Good Locations Do Not Always Make Great Films

Rating: 6/10 (21 September 2012)

It is not often that you see a movie with Tom Hanks that does not fit right. That is the case here as while Tom Hanks is good in the central role, it would be better if BIll Murray were in the role. Hanks is OK, but he does not have the passion of this role Murray would.
The location shooting in this one is amazing. and the wow factor is there early on. What is not there is the real energy to carry off the entire film. Still Ron Howard makes a Noble effort here with an international cast.
If I were making the movie, I would focus more on the story and less on the facts or mythology around that story. There is so much to tell that even with the original author on board for the screen play.
That is the reason this movie falls way short of what it could be. If you get the special DVD, this one sets a record for the most extras of any film. Once you watch enough extras, you realize there is a lack of depth in the story here too. This in spite of the author doing the screen play. Thing is, since this is fiction, it has to be that way.