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Movie Review: News of the World is an Enjoyable Ride

The last time director Paul Greengrass and Tom Hanks worked together was for “Captain Phillips”. A solid movie that was strong in its performances, but lacking in its story. Now, the two have teamed up again, and Hanks plays an even better Captain in the film, “News of the World”.

Hanks stars as Captain Kyle Kidd, a war veteran who travels from town to town five years after the Civil War, to read the news across Texas. But this man doesn’t just read the news, he brings life to it with his energy and storytelling; almost like a performance. He entertains the crowds at each stop with his loud, commanding voice.

While on his news tour, Kidd stumbles across a 10-year old girl which he names Johanna (Helena Zengel). She’s found abandoned on the road. She was raised by the Kiowa tribe, and doesn’t speak any English. Once Kidd realizes Johanna has no one to help her, he takes it upon himself to get her to her aunt and uncle’s farm near San Antonio. But this is no easy journey, and Kidd still must complete his work. Johanna tags along and watches in admiration as Kidd reads his “stories” to the towns they visit before their final destination.

“News of the World” does have some action, and there is enough intensity to keep you engaged. But be prepared for a lot of quiet and slow moments. With the exception of one shoot-out, this isn’t a very wild western. The enjoyment of the film comes from Kidd and Johanna. The two have great chemistry, and a very natural father/daughter like relationship. The dialogue between them is never forced or cheesy. The progression of the care and trust they build is incredibly heartwarming. They are both troubled and lost, but they find a home in each other.

The film is beautifully shot with luminous cinematography by Dariusz Wolski, and has a fantastic production design by David Crank. The exteriors of this film are wonderful, but what gives this movie life is the heart behind the two lead characters.

“News of the World” is an unconventional western. But regardless of your genre preference, Hanks and Zengel will win you over.

Rating: 4/5

“News of the World” opens in theaters December 25 and On Demand in January.

29ROOMS: Expand Your Reality is coming to Dallas

REFINERY29 TO BRING ICONIC “29ROOMS: ‘EXPAND YOUR REALITY’” EXPERIENCE TO CHICAGO, DALLAS, ATLANTA, TORONTO AND WASHINGTON, D.C.

Tickets for 29Rooms 2019 Tour are Now On-Sale

NEW YORK – MAY 22, 2019 – Refinery29 has announced it is taking its annual immersive festival of style, culture and creativity, 29Rooms, on a five-city tour including its first international showing, in partnership with IMG. The 29Rooms: Expand Your Reality experience will bring the iconic immersive event to new audiences with tickets now on sale for the event’s return to Chicago, IL from July 18 – 28 and for the first time in Dallas, TX from August 9 – 18; Atlanta, GA from August 29 – September 8; Toronto, ON (Canada) from September 26 – October 6 and Washington D.C. from October 18 – 27.

The 2019 tour will complement 29Rooms’ hugely popular marquee events in New York and Los Angeles, which have welcomed more than 100,000 visitors from around the world since the event series first launched in 2015.

The Expand Your Reality experience will create new, bold and thought-provoking moments that bring Refinery29’s mission and multi-sensory spaces to life in collaboration with global artists, creators, visionaries, meaningful causes, and brands. Each room will put visitors at the center of the event with hands-on activities and several phone-free experiences, sparking engagement and igniting self-expression, storytelling and dialogue.

29Rooms will also feature city-specific collaborations with local artists from Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Toronto and Washington D.C. Additionally, some audience favorite rooms including: Teenage Bedroom, a technicolor fur bedroom that transports you back to the 90s teenage years and Inner Beauty Ball, a dance party where guests are invited to express, celebrate and dance will be included in the experience.

“We can’t wait to invite new guests to experience our vibrant, immersive event in these five cities, all of which have their own unique style, culture, and creativity,” said Piera Gelardi, Refinery29 Executive Creative Director and Co-Founder. “Our goal for 29Rooms is to create spaces that ignite wonder, spark conversation, and dare people to dream bigger, in collaboration with brilliant local, international artists and partners. Within our walls, guests will be encouraged to tap into their creativity and open themselves up to new ideas, connections, and unforeseen experiences.”

29Rooms is proud to be working with a dynamic line-up of partners for the 2019 U.S. Tour stops, including SheaMoisture, Transitions Optical, Bitten Dressing and Panera.

Tickets for each of the five cities are available now at 29Rooms.com starting at $30. There will also be a variety of opportunities leading up to the events to win free tickets through Refinery29’s platforms and partners.