep to his life, but Johanna is there to possibly alter that plan. Will she?
The majesty of a land that was once present in our country is on full display in this Paul Greengrass film. The director of such varied efforts as multiple Bourne films, United 93 and 22 July has found a way to tell the nuanced story of News of the World. This is a film that looks at a country divided in the post-Civil War era and the ingrown attitudes that a simple story might have the power to change. The importance of the print media in the evolving country is amazing to witness.
Hanks is stoic and impressive in his turn as a man who is trying to navigate the evolving landscape. He is able to colorfully deliver the news to a crowd that sometimes does not appreciate or like him very much, drawing on his military experience and talents to get him through.
The revelation of the film is Zengel. She needs to deliver emotions without words that some would struggle with. Zengel’s growth through the film is the reason she connects with viewers. You need to form a relationship with Zengel and Hanks to truly drive home the emotional side of the journey that is fraught with peril.
Although moments of the film slowed, I found myself absolutely invested in the characters and truly concerned about the outcome of the film. Far from perfect, News of the World gives most viewers what they want: a meaty Tom Hanks role set against a beautiful backdrop. News is important to us all, and when delivered by the right person, we see the value of the people behind the stories.
Paul’s Grade: B
News of the World
Rated PG-13
Stars: Tom Hanks, Helena Zengel
Director: Paul Greengrass
