kgprophet

Tom Hanks is a modern Jimmy Stewart. He evokes authenticity and integrity. His character here resembles the same character he played in Saving Private Ryan. Selfless, smart, well trained, and faithful to the cause. Hanks wrote the screenplay as well as starring in what feels like a passion project. Hanks also co-produced "Master of the Air","The Pacific" and "Band of Brothers". All of them are World War 2 based productions in the spirit of the landmark film directed by Steven Spielberg.

Passion project or not, it is a complex production with challenging visuals. Hanks is the commander of a military ship escorting a convoy bound for Europe. It is a dark period of U. S. involvement with the war, sacrificing materials and personnel in a desperate attempt to prevent Britain from collapsing. Hanks job seemed nearly hopeless. German submarines could almost freely attack the convoy of merchant ships, with the destroyer escorts relying on primitive sonar equipment.

The scope of the film is single person, sticking to Hanks' perspective throughout his harrowing trip across a constantly dark and stormy sea. Like a loyal mascot similar to the movie's namesake, he keeps steady and cold diligence while trying to outwit his nemesis. One can see no difference in this character as the profile of Captain Miller in SPR. "A good man in a storm" can be defined as a steady hand that doesn't panic or flinch in the face of danger.

No doubt Hanks takes reverence to those who personified that phrase in our nation's response to the fascist attack on our free society. The narrative is a strong action yarn that carefully balances minute details that won't be fully understood by an average viewer, with a simple straight forward objective that is unambiguous. Hunt the enemy submarine before he destroys you.

The duration of the film takes place over a couple days, demonstrating the nonstop threat that compels Hanks to stay on station without sleep, or a decent meal. I love these kind of military thrillers. This film reminds me of another submarine thriller "The Hunt for Red October", which I never get tired of rewatching. I have watched "Greyhound" twice and find it well paced. It has tense sequences and taut dialogue. Hanks is a mainstay in roles like these, but isn't the type of material worthy of an Oscar.

The visual effects no doubt were challenging and expensive. Nevertheless some shots feel more like high quality video game animation than the real thing. But with the amount of action crammed into this lean story (the runtime is only 91 minutes), I wasn't bothered at all. Especially with gripping moments as the crew responds to impending attacks.

Also just like a traditional Hollywood movie with Jimmy Stewart (who actually served in WWII), the good guys get their moment of glory and we are given a happy ending we all want. I give it a 7 out of 10, a well produced tribute to the American spirit.