Month: May 2022

Today’s quick review: Inferno. Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) wakes up in a hospital in Florence with a head wound and no recollection of how he got there. Attacked at the hospital, Langdon flees with Dr. Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones) and tries to piece together why someone wants him dead. The answer turns out to be dire: he holds the only clue to the location of a bioengineered virus that could wipe out half the world’s population.

Inferno is a mystery thriller based on the novel by Dan Brown. Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon, a history expert with a knack for solving riddles. This time Langdon tests his wits against Bertrand Zobrist (Ben Foster), a billionaire who plans to cull humanity in order to save it. Inferno manages to be an entertaining thriller with a few good twists. However, its weaker premise makes it a step down from previous Dan Brown adaptations.

Inferno does a good job of setting up a complicated mystery. Langdon and Brooks must stay ahead of not only Zobrist’s agent (Ana Ularu) but also the authorities, including World Health Organization director Elizabeth Sinskey (Sidse Babett Knudsen), whose true motives are unknown. The various factions who are hunting for Langdon help flesh out the plot, provide a sense of time pressure, and set up a few interesting revelations down the line.

However, Inferno has less mystique than The Da Vinci Code or Angels & Demons. Where the previous movies were, at least in part, historical conspiracies, Inferno only uses its historical trivia as set dressing. Langdon still gets the chance to show off his knowledge, but the clues he must solve are not as integral to the plot. The mystery also has a few weak points, leaning heavily on Langdon’s amnesia and a couple of improbable schemes.

Inferno makes for a fine pick for anyone in the mood for a mystery with a ticking clock. Its story is missing some of the best qualities of its predecessors, but what’s left is an engaging plot with plenty going on. Those interested in a modern conspiracy with a touch of historical trim should look no farther. Those looking for a brilliant story or more meaningful historical detail ma want to pass.

6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a solid race against time without the vision of its predecessors.

Today’s quick review: Road to Perdition. For years, Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) has been a loyal enforcer for mob boss John Rooney (Paul Newman). But that all changes in an instant when Michael Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin), Sullivan’s twelve-year-old boy, witnesses Connor Rooney (Daniel Craig) commit murder. Shunned by his old associates, Sullivan flees across the country to keep his son safe from the hitman (Jude Law) hired by Connor to eliminate them.

Road to Perdition is a crime drama about a father forced to deal with the consequences of his violent profession. Road to Perdition follows Michael and his son as they embark on a weeks-long road trip to avoid the long reach of Connor, the treacherous heir to John Rooney’s criminal operation. Their goal is Perdition, a small town where they can live in safety. Along the way, the two of them come to depend on each other like never before.

Road to Perdition has the craftsmanship it needs to tell a satisfying story. The movie hits both ends of the emotional spectrum with equal skill: light moments of organic humor that punctuate the shadows cast by Connor and his murderous deeds. The criminal side of the plot gives it a strong skeleton, as Michael uses his skills against his former employers. The personal side of the plot complements it nicely as Michael finally gets to bond with his son.

Road to Perdition is a well-rounded movie that successfully combines the drama and danger of a gangster flick with the heart of a father-son story. The quiet skill of the movie keeps the viewer engaged throughout while the story builds to a memorable finale. The specific tonal blend may disappoint those hoping for a more action-packed crime movie or a lighter father-son journey, but the quality of execution is enough to win over even skeptical viewers.

For a Prohibition-era crime drama with a less redemptive tone, try Miller’s Crossing. For another crime drama about a man’s criminal past catching up with him, try A History of Violence. For a Depression-era comedy that pairs up an adult and child for a cross-country road trip, try Paper Moon. For a much darker and more suspenseful drama with similar story elements, try There Will Be Blood, No Country for Old Men, or The Road.

7.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a rich and well-told story.

Today’s quick review: Punchline. Lilah Krystick (Sally Field), a housewife who wants to be a stand-up comedian, gets the inspiration she needs when she meets Steven Gold (Tom Hanks), a talented comedian struggling to make ends meet. Steven teaches her how to perform naturally on stage, turning her from a novice to an up-and-comer. But as their friendship grows into something more, it drives a rift between Lilah and her husband John (John Goodman).

Punchline is a dramatic comedy about two comedians dealing with personal problems caused by their craft. Sally Field stars as Lilah, who goes against the wishes of her overbearing husband to pursue her dream of becoming a comic. Tom Hanks co-stars as Steven, a failed medical student who gambles everything on his comedy career. Punchline serves up a peculiar combination of skillful humor and mundane drama, making for an odd but satisfying watch.

Punchline has an unusual story that only really comes together at the end of the film. Punchline jumps around between comedy and drama almost at random, with sublime moments of humor up on the stage that are offset by some deeply uncomfortable personal conflicts. But there’s a method to the madness. Punchline loves to put Lilah and Steven through the wringer, but ultimately it’s a movie about resilience and the power of comedy to life people’s spirits.

