Hanks’ Alan is a fish so far out of water that he’s stuck in the middle of the desert, and that’s about as subtle as the metaphors get.

This is Tykwer’s post-Cloud Atlas fever dream, a messy and unhinged tableau of non sequiturs and cod-philosophic ramblings on futility, persistence, conformity and rebellion.

Hanks remains eminently watchable throughout and is supported somewhat ably, but he’s let down by the inherent emptiness of the listless direction and clunky script. Yes, Hanks is great at pratfalls, but over-egging that single joke squanders the deeper comic and dramatic potential on offer.

A Hologram For The King is expressly second class, lacking depth, clarity and, most importantly, a meaningful message.  

RATING: 2/5

INFORMATION

CAST:  Tom Hanks, Alexander Black, Sarita Chowdhury, Tom Skerritt

DIRECTOR: Tom Tykwer

WRITERS: Dave Eggers (novel), Tom Tykwer (screenplay)

SYNOPSIS: A failed American businessman looks to recoup his losses by traveling to Saudi Arabia and selling his idea to a wealthy monarch.

A preview screening of A Hologram For The King was kindly provided by Icon Film Distribution and Organic.