I had this movie in my library for years and forgot about it until recently when I found myself searching for a good contemporary drama; since 2020 there are fewer being produced. I'm sure I got the movie years ago because of Tom Hanks, so I inserted the disk in my blu-ray player and gave it a look, setting aside the less than promising ratings and trying to keep an open mind. I have no recollection of having seen it before, though I may very well have (the seal was broken). For the most part I was not captivated by how the story developed but the IMDb storyline and the fact that Hanks was featured kept me watching. I mean the Dave Eggers novel, on which the movie is based, had a fair reception, not shiny, just fair, and I liked the storyline's potential.
There was less emphasis on social media than I expected or hoped for, the characters, including the principal lead role played by Emma Watson, were not exciting, not even Hanks, but I kept hoping and watching. Finally there was a breakthrough in one scene, the single and only real dramatic one. From that moment, sadly a bit too late for many who will watch the movie, the momentum picked up. It wasn't as suspenseful as it could or should have been, but I kept watching and in the last two scenes of the movie . . . Eureka! What was meant to happen did and the conclusion was great, short but great. If you are a patient moviegoer, like smart twists, even if they come late in a movie, you'll like this one. Just keep in mind all the remarks before my mention of Eureka. I look forward to Eggers' novel's sequel 'The Every' being made into a movie. Oh. . . I should read 'The Every' first, and I hope to god it is more exciting.
Note of interest: Bill Paxton who had a supporting role in the movie died before the movie's release and sadly this was one of his best performances.
There was less emphasis on social media than I expected or hoped for, the characters, including the principal lead role played by Emma Watson, were not exciting, not even Hanks, but I kept hoping and watching. Finally there was a breakthrough in one scene, the single and only real dramatic one. From that moment, sadly a bit too late for many who will watch the movie, the momentum picked up. It wasn't as suspenseful as it could or should have been, but I kept watching and in the last two scenes of the movie . . . Eureka! What was meant to happen did and the conclusion was great, short but great. If you are a patient moviegoer, like smart twists, even if they come late in a movie, you'll like this one. Just keep in mind all the remarks before my mention of Eureka. I look forward to Eggers' novel's sequel 'The Every' being made into a movie. Oh. . . I should read 'The Every' first, and I hope to god it is more exciting.
Note of interest: Bill Paxton who had a supporting role in the movie died before the movie's release and sadly this was one of his best performances.