Punchline defies easy classification. It is a patchwork of great jokes and awful ones, of emotional breakdowns and emotional triumphs. The variety will not suit everyone, and the payoff is not as spectacular as some of Tom Hanks’ more ambitious work. But for a viewer willing to roll with the punches, Punchline is a movie with a lot to offer. Steer clear if you’re looking for a purer comedy or a more focused drama.

For a much darker drama about a struggling comedian, try Joker.

5.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for being a diamond in the rough.

Today’s quick review: The Money Pit. After his father embezzles nearly $3 million from the family business, Walter Fielding (Tom Hanks) is left with a mountain of debt and nowhere to live. Hoping to solve their housing problem, Walter and his girlfriend Anna (Shelley Long) buy a gorgeous house outside New York for a great price. But they soon discover why it sold for so little: The house is a total wreck that is going to need a fortune in repairs.

The Money Pit is a comedy about a couple whose dream home turns into a nightmare of bad carpentry, backed-up plumbing, and faulty wiring. As the damage piles up, Walter and Anna are forced to spend more and more just to turn their house into a place where they can live. The Money Pit is a light movie that runs on a combination of slapstick and domesticity. Its fruitful premise and well-matched leads make it a simple but enjoyable watch.

The Money Pit strikes a nice balance with its comedy. There’s a fair amount of slapstick as Walter and Anna try to cope with a house where everything is broken, yet the physical humor never feels pandering. The gags have good timing, the tangents to the main story are brief, and the movie finds clever ways to make use of its premise. Tying it all together are Tom Hanks and Shelley Long, who perfectly portray a loving couple pushed to their limit.

The only catch is that The Money Pit is not an ambitious comedy. There’s no larger plot that the home repairs feed into. The gags are funny but not especially deep. And while the movie puts more thought into its characters than other comedies, it avoids anything but the most superficial drama for them. These decisions result in a successful comedy that delivers what it promises, but they keep it from joining the ranks of the best in the genre.

Give The Money Pit a shot if you’re in the mood for likable characters and reliable laughs. Fans of more elaborate, plot-driven comedies may find it to be a little simple for their tastes, but viewers who aren’t above some straightforward humor will have a good time. For a slapstick comedy in the same vein, try Mousehunt. For Tom Hanks in another comedy about a jinxed endeavor, try The Ladykillers.

6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for honest laughs.

Today’s quick review: The Terminal. Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks) is on a flight to New York when a revolution throws his home country of Krakozhia into chaos. By the time he lands, his passport is invalid and his visa has been revoked, leaving him stranded at JFK International Airport with no way to enter America and no way to get back home. Viktor must make a new life for himself at the airport terminal while waiting for his situation to change.

The Terminal is a dramatic comedy from director Steven Spielberg. Tom Hanks stars as Viktor Navorski, a visitor to the United States who falls through a crack in the system and becomes trapped in bureaucratic limbo. With no money and only a crude grasp of English, Viktor uses his wits to survive in a place that was only ever meant to be a stopover. The movie’s charming sense of humor and heartfelt moments make it an enjoyable watch.

The Terminal’s chief draw is the way Viktor copes with his unusual situation. From living on crackers and condiments to sleeping at an abandoned gate, Viktor does everything he can to make the airport a home. His struggles eventually earn him friends among the staff, including Gupta (Kumar Pallana), an irascible janitor, and Enrique Cruz (Diego Luna), a lovestruck delivery man. Viktor’s kindness and perseverance make his victories all the sweeter.

However, The Terminal does have its quirks. The rules of Viktor’s confinement feel arbitrary, especially when it comes to his feud with customs official Frank Dixon (Stanley Tucci). His slow-motion romance with flight attendant Amelia Warren (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is similarly unconventional. But in spite of its outward levity, The Terminal switches abruptly into drama in places, resulting in rewarding moments that don’t quite fit the pattern.

Give The Terminal a shot when you’re in the mood for something uplifting, clever, and not too overbearing. The Terminal has an interesting premise, a likable lead, and a unique perspective on life. How much you get out of it will depend on how its particular blend of comedy and drama suits you, but its rewards make it worth the watch for anyone who is curious.

For a Tom Hanks drama about a man stranded far from home, try Cast Away. For a Tom Hanks comedy about a kind-hearted man on a journey, try Forrest Gump. Check out The Truman Show or Groundhog Day for a more surreal comedy about a man trapped by circumstance.

7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for an unusual comedy with some good heart; your score will vary.

Today’s quick review: Cast Away. Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) has two loves in his life: his girlfriend Kelly (Helen Hunt) and his job traveling around the globe to revitalize struggling FedEx branches. All of that changes in an instant when Chuck’s plane crashes in the Pacific, leaving him stranded on an uninhabited island. To have any hope of seeing civilization again, Chuck must both teach himself how to survive and find the strength to keep going.

