Latest news with #Hanks
The Herald Scotland
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Not just any old schmaltz fest as Tom Hanks is at his US Everyman best
*** TIME was when a Saturday night movie starring Tom Hanks would have involved an expedition to the cinema. Now you can see the double Oscar-winner for free, at home, in a film on general release not that long ago (as long as you don't mind the ads). Old Hollywood would think the business had lost its collective mind. A Man Called Otto began life as a Swedish novel and film before this US remake by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland, World War Z). Tom Hanks plays a grumpy widower who thinks most of the world are idiots and a large proportion of them live in his street. Without Otto doing his morning 'rounds' and telling people off for poor parking and other crimes, it would be anarchy out there. So far, so Victor Meldrew. What are the odds, do you reckon, of Otto staying a grouch for long, maybe even doubling down on his crankiness? Perhaps in another movie universe, but on this planet, with this actor, forget it. Sure enough, a young family moves into the cul-de-sac and chips away at Otto's Easter Island exterior. Before you know it, he's doing good deeds left, right and centre. Among A-listers, what's left of them, only Hanks could get away with such an obvious schmaltz fest as A Man Called Otto. Tom Cruise would only attempt it if snow shovelling could be turned into a life-or-death stunt. Harrison Ford comes across as authentically grumpy, so that wouldn't be much fun. Clint Eastwood probably came closest in Gran Torino, though that too was a touch spiky for some. But Hanks, the heir to Jimmy Stewart as a paragon of decency? Perfect. Read more That said, credit to the Forrest Gump and Philadelphia star for sticking with the Swedish original and going to some very bleak places with the grief-stricken Otto. Otto, we learn from (too many) flashbacks is another in a long line of everyday American heroes to feature on the Hanks cv, but this one is interesting because he is ordinary to the point of almost being dull. What raises him aobve the norm is love, pure and simple. Hanks's son Truman does a fine job of playing the young Otto. It is keeping it in the family, but this is far preferable to the startling moment when Hanks appears as his younger self, complete with weird CGI face and unfeasibly dark hair. Besides staying true to the tone of the Swedish original, Hanks keeps a lid on the schmaltz by giving Otto a convincingly bad temper. Even though the targets are obvious - property developers trying to buy up the neighbourhood, etc - Hanks lets rip in spectacular fashion. As for the business model behind A Man Called Otto, it more than paid its way, being made for $50 million and grossing more than double that worldwide in cinemas. Nice guys like Hanks never finish last. Showing again Tuesday at 9pm on 4seven, and available to stream for 30 days for free on 4.
San Francisco Chronicle
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Tom Hanks's unhinged son jokes that playing a ‘media liability' in Netflix hit was a stretch
Chet Hanks is in on the joke — and this time, he's turning it into career momentum. The actor and musician, long known for courting controversy, is now drawing praise for his performance in 'Running Point,' the Mindy Kaling-produced Netflix comedy. Hanks, son of Hollywood royalty Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, plays Travis Bugg, a tattooed, attention-seeking basketball star and wannabe rapper who becomes a public relations headache for his team. It's a role that winks knowingly at Hanks' tabloid-fueled past. 'When I first got the audition, it said he's tatted up. He's a wannabe rapper, and he's just like a complete media liability,' Hanks told People in an interview published Thursday, July 10. 'I said, 'I have no idea how I'm going to pull this off. I'm going to have to really get in character, maybe do a full method, Daniel Day Lewis, because obviously I'm nothing like that.'' The actor, who years ago attempted to launch a real-life rap career as Chet Haze, insists the casting was a stretch — but his delivery suggests a knowing smile. 'Hopefully I did it justice,' he added. The role debuted in tandem with the success of 'Leaving Hollywood,' a single from his country duo Something Out West. The group recently released an EP by the same name. 'It doesn't surprise me,' Hanks said. 'That's how God works.' Sober for more than three years, Hanks credits his bandmate Drew Arthur — also in recovery — for helping keep him grounded. 'You don't want to let yourself down,' Hanks said. 'You don't want to let your buddy down.'
