Amazon Prime adds Tom Hanks film panned by critics but left fans 'crying nonstop'
It's now available to stream for viewers to make up their own minds
Amazon Prime has subtly added a Tom Hanks film that was panned by critics but hailed as a 'cinematic masterpiece' by some fans, with some left 'crying nonstop'.
The film, titled Here, was released in 2024 and saw Hanks team up once again with director Robert Zemeckis, with whom he had previously worked on films such as Forrest Gump, Cast Away, The Polar Express and the live-action remake of Disney's Pinocchio. The film is an adaptation of the 2014 graphic novel of the same name by Richard McGuire. It is now available for Amazon Prime subscribers to watch on the retailer's streaming platform and decide for themselves whether they agree with the reviews.
Much like its source material, the movie tells its story in a nonlinear fashion, covering the events of a single plot of land and its many inhabitants from the distant past to the 21st century. To illustrate this, most of the film is shot from a single camera angle, but at times the screen is split into multiple panes, showing events from different time periods simultaneously, in a nod to the original graphic novel.
Hanks also reunites with his Forrest Gump co-star, Robin Wright, in the film, where they play one of the couples living in the house that occupies the plot of land being focused on. They are joined by actors such as Paul Bettany and Kelly Reilly, reports Surrey Live.
Upon its release, the film faced a chilly reception, scraping together a meagre 37% on Rotten Tomatoes. Empire magazine didn't hold back with their critique, stating: "Another deeply flawed, tech-forward endeavour for Zemeckis in which glimmers of human emotion only occasionally break through. Like Cloud Atlas for baby boomers experiencing late-middle-age malaise."
One reviewer didn't mince words, calling it one of the year's biggest letdowns: "The film is filled with fascinating ideas and the best premise of any 2024 movie. But thanks to heavy-handed dialogue, ham-fisted directing, on-the-nose messaging and overly broad acting, it's one of the most disappointing movies of the year."
Yet, some cinema-goers beg to differ, with one enthusiast hailing it as a 'cinematic masterpiece'. They gushed online: "This movie was so beautifully done. I TRULY feel this is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece-a breathtaking exploration of time, memory, and the human experience. This film ingeniously intertwines various timeframes, weaving together lives and emotions in a way that feels profoundly nostalgic and universally relatable."
They added: "It's a deeply sentimental journey that mirrors our own experiences, drawing parallels to the joys, struggles, and fleeting moments that define us all. I cried nonstop and I think I cried at like two movies my entire life."
A further reviewer echoed this sentiment, writing: "Here is a stunning cinematic journey that effortlessly blends visual artistry with a poignant narrative. The film takes viewers on an immersive experience, exploring the beauty and complexity of life through an innovative storytelling technique. The direction is masterful, showcasing scenes that feel both intimate and expansive. Each frame is meticulously crafted, making the movie feel like a moving piece of art."
Here is streaming on Amazon Prime