Gareth Crook
Take Hanks out and it would really struggle. Not that Tom is great, he's just doing his thing, like likeable character that's having a rough ride but making the best of it. Good old Tom. He plays an American businessman, a salesman who tasted success, but it's years behind him. Now he's in Saudi Arabia trying to rekindle his career, but floundering in a country that doesn't work the way he's used to. It's a battle and you root for Tom... even if it's not always clear what he's fighting for. It's all a little bit dreamlike and needlessly confusing. That said, its jumbled nature makes it oddly endearing. It twists and twists and twists, falls a bit flat, then gets up again. Does this review make any sense? No? Good! Bang on with the film.
philipposx-12290
I just don't know what it is but something really made "A Hologram for the King" a very boring and even unwatchable movie, what I would never assume when you have Tom Hanks as the protagonist.
The story they were about to tell, about the injustice in countries like Saudi Arabia is an interesting point, but the movie ended up having completely no clear structure, excitement or investing plot. There was seriously nothing compelling or gripping about it.
One of the worst movies in 2016 for sure: 2/10
Fahian Mahmud
To summarize things, I am a huge Tom Hanks fan. I love to see his movies over and over. The Terminal (2004) - I don't know how many times I have seen that movie and even cried. But this particular movie also made me cry, because of the intense level of pain. Totally unexpected from Tom Hanks, that he will go through with such a character and a script. I have tried to watch this movie and for the first several attempts, I failed. The movie has no attraction points. There is almost no scene where you can get amazed and set yourself for the rest of the movie. Everything is so hazy and without any solid purpose.I will still be seeing more of Tom Hank's movies. But I don't expect him to work on such type of characters.
Nancy Vandesiouri
Despite the poor reviews, I really enjoyed the film; my company as well. Desperate, defeated Tom Hanks struggles to win his successful life back in Saudi Arabia. And that's where the interesting part starts. Although most scenes were filmed in Morocco, it gives the viewer a good perspective of life in this ultra conservative country for expats (and for wealthy locals). The desert, the marketing, the secret parties, the camouflaged alcohol, the foreign workers.. I don't see why most people disliked it, but I would happily watch it again.
AD
