There is so much about this time of year that I love! One of my favorite parts of the year-end hustle and bustle is all of the movie releases! I don’t know about you, but this summer seemed to be a lackluster summer when it came to movies. This time of year though? I’m not sure I have enough time in my life to see all of the movies that I have placed on my must-see list!
I just saw the movie the Martian starring Matt Damon. Loved it! I read the book and shared my thoughts here: Book Review : The Martian by Andy Weir earlier this year (loved that more) and had been anxiously awaiting the movie. I was not at all disappointed.
Last weekend my hubby and I headed to the theater to see Steve Jobs – only to walk away as there were only 8 seats left in the theater. We will try again. Meanwhile one movie that seems like it just might be of the best movies of the year, DreamWorks Pictures’ BRIDGE OF SPIES, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks, opens in theaters everywhere this Friday!!! It’s a perfect date night movie for adults!
I have been a fan of Tom Hanks for decades! While I watched Tom way back in the day when he was on Bossom Buddies I really fell in love with his acting with his performance in Big. Who didn’t love that movie? This was followed by so many fun and powerful movies that have made me laugh, cry, and think. To name just a few of my favorite Tom Hanks’ movies, they are: Joe Versus the Volcano, A League of Their Own, Sleepless in Seattle, Cast Away, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Saving Private Ryan, You’ve Got Mail, The Green Mile, Captain Phillips, and Saving Mr. Banks.
Looking at that long list of movies that I have loved – how can I not be excited for the upcoming release of Bridge of Spies!
Some background on the movie:
Everyone deserves a defense…every person matters. – James Donovan
THE INCREDIBLE STORY INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS
In the 1950s during the early stages of the Cold War, tensions are rife between the U.S. and U.S.S.R., so when the FBI arrests Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), a Soviet agent living in New York, the fear and paranoia only escalate. Charged with sending coded messages back to Russia, Abel is questioned by the FBI but refuses to cooperate, declining their offer to turn on his country, and is detained in federal prison pending trial. The government, in need of an independent attorney to take on Abel’s defense, approaches James Donovan (Tom Hanks), an insurance lawyer from Brooklyn. While highly regarded within the legal community for his profound skills as a negotiator, Donovan has little experience with allegations of this nature and magnitude and isn’t eager to get involved. Advocating such a deeply unpopular defense would make him a public figure and could subject his family to scrutiny, disdain and potentially, even danger.
Donovan eventually agrees to represent Abel, as he is committed to the principles of justice and the protection of basic human rights and wants to ensure Abel receives a fair trial, regardless of his citizenship. As he prepares his defense strategy, a bond begins to develop between the two men, one built on mutual respect and understanding. Donovan admires Abel’s strength and loyalty and mounts an impassioned plea, arguing 1 that his actions were that of a good soldier following instructions on his country’s behalf, but to no avail.
Sometime later, an American U-2 spy plane is shot down over Soviet airspace while on a reconnaissance mission, and the pilot, Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell), is convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison in the U.S.S.R. The CIA, while categorically denying any knowledge of the mission, is fearful that Powers may be coerced into revealing classified information. Having witnessed Donovan’s impressive skills in the courtroom, CIA operative Hoffman (Scott Shepherd) secretly reaches out to recruit him for a national security mission of great importance. Fueled by a love for his country, unwavering belief in his convictions and a tremendous amount of courage, Donovan is soon on a plane to Berlin to negotiate a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
Not only am I looking forward to the storyline and the acting, I am also looking forward to the cinematography. All great movies sweep me away with their imagery, screenshots, and movie scores. I’ll leave you with a couple of behind the scened shots for the filming of Bridge of Spies.
Are you as excited about seeing this movie as much as I am? If you see it, be sure to let me know what you thought. I’d love to hear what you think of this movie.
Verify an online drugstore before you purchase medications
This movie sounds so good. In fact I love everything Steven Spielberg does.
I feel like Tom Hanks always makes high quality movies! This looks great, too!
I haven’t heard about the film until you wrote about it but the star studded cast complete with tension filled storyline has made me want to know more.
I have always loved Tom Hanks. I think he is a great actor. I have seen the previews for this movie and I can’t wait to go and see it.
I love Tom Hanks. Catch Me If You Can is one of my fav movies with him and Leo. I’m just excited for Hunger Games. That is momma time… all I get to see if kids movies.
This sounds like a really interesting movie! I love Tom Hankis!!!
I like Tom Hanks as an actor, and I think he really picks good scripts to accept. My sweetie and I will definitely rent this movie.
Me too. I don’t think there is a Tom Hanks’ movie that I have seen that I did not enjoy. And they are all so different. He way played a wide variety of characters in a wide variety of genres.
I’m ashamed to admit, I have not watched anything but Disney Jr. and Nick Jr. channel in the last 4 years. This movie looks great though. I’m a Tom Hanks fan!
All mommies have that stage of life! I used to know all of the Disney songs – but they have now receded the the far banks of my memory.
My parents are looking forward to this movie, too! I’m not in the stage of life to spend too much time at the movies…..unless they’re aimed at kiddos. 🙂
I am still trying to juggle that a bit as well. My youngest is 13 and even though she is old enough to see this movie with my husband and me – it won’t really be entertaining to her. There are some really good kids’ moves coming out soon.
I saw the poster the other day and it does look like a great movie. I would love to watch this.
I don’t think there is a Tom Hanks movie that I have not enjoyed.
I haven’t heard of this movie, but I love Tom Hanks and this sounds really interesting! Thank you for sharing, I might just head to the movies for this one!
I think if you like suspense – this will fit the bill.
I haven’t heard of the movie yet but I am usually a fan of any movie with Tom Hanks.
Tom Hanks has starred is such a wide variety of movies! I love his acting versatility.
I enjoy suspenseful movies and this movie fits the bill. I’m looking forward to seeing with with my hubby on our next date night.
It does look suspenseful!
It looks like a great movie and I am certainly going to add it to my “to see” list
I’d love to hear what you think after you see it.
Bridge of Spies is the first movie trailer that’s caught my eye in a long time. I don’t know if we’ll see it in the theater (streaming services have us spoiled), but I am looking forward to seeing it!
I love watching at home as well. But some are best on the big screen.
I’m so looking forward to seeing this movie in the next week 🙂
Me, too! I’m trying to fit it in.
These aren’t generally my type of movies, but maybe I will need to go see this one!
I really enjoy a wide variety of movies.
I wanted to see this movie when the trailer first came out. Now , after reading this post I want to see it even more. Thanks Stacey!
I hope to get to see it they weekend!