Playtone (USA): 16

News of the World (2020) is an American Western film directed and co-written by Paul Greengrass. Based on Paulette Jiles’ 2016 novel of the same name, the story follows Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a former Confederate officer. Kidd earns a modest living by traveling around Texas and reading newspaper stories to locals for a ten-cent fee. While journeying from Wichita Falls, he stumbles upon an overturned wagon on the road, with its driver, a freed black man, lynched. He also discovers a young white girl named Cicada, who speaks Kiowa and reveals herself to be Johanna Leonberger. Through her papers, Kidd learns ...

Greyhound (2020), an American war film directed by Aaron Schneider and starring Tom Hanks, tells the story of convoy HX-25 in February 1942. The convoy is comprised of 37 Allied merchant and troop ships on their way to Liverpool, navigating through the ‘Black Pit’, a dangerous zone without air cover for five days. Commander Ernest Krause of the USS Keeling (DD-548), also known as ‘Greyhound’, leads the escort team which includes the British destroyer HMS James F80 (“Harry”), Polish destroyer ORP Viktor H34 (‘Eagle’), and ...

The American techno-thriller film, The Circle (2017), was directed by James Ponsoldt with a screenplay written by both Ponsoldt and Dave Eggers. It was based on Eggers’ 2013 novel of the same name. Through her friend Annie, Mae Holland secures a customer support position at The Circle, a tech and social media company. Mae takes the job to support her parents, particularly her father who suffers from multiple sclerosis. However, her longtime friend Mercer is not as ...

The comedy-drama film, A Hologram for the King (2016), is a creation of writer, director, and co-composer Tom Tykwer. It is based on the novel by Dave Eggers published in 2012. Starring American salesman Alan Clay, the film follows his mission to sell a holographic teleconferencing system to the Saudi government and present it to their King. Clay was offered this opportunity due to his brief encounter with one of the King’s nephews. However, he carries baggage from a previous job where he witnessed layoffs and financial ruin caused by outsourcing production. ...

Ithaca (2015), an American drama directed by Meg Ryan and written by Erik Jendresen, is based on the 1943 novel The Human Comedy by William Saroyan. Set in a small fictional town of Ithaca, CA in the 1940s during World War II, the story follows 14-year-old Homer Macauley who is determined to be the best and fastest bicycle telegraph messenger. His motivation comes from his desire to take care of his widowed mother Katie, his older sister Bess, and his youngest brother Ulysses. Unfortunately, Homer’s older ...

Based on Elizabeth Strout’s 2008 novel, Olive Kitteridge (2014) is an American TV miniseries set in Maine. Starring Frances McDormand as the title character and Richard Jenkins as her husband Henry Kitteridge, with Zoe Kazan as Denise Thibodeau and Bill Murray as Jack Kennison. The show is divided into four parts, each depicting a different point in the story. Premiering on HBO on November 2, 2014, the first two episodes ...

The American romantic comedy film, Larry Crowne (2011), centers on middle-aged Navy veteran, Larry who is suddenly fired from his job at a big-box store. His termination is due to a lack of college education, despite his seniority and exceptional work ethic. Produced and directed by Hanks himself, the film’s screenplay was co-written with Nia Vardalos. The inspiration for the story comes from Hanks’ own experience studying at Chabot College. Facing unemployment and the potential loss of his home, Larry turns to ...

The Pacific (2010) follows a U.S. Marine Corps squad during their campaign against the Japanese Empire in WWII. Created by the same team as Band of Brothers, it portrays the struggles of ordinary soldiers during war. This fast-paced series appeals to action enthusiasts, but also showcases the emotional bonds between Marines on the battlefield. However, unlike its ‘older brother’ Band of Brothers, The Pacific takes a unique approach by delving into the lives of soldiers who were chosen to return home and promote war bonds. Through this, it explores the journey of these men from initial excitement to eventual regret and even shame towards ...

The American television miniseries John Adams (2008) follows the political journey of U.S. president John Adams and his pivotal role in the establishment of the United States. Directed by Tom Hooper and starring Paul Giamatti as Adams, the series was adapted from David McCullough’s 2001 book of the same name by Kirk Ellis. Over seven episodes, HBO brought to life both the biopic of Adams and the first 50 years of America’s history. Garnering widespread critical ...

The movie The Great Buck Howard (2008) is directed by Sean McGinly. Troy Gable, despite his father’s disapproval, leaves law school to chase his dream of becoming a writer in Los Angeles. He lands a job as a road manager for fading mentalist, ‘The Great’ Buck Howard. Troy accompanies Buck on tours to smaller cities like Bakersfield and Akron, where he grows fond of the mentalist’s signature trick – finding a hidden fee from an audience member every night without fail (reportedly done 6,000 times with only nine failures by Kreskin). A reluctant publicist named Valerie Brennan is sent to join ...

Charlie Wilson’s War (2007), an American biographical comedy-drama, tells the story of Congressman Charlie Wilson and CIA agent Gust Avrakotos. The duo worked together to establish Operation Cyclone, a program aimed at supporting Afghan mujahideen during the Soviet–Afghan War (1979–1989). Directed by Mike Nichols and written by Aaron Sorkin, based on George Crile III’s book, the film follows Congressman Wilson in 1980 as he focuses more on partying than his legislative duties. His lavish lifestyle eventually ...

The Ant Bully (2006), an American animated film written and directed by John A. Davis, is based on the eponymous children’s book by John Nickle from 1999. When Lucas Nickle’s parents go to Puerto Vallarta for their anniversary, he is left with his sister Tiffany and grandmother. Neglected and bullied by Steve, Lucas takes out his anger on an anthill in his yard. Zoc, an odd sorcerer ant, wants to retaliate while Hova, a nurse ant fascinated by humans, desires to communicate with him. To shrink Lucas down to ant size, the colony leader decides to use ...

As the title suggests, Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D (2005) is a captivating IMAX 3D documentary film that follows the monumental journey of twelve Apollo astronauts as they become the first humans to set foot on the moon. This project features talented filmmaker Mark Cowen at the helm, with assistance from co-writer and producer Tom Hanks. Through stunning visuals and quotes directly from those who experienced it, this film aims to transport viewers to the lunar surface and provide a romantic and inspiring glimpse into the astronauts’ awe-inspiring expedition.

The film adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved children’s book, The Polar Express (2004), was directed by Robert Zemeckis and co-written by William Broyles Jr. On Christmas Eve, a passenger train called the Polar Express stops outside a young boy’s house. Feeling doubtful about Santa Claus, the boy boards the train after being invited by the conductor. He meets two other children on board – a spirited girl and a know-it-all boy. The conductor then stops to pick up another boy named Billy, who ...

Band of Brothers (2001), an American war drama miniseries, is based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose’s 1992 non-fiction book of the same name. It was created and executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who had previously collaborated on the 1998 World War II film Saving Private Ryan. Across ten episodes, Band of Brothers follows Easy Company’s experiences during the war. These include their training at Camp Toccoa, participation in the Normandy landings, Operation Market Garden, ...

Cast Away (2000), an American survival drama film directed and produced by Robert Zemeckis, follows the story of Chuck Noland. Chuck is a FedEx systems analyst who travels the world fixing productivity issues. He lives in Memphis, Tennessee with his girlfriend, Kelly Frears. The couple discusses marriage but their plans are repeatedly interrupted due to Chuck’s work demands. This begins to strain their relationship. During a Christmas dinner, Chuck receives an urgent call to resolve a problem in Malaysia. Before leaving, Kelly gives him her grandfather’s pocket watch containing a photo of her and he gives ...