Universal Pictures | Release Date: December 25, 2020
6.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 138 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
92
Mixed:
36
Negative:
10
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8
dharmaMar 6, 2021
News of the World is a surprisingly great film from Paul Greengrass, reuniting again with Hanks on this project. It's a great post modern western that was high in drama, and provide a perspective on early 'newscasters' instead of the usualNews of the World is a surprisingly great film from Paul Greengrass, reuniting again with Hanks on this project. It's a great post modern western that was high in drama, and provide a perspective on early 'newscasters' instead of the usual gun slingers. Worth a look. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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10
alejandro970Feb 27, 2021
A clear proof that the western still has stories to share. The odyssey of a war veteran, dedicated to reading and sharing news, and delivering an orphan girl to her closer relatives, arouses the viewer's interest for two hours, with a contextA clear proof that the western still has stories to share. The odyssey of a war veteran, dedicated to reading and sharing news, and delivering an orphan girl to her closer relatives, arouses the viewer's interest for two hours, with a context that makes clear prejudices that are still in force. Homework. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
SoulWarfareJan 30, 2021
A western cowboy era movie starring Tom Hanks. Cowboy type movies are sort of a dying genre nowadays but it was interesting to see legendary actor Tom Hanks star in one. Additionally, it was being directed by Paul Greengrass who directed someA western cowboy era movie starring Tom Hanks. Cowboy type movies are sort of a dying genre nowadays but it was interesting to see legendary actor Tom Hanks star in one. Additionally, it was being directed by Paul Greengrass who directed some of the best Jason Bourne movies (and worst) and Captain Phillips which also starred Tom Hanks. The summary is "Five years after the end of the Civil War, Capt. Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Tom Hanks) crosses paths with a 10-year-old girl (Helena Zengel) taken by the Kiowa people. Kidd agrees to escort the child across the harsh and unforgiving plains of Texas. However, the long journey soon turns into a fight for survival as the travelling companions encounter danger at every turn -- both human and natural". So does this movie manage to achieve its goal or fall into the empty desert?

The biggest praise has got to go to Tom Hanks and Helena Zengel performance of the main duos. Tom Hanks gives a subtle weariness and melancholy to his character while still containing compassion that feels genuine. Helena is a child actor so there was some scepticism from me but she delivers with some emotional and even heart-warming performances. The chemistry between the two actors is evident which is why it was such an enormous pleasure to watch both of them. Watching the relationship between these two characters develop from just strangers to that of a family is touching. The scenes where it is just both of them are some of the most enjoyable scenes in the movie and this is thanks to the strong performance from both of them. The supporting cast is really good as well and deliver an effective performance for their representative characters.