Cast Away is a survival drama that tells the story of one man’s harrowing experience on a desert island. Chuck Noland has to stave off dehydration, starvation, and despair using only the natural resources of the island and a handful of packages that washed ashore after the crash. What follows is a tale of resourcefulness and perseverance that makes good on its premise. Strong drama and an impressive lead performance make Cast Away as solid pick.

The mechanics of Chuck’s survival are interesting enough, but the heart of the movie is his psychological struggle. Chuck endures loneliness, physical hardship, setback after setback, and the promise of a nearly hopeless future. The small ways he comes up with to stay sane become surprisingly important both to Chuck and the viewer, giving the drama some real impact. The movie also offers a new perspective on the conveniences of modern civilization.

Still, the tone of Cast Away won’t resonate with everyone. The movie depends heavily on the audience sympathizing with Chuck; viewers who don’t, for one reason or another, will get very little out of watching his struggles. The time spent on the island can also get repetitive since there are only a few emotional beats for the movie to work with. None of these issues are serious, but they may put off viewers with only a borderline interest in the movie.

Ultimately, Cast Away is a well-executed drama that makes the most of a relatively simple premise. Tom Hanks’ acting and good use of the limited tools at the story’s disposal are enough to make the movie a thought-provoking watch with some good emotional payoff. However, Cast Away has a narrow enough premise that some viewers will never get into it. Those who like honest drama should give it a shot, while those who prefer escapism should steer clear.

For a more cathartic tale of hope and perseverance, try The Shawshank Redemption.

7.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for effective acting and a compelling story.

“Run, Forrest! Run!” —Jenny

Today’s quick review: Forrest Gump. Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), a simple-minded man from rural Alabama, witnesses some of the defining events of the 20th century as life takes him across America and around the globe. From Washington, D.C., to the jungles of Vietnam, Forrest accepts each new situation with the same quiet optimism. But no matter how far he travels, he keeps coming back to Jenny Curran (Robin Wright), his childhood friend.

Forrest Gump is a dramatic comedy and romance starring Tom Hanks. The film is part character portrait and part period piece. Forrest unknowingly has a hand in some of the most famous events in American history as he’s tossed around by fate. The odd events of Forrest’s storied life, his obliviousness, and his kind-hearted treatment of those around him make Forrest Gump an endearing comedy that offers a unique perspective on American culture.

At the same time, Forrest Gump is an effective drama. Forrest’s low intelligence shields him from the full impact of what’s going on around him, but the film itself touches on heavy topics like the Vietnam War, drug culture, and the political turmoil of the 60s and 70s. On a more personal level, the events of Forrest’s life are not easy for him either. Seeing him cope with hardship is a surprisingly potent reward for following his lighter adventures.

Forrest Gump is a movie with a lot to offer. Forrest Gump has a skillful performance by Tom Hanks, a far-reaching plot with a rich historical setting, and personal moments that cover a wide a spectrum of emotion, all of which add up to a unique experience. How much you get out of it will depend heavily on your taste in humor, drama, and cultural commentary, but Forrest Gump casts a wide enough net to be worth a watch even for skeptical viewers.

For an adventurous comedy about the unlikely story of a man’s life, try Big Fish or Secondhand Lions. For a wry comedy with a similar premise, try Being There. For a romantic drama with some of the same feel to it, try The Notebook or Dear John.

8.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for a well-crafted story and a likable lead.

Today’s quick review: A Beautiful Mind. As a graduate student at Princeton, mathematician John Nash (Russell Crowe) labors to come up with a substantial contribution to the field. Eventually his efforts lead him to a breakthrough in game theory that earns him a position teaching at MIT. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he’s contacted by William Parcher (Ed Harris), a shadowy government agent who wants to put Nash’s talents to use.

A Beautiful Mind is a biographical drama loosely based on the life of John Nash. A Beautiful Mind follows Nash from his difficult days at Princeton to the upheavals of his time at MIT to the challenges he faced thereafter. Russell Crowe delivers a multifaceted performance as an isolated man trying to put his talents to good use. Skillful acting, subtle emotional moments, and an exceptional soundtrack make A Beautiful Mind a captivating film.

The great strength of A Beautiful Mind is its ability to take the audience inside Nash’s struggles, often through his interactions with the supporting cast. His academic frustration comes to life through conversations with his roommate Charles Herman (Paul Bettany), his personal life develops through his relationship with Alicia (Jennifer Connelly), and his career is soon complicated by cloak-and-dagger code-breaking assignments for Parcher.

