Solid in all areas and does exactly what it sets out to do!

Rating: 8/10 (24 November 2015)

First off I had no idea going into this film that it wasn't a traditional Spielberg/John Williams collaboration. So it is testament to Thomas Newman's sheer brilliance and style that as the credits came, the first thing I turned and said to my partner was 'I could swear this score sounds like Thomas Newman, but obviously it's Spielberg so I'd imagine it's John Williams'. In fact on viewing the credits it turned out I was right and Spielberg has collaborated with another composer for the first time in 30 years! And what a brilliant soundtrack it is! Already far and away my favourite composer it's about time Thomas Newman won an Oscar. Given that he's done Spectre as well this year, fingers crossed it's his time!
As for the film itself, yes the soundtrack is the best thing about the movie but that doesn't mean to say the film isn't good. It's very good, and delivered exactly what it should - a fascinating story delivered well and with solid acting performances. Hanks is great as usual and his character is brilliant! The set design is excellent and very true to the era (across 3 different countries). All in all it does exactly what it's supposed to, not ground-breaking, unlikely to be award winning, but a solid film... Think Lincoln, but more thrilling, less 'dull historic scenes'. One thing's for sure, it's certainly a step up from War of the Worlds!