I was surprised to learn this movie is a comedy. There is nothing funny about this film. Tom Hanks character, Alan, is a salesman on the verge of breakdown who is dealing with a bitter ex wife (why is she bitter it is never explained) and a clueless annoying boss who wants to get the deal done soon as possible.
Tom Hanks carried this movie, he made it interesting to watch. If it was another actor who did not have Hank's charm, the movie would have fallen flat.
It does have an interesting premise to it however it went nowhere. The car ride to his first day of work was longer than it should have been. His "team" were lackluster background characters. The party at the Denmark embassy was over the top ridiculous and unnecessary. On top of that, Alan was totally clueless regarding the culture and costumes' of Saudi Arabia. He made numerous social mistakes that I was amazed he was not thrown out of the country by the end of the film.
I did read the movie was based on a book. I am curious to read the book and see how the film holds up to it.
Tom Hanks carried this movie, he made it interesting to watch. If it was another actor who did not have Hank's charm, the movie would have fallen flat.
It does have an interesting premise to it however it went nowhere. The car ride to his first day of work was longer than it should have been. His "team" were lackluster background characters. The party at the Denmark embassy was over the top ridiculous and unnecessary. On top of that, Alan was totally clueless regarding the culture and costumes' of Saudi Arabia. He made numerous social mistakes that I was amazed he was not thrown out of the country by the end of the film.
I did read the movie was based on a book. I am curious to read the book and see how the film holds up to it.