A Beautiful Mind’s other great strength is its subtlety. Contrary to Nash’s ambitions to leave his mark on the world, his story is deeply personal in nature. His mathematical accomplishments take a back seat to the more mundane struggles of his day-to-day life. These are by no means ordinary—Nash has a peculiar mind—but they do resonate well. The film has a knack for infusing seemingly trivial incidents with the weight they truly deserve.

A Beautiful Mind is a thematically gorgeous movie that tells its story with true skill. The biographical nature and relatively low-stakes story will put off some viewers, but those willing to engage with a pure drama will find it to be a rewarding experience.

For another biographical drama about a troubled mathematician, try The Imitation Game. For a fictional story of mathematical genius, check out Good Will Hunting. For a Cold War drama with more espionage, try The Good Shepherd. For a biographical drama about a brilliant but antisocial entrepreneur, try The Social Network. For a romantic drama that hits similar emotional notes, try The Notebook.

8.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for a moving story and impressive craftsmanship.

Today’s quick review: Rudy. Ever since he was a child, Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) has had one dream: to play football at Notre Dame. However, his poor grades and lack of athletic ability have kept him from even coming close. After the death of a friend, Rudy decides to gamble everything on his dream. Moving to Notre Dame, he picks up work as a groundskeeper, enrolls in a college nearby, and toils night and day for the chance to join the Fighting Irish.

Rudy is a sports drama that’s based on a true story. Rudy follows its title character as he puts his heart and soul into a long shot: the slim chance of transferring to Notre Dame and walking onto the football team there. The movie is a heartfelt story of hope and perseverance, and the drive of its main character makes it an inspiring watch. However, Rudy depends heavily on the audience connecting with its lead, making it somewhat hit-or-miss.

Rudy’s defining feature is the enthusiasm of its main character. Rudy Ruettiger is single-minded in his pursuit of his dream, willing to do whatever it takes just to get one step closer to it. His boundless determination wins over not only the people he meets, such as head groundskeeper Fortune (Charles S. Dutton) and Coach Parseghian (Jason Miller), but the audience as well. His effort, setbacks, and victories give the movie plenty of heart.

The drawback is that Rudy relies on its main character for nearly all of its appeal. Ruettiger’s enthusiasm is infectious, but it may not make sense for someone who isn’t as passionate about football. His obsessive personality, the naive way he pursues his dream, and his small-scale victories are factors that will rub some viewers the wrong way. For a viewer who can’t struggle alongside Ruettiger, the entire movie will miss the mark.

Even so, Rudy has a strong enough story to be well worth a shot for anyone interested in its subject matter. Rudy is a focused and well-crafted story about one young man’s dream, and it accomplishes the difficult task of making that dream tangible for the audience. For the wrong viewer, Rudy simply won’t resonate; for the right one, it will have an incredible impact. For a similarly inspirational sports drama, try The Natural.

7.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a heartfelt story with considerable upshot potential.

Today’s quick review: The Natural. Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) is a country boy with a talent for baseball. Leaving behind his sweetheart Iris (Glenn Close), he travels to Chicago to try out for the Cubs. But after one bad choice, he loses his shot at the majors and twelve years of his life. Now in his thirties, Roy gets another chance at his dream when he’s signed on to play for the New York Knights, a team in the middle of a losing season.

The Natural is a sports drama about a baseball player trying to make up for lost time. Robert Redford stars as Roy Hobbs, whose knack for the game could have made him a legend. In spite of a decade away from the sport, Hobbs’ natural talent and love for baseball give the Knights a shot at the pennant. The Natural is an inspiring story about choices, integrity, and determination. Its solid craftsmanship is enough to make it a simple but powerful watch.

The Natural has the best qualities of a tall tale, small flourishes that make Roy’s story just a little larger than life. The origin of Roy’s bat, his feats of baseball prowess, and his lucky and unlucky streaks all lend a mythic quality to his story. At the same time, The Natural never steps over the line into fantasy. The drama is grounded in Roy’s choices on and off the field, and his victories are as much moral and personal as they are professional.

There are a few parts of The Natural that don’t work as well as others, but they do not detract much from its strengths. The beats of the story are a little strange, especially surrounding Roy’s twelve-year absence from the sport. The actual games Roy plays in are abridged; the film hardly ever follows a game from start to finish. And while the emotional moments will move more romantic viewers, cynics may find them to be overblown.

The Natural is a great choice for anyone in the mood for the uplifting story of a sports comeback. Solid acting, grounded drama, and a few extra touches to make the story feel larger than life are all The Natural needs to deliver on its promise. Not everyone will enjoy its particular flavor of drama, but its raw quality and emotional payoff make it well worth a watch for anyone interested.

For a sports movie that hits similar emotional beats, try Chariots of Fire. For an adventure with some of the same spirit, try Secondhand Lions. For a romantic drama that goes farther with the theme of life choices and regret, try The Notebook or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. For a baseball comedy, try Major League.

7.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for an earnest story with a lot of heart.