The movie contains some great cinematography that makes the movie aesthetically striking and gorgeous visually. This is quite a feat considering that a majority of the movie is set in set in some empty fields but the cinematographer, Dariusz Wolski, pulls it off. It is also complemented by great set and costume design that looks authentic and pulls you into the era the movie is set in. The music score by James Newton Howard is also really strong and is effective in representing the scenes. There are some action scenes in the movie and they are very tense with no shaky cam that is seen from the Bourne movies. For the most part, it is a character-driven story but the action scenes are really good when they occur. However, the story is very predictable and even cliche. There is not a lot of originality in this movie and the story is pretty much a beat for a beat tale that has been told so many times before. You can probably guess what is going to happen for the majority of this movie. The heartwarming scenes while done effectively are also things that have been done in previous movies or games. You will see these scenes and feel like you seen them before. There are also some pacing issues with this movie as it can slow at times near the beginning and near the end. Some scenes didn't add much and could have been cut to improve the pacing. Overall, the movie may be very familiar but it is entertaining nonetheless. Thanks to the strong performances and the visually pleasing design of the movie, it is still able to keep you glued to watching it. Under all of its layer, there is a lovely drama that conveys a meaningful message which honestly might be the news the world needs right now.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
TanyaMTJan 29, 2021
Heartfelt with the perfect amount of excitement. Tom Hanks did a marvelous job.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
UncleWillardJan 15, 2021
Really enjoyed this. They really paid attention to detail with regard to the post Civil War atmosphere. It was an entirely believable period piece and Hanks is at his best. I see folks complaining about pacing and certain details, but I sawReally enjoyed this. They really paid attention to detail with regard to the post Civil War atmosphere. It was an entirely believable period piece and Hanks is at his best. I see folks complaining about pacing and certain details, but I saw none of these things. I was hooked from day one. I loved when he won over the crowd and started a riot even. Kinda reminded me of The Sisters Brothers, and that's a good thing. The young lady who played Johanna was great. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
snorkissJan 25, 2021
Surprisingly engaging and enjoyable old fashioned style Hollywood film that Hollywood doesn't seem to make anymore, Tom Hanks is solid and so is his child co-star in this authentic Paul Greengrass directed western - 9 stars
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
1salamJan 17, 2021
Excellent movie. You need to like westerns to really appreciate it. Good acting. Good story. Good ending... Much better than 90% of the new movies out there.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
KorbenX9Jan 10, 2021
This was a fantastic story. A great western movie that doesn't rely on intense gunfights and killing to be entertaining, although it still manages to have some real tension at times. Anyone rating this movie low has poor taste is a actualThis was a fantastic story. A great western movie that doesn't rely on intense gunfights and killing to be entertaining, although it still manages to have some real tension at times. Anyone rating this movie low has poor taste is a actual good quality movie. Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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7
Compi24Jan 17, 2021
Probably one of the bigger departures I've seen a filmmaker take from their typical stylings over the past few years, Paul Greengrass (who's typically known for his compelling forays into docudrama) reunites with his "Captain Phillips" starProbably one of the bigger departures I've seen a filmmaker take from their typical stylings over the past few years, Paul Greengrass (who's typically known for his compelling forays into docudrama) reunites with his "Captain Phillips" star Tom Hanks for "News Of The World," a stately, earnest tale of tenderness in a coarse time and the importance of perspective and objectivity in even darker ones. Its admittedly episodic and novelistic approach to delivering the narrative may prove tiring for some, but with cinematographer Dariusz Wolski and composer James Newton Howard operating at an admirable level of quality, I found even some of the film's more lackluster moments to be at the very least palatable on a superficial level. When this movie is really firing on all cylinders, though, is when it's treating its subject matters with a very topically-minded outlook. Legitimately shocked this didn't bother me more, but these are easily the moments where the movie is shining at its brightest, with the subtle nods towards certain issues plaguing modern society ultimately satisfying this viewer. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
moviemitch96Dec 26, 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 girlThis 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. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
HerickDienerJan 15, 2021
"News of the World" é o típico filme no qual você não consegue tirar os olhos da tela, ainda que um pouco clichê. Boa parte disso é oriundo, também, da espetacular fotografia de Dariusz Wolski, que consegue encantar e imergir até mesmo quem"News of the World" é o típico filme no qual você não consegue tirar os olhos da tela, ainda que um pouco clichê. Boa parte disso é oriundo, também, da espetacular fotografia de Dariusz Wolski, que consegue encantar e imergir até mesmo quem torce o nariz para filmes de 'faroeste'. Não que precise, mas Tom Hanks evidencia mais uma vez o motivo de ser considerado por muitos como um dos maiores atores de todos os tempos. E eu realmente quero ver o que Helena Zengel ainda tem a nos oferecer em sua estreante carreira na atuação. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
jeffw38Jan 3, 2021
Comparisons of Zengel to Natalie Portman will surely be made as they are about the same age at start of their respective careers. After watching Helena’s performance, you realize just how stellar Portman was in the Professional. Tom HanksComparisons of Zengel to Natalie Portman will surely be made as they are about the same age at start of their respective careers. After watching Helena’s performance, you realize just how stellar Portman was in the Professional. Tom Hanks (Captain) gives a folksy rendition as a reader of events from various newspapers of the day. Cinematography is solid. The script could be stronger. Definitely a mixed bag. Good period piece. The ending I will let you be the judge. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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8
Tomek7Feb 22, 2021
Fairly good movie, Great acting coupled with amazing western cinematography. A bit troubled storyline that is not very well tied together. Out of no where situations pop up from time to time that kind of kill the fluency of the film. But theFairly good movie, Great acting coupled with amazing western cinematography. A bit troubled storyline that is not very well tied together. Out of no where situations pop up from time to time that kind of kill the fluency of the film. But the action keeps going and does not bore you during scenes. Recommended watch by me. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
DraxonflyMay 12, 2022
I really like this movie, gunna be a favorite. Its has its 'dark' story moments, but it doesn't make you feel bad for watching it (like so many other movies do) and its got a good heartfelt happy ending (which is also rare these days).

I
I really like this movie, gunna be a favorite. Its has its 'dark' story moments, but it doesn't make you feel bad for watching it (like so many other movies do) and its got a good heartfelt happy ending (which is also rare these days).

I wish there where more modern movies like it.
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Voodoo123Nov 13, 2021
NOTW is a heartwarming if predictable drama with a fantastically well produced western setting with every penny of its budget on the screen. While the cast are excellent, news preaching gimmickery aside, within such an over saturated genre itNOTW is a heartwarming if predictable drama with a fantastically well produced western setting with every penny of its budget on the screen. While the cast are excellent, news preaching gimmickery aside, within such an over saturated genre it does little to stand out as a truly original piece. Despite on appearances being a standard 'a to b across a vast landscape' western trope, this was thoughtfully crafted with an interesting mini storyline at each junction and very entertaining with excellent pacing. Well worth a watch for genre fans. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
qApr 10, 2021
A beautiful traditional Western featuring two virtuoso actors, one of whom happens to be a 12-year-old German kid. It may be a bit slow-moving for some tastes, but I found the story and the chemistry between Tom and Helena absolutelyA beautiful traditional Western featuring two virtuoso actors, one of whom happens to be a 12-year-old German kid. It may be a bit slow-moving for some tastes, but I found the story and the chemistry between Tom and Helena absolutely captivating. Something wonderful managed to make it out of 2020. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
BradMorganApr 7, 2021
A simple, pure and an emotional story. Tom Hanks was phenomenal in his role and the shots of the west were amazing. A recommendation for people who like slow paced movies.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DogeGamer2015Feb 13, 2021
Una nueva película con Tom Hanks; la trama está bien y se disfruta, la recomiendo.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
ChanekeCholoDec 13, 2021
Just the fact that this movie talk about a man who his job is read the news in every single town, it's very interesting.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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