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Fans Crown Legendary Actor ‘Top 5 Dead or Alive' as He Celebrates 69th Birthday
Tom Hanks celebrates his 69th spin around the sun on Wednesday, July 9, 2025-and fans are wasting no time marking the occasion by honoring the legendary talent's longevity in the industry. The Hollywood actor was born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, Calif., cementing himself as a mainstay in films since his first role back in the 1980s. Hanks has since starred in over 75 movies, with some of the most iconic being Forrest Gump (1994), Cast Away (2000), The Green Mile (1999), Saving Private Ryan (1998), Catch Me If You Can (2002), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), and Disney's Toy Story series-as the recognizable voice of Woody-to name just a few. And he's still going, with his latest flick,The Phoenician Scheme, having released just weeks ago on May 30. On X (formerly Twitter) fans poured in to celebrate the enduring star for his birthday. "Happy Birthday to one of the best actors in Hollywood," one declared, while another boldly crowned him "Top 5 dead or alive." "Happy birthday to my favorite. Thank you for the movies, for sparking my love for cinema!" a third gushed, showing appreciation for Hanks' longstanding catalog, as another insisted he has "So. Many. Bangers. Especially. Green. Mile." Celebratory comments continued to roll in, like some that read, "Happy birthday to this legend," "Happy birthday tom you are the very best a legend in his own time," "One of my favourites. Truly one of the most amazing actors on this planet. Happy birthday to Tom Hanks!" and "literally, he only did masterpieces," with yet another dubbing Hanks "My favourite actor." Someone else recommended, "If u have not seen^ a man called otto ^ u r mising on one of the best movies made with tom hanks in it !!" Next: Film Icons' Rarely-Seen Twins Step Into the Spotlight for Stunning Public Appearance With Mom & Dad Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Rita Wilson Shares Intimate Home Photo for Tom Hanks' 69th Birthday
It's Hollywood legend Tom Hanks' 69th birthday on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and his wife Rita Wilson, 68, celebrated by posting a sweet photo of her longtime partner. "Happy Birthday, my love," she captioned the Instagram post, along with a single pink heart emoji. The photo seems to be from a relaxed moment at home, where Hanks is in a pair of sweatpants, a cozy sweater, and glasses, while writing on a typewriter next to some pens and a big stack of papers that appear to be a script. The acting icon has a slight smile in what looks to be a rare peek inside their home life together. Many Hollywood A-listers took to the comments to send their love to the Forrest Gump star for the special occasion, including Julianne Moore, Goldie Hawn, Melanie Griffith, Linda Thompson, LeAnn Rimes, Kate Hudson, and John Stamos, who hilariously called Hanks "Mr Handsome Pants." See the sweet post for yourself, here! Hanks revealed how he rang in his birthday on his own Instagram page. "How to celebrate turning 69!" he wrote beside a video of himself pencil diving into the ocean wearing a pair of green swim trunks with his arms crossed. In April 2025, Hanks celebrated another major life milestone; his and Wilson's wedding anniversary! "37 years married. Today! Love you, Mrs. - he wrote beside the photo, which showed the couple beaming after a swim in the sea. The iconic duo met on set while filming the ABC sitcom Bosom Buddies. They got married in 1988 and welcomed two kids together: Chester "Chet" Hanks and Truman Theodore Hanks. Hanks also has two children, Colin and Elizabeth, from his previous marriage to Samantha Lewes. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Noordhoek's Karoline Hanks completes Chappies Challenge for Project Noordhoeked
Determined and driven — Karoline Hanks climbs Chapman's Peak as part of her 8,849 m elevation challenge to support Project Noordhoeked. Image: StephenC Photography Noordhoek's Karoline Hanks has successfully completed her self-imposed "Everesting Challenge" — running the equivalent height of Mount Everest, 8 849m, by repeatedly ascending and descending Chapman's Peak. Over the course of more than 30 hours, she tackled the route 13 times, braving fatigue, icy winds, and the mental toll of repetition — all to raise funds for the conservation-focused Project Noordhoeked. The effort, she said, was filled with a 'complete fruit salad of thoughts and emotions and memories'. 'I need to write it all up still — the groundhog day element, the mind games, fear (sometimes), elation, recognition of the intense privilege, love for that mountain, my community, my friends, my partner, my son. And so much gratitude,' she said. Hanks, who is the founder of Project Noordhoeked, said the route was brutal, but the mountain gave her gifts in return — from porcupines and snakes to jackal buzzards, fuzzy caterpillars, and 'million-dollar sunsets and sunrises". She described one of the most moving moments early in the challenge, during lap two, when she looked down from Chapman's Peak and saw a crowd of volunteers cleaning up Noordhoek Beach as part of a coordinated community effort. 'My heart literally burst,' she said. 'I wanted to be down there too, but I knew that Di Davis, Nic Davis, and my incredible Project Noordhoeked team had it all under control.' Project Noordhoeked is a grassroots initiative that employs a small team to care for Noordhoek's beach, wetland, and mountain areas. They are also responsible for Kakapo, the iconic wire whale sculpture filled with collected plastic. The challenge was launched in July with a fundraising goal of R80 000. At the time of writing, the project raised over R65 000 through BackaBuddy and additional direct donations. Hanks was joined for four laps by her son. She also shared laps with "Duracell" Filippo Faralla, who provided unwavering support. Many friends and supporters showed up throughout the challenge — some cheering, others bringing hot cappuccinos, smoothies, and vegan snacks. 'Cheryl Ann Carrick, you angel,' she said, naming just one of many who helped in quiet, generous ways. She also credited Tessa Oliver for keeping her laughing on the trail, and filmmaker Rudi Gremels, who captured the entire feat. Looking back, she said the event pushed her limits but left her filled with pride, not only for the physical achievement, but for the community that rallied behind it. 'I had great support from my partner and my son — amazing company on the route through the night and also just at my aid station,' she said. While she has completed tough endurance events before, Hanks said this one was different. It took place on her home ground, in one of Noordhoek's last wild places — a space she is determined to protect from threats like invasive Rooikrans and Port Jackson. As for doing it again? 'Would I do it again? No, not that particular challenge. I do think I'm going to give Chappies a big miss for a while,' she said. 'But I'm sure I'll find some other epic run — maybe next year. For now, I need to rest.' To support the project, visit: Cape Argus
