Movie Review: "Finch"

Overview:

"Finch" is a post-apocalyptic movie featuring Tom Hanks as Finch Weinberg. Despite the bleak setting, Finch’s world is surprisingly comforting and even cute. With his lovable dog and a charming robot, the film feels more like a modern fairy tale than a harsh survival story.

Plot:

A massive sun flare has destroyed the ozone layer, leaving Earth mostly uninhabitable. Finch, once an engineer, has survived alone for 15 years. His only companions are a dog named Goodyear and a small robot named Dewey. Finch spends his days tinkering with gadgets and scavenging for supplies.

When a deadly storm approaches and Finch starts coughing up blood, he realizes he needs to make changes. He quickly builds a larger robot to help take care of Goodyear. Due to time constraints, only 72% of the robot’s data gets uploaded. Despite the rush, Finch can't help but explore what the robot can do. The robot, voiced by Caleb Landry Jones, quickly begins learning and growing.

Journey:

As the storm hits, Finch, Goodyear, and the robot leave in an old RV powered by solar panels. Their goal is to reach San Francisco, a place Finch has always dreamed of seeing. The journey is filled with challenges, conflicts, and dangers. Finch struggles with his creation, trying to program the robot to be what he needs.

Robot Development:

The robot, even with limited data, demonstrates advanced AI and machine learning. Caleb Landry Jones does an excellent job voicing the robot, showing its evolution as it becomes more "human." The robot starts understanding idioms, speaks more clearly, and even asks for a name.

Performance and Visuals:

Tom Hanks delivers a fantastic performance, holding the screen with minimal interaction from other actors. The cinematography by Jo Willems is beautiful, capturing the desolate yet stunning landscapes. However, the screenplay is predictable and sometimes heavy-handed, failing to fully support Hanks’ performance.

Final Thoughts:

"Finch" offers a heartwarming take on a post-apocalyptic world. While it may not have a groundbreaking story, the film’s charm lies in Hanks’ performance and the endearing bond between a man, his dog, and his robot. It’s an enjoyable watch for those looking for a mix of adventure and heartfelt moments.