Greyhound

Tom Hanks' return to the theatre of war with Greyhound is one of many films caught in the global pandemic but Apple saw potential and bought it out for their streaming service which is in much need of a few original films. When I saw the trailer for this, it honestly looked like a step-down for Hanks as the naval commander caught amongst bombastic CGI action and explosions while fending off the German U-boats. Surely this was meant for Liam Neeson or Nicolas Cage!

As the trailer promised, Greyhound is a straight down the line WW2 film that depicts what's known as the Battle of the Atlantic as Hanks and his crew make the perilous journey through rough seas and weather to help bring aid and supplies to the war in Europe. We get a brief scene with Hanks' commander proposing to a loved one before we're out in the Ocean and from there director Aaron Schneider keep the tension high as the fleet try to dodge the German submarines just beneath the surface.

If you have an interest in WW2 then this film will be an easy recommend. Hanks is perfect in the lead role as the commander who has the responsibility to keep everyone around him alive. It's not a role that is written for Oscars that comes with extensive character development but he has that onscreen presence that can do a lot with very little and it's hard to think of a better actor to rest the film entirely upon. As for the action, it's thrilling to watch as the spray kicks off the ship's bow while torpedoes cruise towards the Greyhound. Those trailers had me concerned this would turn into Battleship but thankfully Schneider's execution is far more tasteful and the way in which the film builds the atmosphere kept me entertained for the 90 minute running time. 

Saving Private Ryan at sea this is not, and while I'd welcome more time spent developing the crew onboard the ship, Greyhound is still a very solid film that's tightly paced and delivers on what it sets out to accomplish. I wouldn't say it's worth getting Apple's streaming service just for this alone as it is something of an outlier in their catalogue but if you already have access and this film appeals to you then it's an easy recommend.