FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT YET SEEN FINCH, THIS IS A NON-SPOILER REVIEW.

Tom Hanks is back in Apple TV+’s Finch! And it just feels so good to see him again. The prolific actor has been very choosy with his roles as of late, and it’s not hard to see why this project caught his eye. Finch is a technical marvel that showcases the performer in nearly every scene of the film, and the screenplay is also able to aid him with his signature charming, every-man persona. While this movie is a joy to watch and will certainly entertain families; there is a lack of originality here that is sorely missing.

WHAT IS FINCH ALL ABOUT?

  • TOM HANKS and CALEB LANDRY-JONES as Jeff in Apple TV+’s Finch.

The film follows the titular Finch, who is stuck on a post-apocalyptic earth. As the man tries to flee a horrific storm and find safety, he is joined by his beloved dog and a robot that he has created from scratch. Finch doesn’t know what the future might hold for him in this unforgiving landscape and has created Jeff for one purpose: to keep his dog alive in case something happens to him. While on their journey, Jeff discovers exactly what it means to be human.

WHY IS THE FILM LACKING IN ORIGINALITY?

  • CALEB LANDRY-JONES as TOM HANKS in Finch. Courtesy of Apple TV+.

There is so much to like about Finch, that it is difficult to get into the negatives. But, we will start there, so we can talk about what this film does so well. Unfortunately, this movie feels like an amalgamation of so many others that have come before it. The screenplay from Craig Luck and Ivor Powell (Blade Runner) feels almost like the writers took all of their favorite movies and combined them into a single project. During the entire film, I just kept thinking about other movies that Finch was reminding me of. From The Martian, to Chappie, all the way to movies like My Dog Skip and Hanks‘ own, Castaway. Unfortunately, I never felt like I was experiencing something new or different.

WHAT MAKES FINCH WORTH A WATCH?

  • TOM HANKS in Apple TV+’s Finch.

Luckily, even though Finch’s screenplay lacks much in originality, it makes up for it in heart. The film is an old-fashioned story of survival and friendship, told in an updated sci-fi/post-apocalyptic genre. You can’t help but root for Jeff and Finch to get through this difficult terrain and to make it out alive. This is all due to Hanks‘ passionate and endearing performance as a man who just wants to make sure his best friend stays alive. As well as, Caleb Landry Jones‘ (The Dead Don’t Die) incredibly emotive motion-capture performance as Finch’s robot Jeff. These two actors really take this movie to another level.

I also must commend the visual effects team on Finch, who have brought Jeff alive in some visually stunning ways. There was not a second I didn’t believe that this robot was present and there with our protagonist. Although I believe that Dune will most certainly take the Oscar home for Best Visual Effects; I think that this movie certainly deserves to be nominated alongside it.

All of this to say, Finch won’t be one of the most memorable films of the year. But, I do believe that families with children who are a little bit older, will have an amazing time with this movie. It will certainly excite you, make you laugh and it just might make you cry too. And also, who can’t resist the charm of that adorable dog?

Finch will be streaming on Apple TV+ Friday, November 5th, 2021.

For more Reviews, make sure to stay tuned to That Hashtag Show!