Spielberg makes movies not films. Even with the help of the Coen Bros. the sharp edges and fine details of the story are softened. It's seems Steven likes to dial the focus back a squosh so nothing will ever offend the viewer. I mean even 'Schindler's List' was easy. This is certainly no different. I guess Steven should be known as Mr. Box Office.
Well, with Spielberg it's kind of scary when you see at the beginning "INSPIRED by Actual Events" instead of BASED . . . Sounds like a lot of room to invent. I was thirteen when this went down so I really don't know any details other than Abel and Powers. I can't say (at this point) what's real and what's invented. The film is directed almost as a family film as even the more dramatic moments are "soft".
Of course Hanks does his usual good/great job. The supporting cast was good and there were faces present that I am unfamiliar with. The usual high standards of production are there propping up a story that gives us "insight" into the personal conflict and experiences of Donovan, Abel, and Powers. Unfortunately, all these wonderful ingredients still yielded a big, fluffy milkshake of a movie without bitter taste of reality.
Not Steven's best work--more like his "middling" best work.
Well, here's how it goes: "Hey, there's a big, new Tom Hanks movie on. We have to go see it and gets lotsa popcorn and pop!" It always comes down to that.
Have fun.
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Topic - 'Bridge of Spies': Proof positive that . . . . - Billy Wonka 15:31:56 10/16/15 (5)
- it was less sappy than most of Spielberg's work and I liked it better than most as well... - PhilJ 17:41:28 10/18/15 (1)
- Just got back from it and liked (not loved) it as well. He's done much worse^ - Road Warrior 15:15:33 10/20/15 (0)
- Spielberg can't help but Disney-fy everything he touches, going back to Jurrasic Park. - free.ranger 21:11:50 10/16/15 (0)
- "Inspired by actual events." I'm out. Nt - geoffkait 15:59:51 10/16/15 (0)
- What I remembered about the story . . . - Billy Wonka 15:45:24 10/16/15 (0)