Today’s quick review: Cast Away. Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) has two loves in his life: his girlfriend Kelly (Helen Hunt) and his job traveling around the globe to revitalize struggling FedEx branches. All of that changes in an instant when Chuck’s plane crashes in the Pacific, leaving him stranded on an uninhabited island. To have any hope of seeing civilization again, Chuck must both teach himself how to survive and find the strength to keep going.
Cast Away is a survival drama that tells the story of one man’s harrowing experience on a desert island. Chuck Noland has to stave off dehydration, starvation, and despair using only the natural resources of the island and a handful of packages that washed ashore after the crash. What follows is a tale of resourcefulness and perseverance that makes good on its premise. Strong drama and an impressive lead performance make Cast Away as solid pick.
The mechanics of Chuck’s survival are interesting enough, but the heart of the movie is his psychological struggle. Chuck endures loneliness, physical hardship, setback after setback, and the promise of a nearly hopeless future. The small ways he comes up with to stay sane become surprisingly important both to Chuck and the viewer, giving the drama some real impact. The movie also offers a new perspective on the conveniences of modern civilization.
Still, the tone of Cast Away won’t resonate with everyone. The movie depends heavily on the audience sympathizing with Chuck; viewers who don’t, for one reason or another, will get very little out of watching his struggles. The time spent on the island can also get repetitive since there are only a few emotional beats for the movie to work with. None of these issues are serious, but they may put off viewers with only a borderline interest in the movie.
Ultimately, Cast Away is a well-executed drama that makes the most of a relatively simple premise. Tom Hanks’ acting and good use of the limited tools at the story’s disposal are enough to make the movie a thought-provoking watch with some good emotional payoff. However, Cast Away has a narrow enough premise that some viewers will never get into it. Those who like honest drama should give it a shot, while those who prefer escapism should steer clear.
For a more cathartic tale of hope and perseverance, try The Shawshank Redemption.
7.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for effective acting and a compelling story.