Cert 12A
98 mins
BBFC advice: Contains infrequent strong language, moderate sex, drug use
I am a big Tom Hanks fan and one of the reasons is that he tends to star in exceptional movies.
From Big to Forrest Gump, Philadelphia to Bridge Of Spies and Apollo XIII to Saving Private Ryan; I love 'em all.
And he turns in yet another admirable performance in Tom Tykwer's A Hologram For The King.
However, the film itself sparkles much less than others in the Hanks portfolio.
Hanks plays a businessman who struggles to make his mark with the IT company for whom he works and is seen as a loser by his ex-wife.
In fact, his world is summed up by the lyrics of Talking Heads' Once In A Lifetime, which is played more than once during the film.
So, his last chance to prove himself comes in a trip to Saudi Arabia where he has organised to pitch the most snazzy of IT software to the king.
Inevitably, this is not as easy as it seems - the accommodation for his team is unsuitable, the Saudi officials are lax and the king is nowhere to be seen.
A Hologram For A King is a particularly unsubtle dig at the desert kingdom which is portrayed as backward and repressive.
There are a number of frustrating culture clashes for Hanks and his team and the film's endearment comes in his attempts to get over the hurdles these present.
Alexander Black's Saudi fixer is comedic foil to Hanks' harassed businessman and Sarita Choudhury is the unlikely romantic interest.
Tykwer's film is saved by Hanks but irritates through its Saudi Arabia stereotyping and then jumping away from it when its suits particularly when romance is in the air.
Reasons to watch: you've gotta love Tom Hanks
Reasons to avoid: is not big on action
Laughs: a couple of chuckles
Jumps: none
Vomit: yes
Nudity: yes
Overall rating: 6.5/10
Star tweet
@tomhanks ur An amazing actor but bad at taking selfies ;) looking forward to see you in A Hologram for the King!
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