I intentionally went into BRIDGE OF SPIES not having any idea what it was about or what I could expect, other than knowing it starred Tom Hanks and was directed by Steven Spielberg. 

The story, based on actual events, takes place in 1958 at the height of the cold war between America and the Russians. Tom Hanks plays James B. Donovan, a US attorney tasked with defending an accused Russian spy and later negotiating a trade for a US pilot being held by the Russians and an American student being held in East Berlin.

As it has been a while since I have seen Hanks on a big screen, and considering he is getting older I was wondering if his acting or energy would have diminished at all. I am very pleased to report that it has not. Hanks is as good, or better than ever at carrying a movie and making it enthralling! I'd suggest that with almost any other actor this movie could have been a long experience, but Hanks captivates for the whole film.

Considering it comes in at around 2 hours and 20 minutes, the movie doesn't feel too long or have any boring, slow parts. I will suggest the story is a bit predictable with not a lot of surprises, but that could be a testament to Donovan's (Hanks) predictions. Since it's based on true events, obviously they had a series of occurrences that needed to be adhered to. So I might be a bit unfair in suggesting it was predictable, except that the script and direction could have been done a bit different to accentuate certain events.

Mark Rylance, portraying Rudolph Abel, gave a great performance as the accused Russian spy, with an incredibly calm demeanor that lead to a few well-placed moments of comic relief, in an otherwise tense and serious film. I was very convinced by most of the actors in the numerous other supporting roles, including Alan Alda as Thomas Watters; a head of the law firm Hanks works for. My only concern was Amy Ryan as James’ (Hanks) wife Mary Donovan. She plays a strong supporting character, but I just couldn't get past her goofy character from the TV series THE OFFICE, where she played Holly. I'm not sure if she had the acting presence to get me past seeing her in that role, or if that character was too etched in my mind to see beyond.

The heart of BRIDGE OF SPIES is what it means to be an American. Hanks' character Donovan shows more integrity and acceptance than that of the judicial system, CIA and the mob of people hating him for defending a Russian during the Cold War. Donovan is more interested in a person's integrity and loyalty than what country he comes from or serves, which puts he and his family at risk. It certainly reminded me of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD in that respect.

While the film is bit long, Hanks makes it interesting, but that may be a comment on his performance and not necessarily the story or direction. It might be less engaging to see on a smaller screen at home, and I'm not sure I'd have ever spent the nearly $15, yet I still enjoyed the movie. That being said, I don't feel the need to watch it again or purchase the Blu-ray upon release. Still, I enjoyed the change of pace from the typical Hollywood blockbusters.

I give it a 7.5 out of 10.