There's a reason Steven Spielberg has the reputation he does. The man just understands storytelling. He understands characters. He understands film. There's a certain caliber of director where even their weakest films are proficiently crafted and still a cut above the average flick.
Bridge of Spies is incredibly engaging. Stellar performances by all the cast (even the kids!), along with Spielberg's superb directing help you care about these characters. Good writing and use of set-up--pay-off structure create a level of tension that keeps you in the world of the movie from start to finish. You may already know the ending; you know Tom Hanks is never in any real danger, because you know how movies work. But Spielberg keeps us wondering "How is he gonna pull it off?"
Bridge of Spies also uses its themes of Constitutional values and what we believe in as Americans to transcend time and keep a modern audience invested in this period piece about a time that many would (incorrectly) argue is behind us. It calls on one of humanity's favorite stories: the underdog, the man who stands up even when his closest friends and family members beg for him to sit. In a greatly appreciated reprieve from today's nihilistic film and television landscape, Spielberg uses Bridge of Spies to present us at our best, to make us all see how good we can be if we stand by our principles. I can really see why it's being compared to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and why Tom Hanks is being heralded as "the James Stewart of our time."
TLDR: It's a damn good movie that should make you want to be a better person and make this world a better place.
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