Best movie ever!

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

.Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

The story of the movie takes place during the Cold War era and depicts the tension between the US and the USSR. Both countries are trying to spy on each other in order to gain an advantage over the other side in terms of information. The story buildup is done very well and both characters depicted by Mark Rylance and Tom Hanks make you appreciate more the human side of the story rather than the political one. Even given the serious tone of the story, I did enjoy the humorous elements that were added in by the characters.Don't expect too much action and suspense as this is not that type of movie, rather focus on the points this movie is trying to present about the ideals that we agree with but often don't follow. In this case Tom Hanks' character is fighting for what's right, not what's politically favorable.The movie has a certain "je ne sais quoi" to it, that's why I gave it 9 instead of 8 and it's well deserved.

The film claims to be inspired by true events, which means dialogue and details may have been altered for our enjoyment and to convey a message. The story centers around insurance attorney James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks) who was requested to defend an accused Soviet spy (Mark Rylance) in a US kangaroo court at great risk to his own personal safety and that of his family. I will avoid the plot spoiler details, but we know historically he would go on to negotiate the spy exchange for downed pilot Gary Powers (Austin Stowell).As a history buff I found the details (even if they may have been inaccurate) interesting as they weaved a tale demonstrating the ability of an insurance lawyer to negotiate. Tom hanks nailed it.Guide: No sex or nudity. 2 F-bombs near the end.

(Flash Review)This movie's story is very linear and straightforward. The story objectives are clear as lawyer Hanks is tasked with negotiating an international exchange of a downed American pilot for a Russian spy while in Germany in the 1950's. Hanks must manage a few negotiation twists and read between the lines to keep and get leverage. The movie highlight must go to the sets and production crew. It looked and felt great…much like Munich. Hanks was quality as usual and the editing kept the pacing moving along at a nice clip. The best character was the Russian spy; tremendous performance. The movie could have somehow added more tension or emotion or to help me care for the character's outcomes. Overall, a very solid movie without causing much cognitive effort.

(Originally reviewed: 05/01/2017) Bridge of Spies is a very good picture, with solid performances, and a well put together screenplay. Spielberg and crew clearly know how to make a good film and this is no exception. However there are one or few things I didn't like such as how it starts off a little too slow and a few scenes where the characters speak in foreign languages without subtitles provided. Other than that, I can't complain. Also I think Tom Hanks is criminally underrated in the film, as you see critics and the Oscars praising Mark Rylance for his performance which I had no doubt was impressive, however Hanks for me gives the best performance in the film especially with his well-timed jokes and his caring, unpredictable attitude towards the current situation. He and Rylance do possess some of the best scenes together within the picture as well. Overall, I think Bridge of Spies is a riveting cold war drama with superb direction, good casting and a satisfying conclusion.