Critics have met the much-anticipated reunion of Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in Robert Zemeckis's new film "Here" with less than stellar reviews. Known for their memorable performances in the 1994 classic "Forrest Gump", the duo has come together once again, but this time, critics have reacted quite differently.
"Here," a film based on a 2014 graphic novel and directed by Robert Zemeckis, has gathered poor critiques for its heavy reliance on technology which overshadowed its storytelling and character development, ScreenRant reported.
The movie spans multiple generations and tells the story of various families living in the same house over centuries. Drawing from Richard McGuire's innovative graphic novel, the film interweaves these intersecting timelines through pioneering filmmaking techniques. Zemeckis co-wrote, directed, and produced "Here" with Eric Roth, aiming to combine a complex narrative with cutting-edge technology.
For their first project together since "Forrest Gump", Hanks and Wright, along with an ensemble cast including Paul Bettany and Kelly Reilly, appear digitally de-aged to play their characters across different periods. Fans of the original film highly anticipated this reunion.
Robert Zemeckis, known for his innovative approach to filmmaking, employed groundbreaking de-aging technology and a stationary camera setup to tell the story of "Here". He intended these choices to enhance the film's ambitious narrative structure and provide a different visual experience. However, critics have not responded well to this focus on technology.
Despite the advanced techniques and the reunion of Hanks and Wright, reviewers criticized the 104-minute drama for what they perceived as its technological overemphasis. The cast, which also includes Michelle Dockery, Leslie Zemeckis, Jonathan Aris, Joel Oulette, and Daniel Betts, found themselves confined within the limits of the film’s creative choices.
Shortly after its release, 12 critics reviewed "Here" on Rotten Tomatoes, resulting in a notably low score of 25%. Critics frequently pointed to a lack of character development and emotional impact. The Daily Beast called the movie "an embarrassment," while IndieWire lamented the wasted potential of a de-aged Hanks and Wright.
IGN remarked that the movie lacks essential elements that define a film, suggesting that the focus on technology might have detracted from more fundamental cinematic components. Similarly, The Hollywood Reporter criticized the film for restricting its lead stars with its approach, and UPI felt the movie "lacks heart."
Despite the overwhelmingly negative feedback, Deadline offered a somewhat more balanced view, appreciating the effort to blend new filmmaking technologies with relatable stories. However, it agreed with the general sentiment that the execution favored cinematic flair over a gripping narrative. Variety also noted that the film distracted itself with less substantial plot threads.
"Here," produced by ImageMovers, Playtone, and Miramax, and distributed by TriStar Pictures, is set for a wider release on November 15, 2024. Whether the audience's response mirrors that of the critics remains to be seen, but the initial impressions suggest that the film may struggle to connect with viewers.
In his defense, Zemeckis has described himself as a filmmaker always on the brink of pushing boundaries. Whether this film’s reception will influence his future projects or not is another story to tell. The industry and fans alike will be watching to see if "Here" can eventually find its audience, despite the rocky start.
For now, "Here" stands as a case study of how the balance between technology and narrative is a delicate art that not all films manage to achieve. The reunion of Hanks and Wright, under the direction of Zemeckis, was a compelling premise that may have needed more than advanced technology to recreate the magic of their earlier work together.
