A sturdy, if lackluster Bridge
– The Spielberg & Hanks combination never disappoints and the cold war era detail of “Bridge of Spies” is nothing short of spectacular. Still, something dramatic seems to be missing in the story of James B. Donovan (Hanks) a U.S. Tax attorney who helped negotiate the exchange of a Russian spy with the American U-2 pilot who was shot down over Soviet air space in 1960. The story has brilliant moments but its pacing and length seem to detract from the political drama (where is Khrushchev?). By no means a failure but a film that merely impresses, not rouses and perhaps we expect more epic from such epic filmmakers.
Rated PG-13 (for some violence and brief strong language).
Who should see it: History buffs who adore Tom Hanks.
Who should stay home: Those who thought “Lincoln” was boring.
Grade: B
Bruce Bennett Short Bio
Bruce Bennett has been the primary contributor to Mad About Movies since it began in 2003. He is an award winning film and theater critic who, since 2000, has been writing a weekly column in The Spectrum daily newspaper in southern Utah as well as serving as a contributing editor of “The Independent,” a monthly entertainment magazine. He is also the co-host of “Film Fanatics” a movie review show which earned a Telly in 2009. Bruce is also a featured contributor at: RottenTomatoes.com
His motto: "I see bad movies so you don't have to."