I’m not sure that The Circle ever had any bite. But it certainly doesn’t in 2022. Pretty much every major headline has undercut the film’s satire as not a world-gone-crazy fantasy, but everyday life.
Series: Tom Hanks
Reviewing every movie in the star’s long, legendary career.
My reaction to this film is somewhat muted in part, I admit, because the title, poster, and opening few minutes suggest something far trippier and more ambitious than what this really is
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Angels & Demons (2009)
The sequel to The Da Vinci Code is, confusingly, based off of the first book in the series, with a byproduct not common of genres sequels:
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Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)
If a man smashes your kneecaps with a crowbar, can you really say he made you “feel something”?
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Captain Phillips (2013)
Captain Phillips’ biggest strength — beyond even its technical competence and almost unceasing tension — is the tightrope it walks with the Somali pirates.
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Larry Crowne (2011)
That Thing You Do!, Tom Hanks’ first director-writer-star effort, is one of my favorite movies ever made. It’s a film overflowing with generosity and joy, a script and universe that Hanks clearly worked on in his spare time for years.
I am of the opinion that there’s a pretty high floor for a competently crafted conspiracy thriller. The genre naturally captures the imagination and builds tension and sets up big twists.
Perhaps take my opinion with a grain of salt, as I have seen less than half of the Coens’ filmography and never seen the acclaimed 1955 original, but I found more to like than dislike in The Ladykillers.
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Philadelphia (1993)
Philadelphia is pretty much the best-case scenario for an Oscar-bait film: A movie, beneath its preachiness, that is beautiful, lovingly-made, and deeply-felt.
A League of Their Own is pretty close to the best possible version of itself: It is well-cast and well-directed. The lines are impeccably delivered. The tone is a just-right blend of cynical, smart, and sweet. It’s a big meal of comfort food even if it never quite ascends into greatness.