Greyhound

Tom Hanks returns to the Greatest Generation with Greyhound, a mostly taut World War II thriller that benefits from his sturdy steering.

Although it struggles to modulate its straightforward action elements with a more intimate character study about courage and sacrifice, the film admirably shines a spotlight on some unsung heroes behind the scenes.

It’s set in 1942, chronicling the efforts of the titular U.S. Navy destroyer to lead an Allied convoy carrying supplies across the Atlantic Ocean to England. Such voyages were often targets for ambushes by packs of German U-boats, which elevates the danger considerably in this case.

Hanks plays Captain Krause, who barks a rapid-fire barrage of commands often without much regard for his personal health and safety. His dedication in the face of tragedy takes a physical and emotional toll, causing him to skip forego food and sleep.

For Krause and his subordinates, the daunting combination of waves and weather is nothing compared to the constant threat lurking on the horizon and beneath the surface as the clock ticks toward the sheltering protection of British surveillance aircraft.

Smaller in scale than your average war epic, director Aaron Schneider’s (Get Low) stylish film vividly enables viewers to sense the claustrophobic confines of the vessel.

Hanks, who also adapted the screenplay from a novel by C.S. Forester (The African Queen), does most of the heavy lifting, both for his crew as Krause and for the film itself. His performance conveys an almost effortless conviction, demonstrating a working knowledge of nautical terminology and strategy while also providing a sense of calm amid the chaos.

Even if it captures some of the camaraderie aboard the ship, Greyhound lacks depth among the supporting characters, preferring to focus on the collective mission and its inherent dangers. Although it offers some historical insight into an obscure facet of American involvement in the European conflict, it sacrifices broader emotional impact.

That extends to the captain, who could use a more robust backstory himself. There are hints about his spirituality and devotion to his fiancée (Elisabeth Shue) back home. Yet without more context, the action sequences against faceless Nazi villains start to blend together.

Fortunately, Hanks earns our sympathy with his steely resolve and unwavering loyalty toward his men. When things get choppy, he’s more than capable of leading the way.

Rated PG-13, 91 minutes.