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Ah, well. Guess that's what you get for hopping aboard a
Federal Express jet as a time-and-schedule freak, only to
have it all blow up in your face when the plane goes down
way off-course in the middle of the biggest body of water
on Earth.
Hanks is Chuck Noland, a fairly work-centric guy who just
so happens to be ready to settle down with his lovely girlfriend
played by Helen Hunt. Fortunately when he washes up on the
island he is relatively unscathed, has a life-raft and a fob
watch with a picture of his beloved.
The bad news is that there is stuff all shelter, even less
food and no-one to talk to - except Wilson.
While some castaways would mope around and bemoan their fate,
Noland kicks into action and gets himself organised. Packages
from the crashed jet give him some handy extras, but nothing
to speak of - it's him against nature. And, the nature in
Cast Away is breathtakingly alluring.
Sitting on that beach - admittedly with a few comforts such
as an esky, a radio to listen to the cricket and … well, certainly
not Pierce Brosnan - life would look pretty damn good. But,
it's not all coconuts and crab for Noland and his tale of
survival really gets you interested.
For one, it is filmed beautifully. Two, the story is intriguing.
Three, it is intelligently worked and never descends into
easy ways out or the ridiculous. Hanks is … surprise, surprise
… terrific. When was the last time this bloke put in a shocker?
He is completely believable as both a manic clock watcher
and as a man who has been left with little more than his life.
In a tour-de-force of acting, he carries the movie almost
singe-handedly and you spend much of your watching time hoping
against hope that he will be rescued and get back to the girl.
Hunt is excellent as the person left behind and their ill-fated
romance is handled well and with dignity. Wilson is … well,
Wilson. Stoic … what else can you say, other than he needs
a bit of remedial elocution.
The transfer is excellent and the sound as the storms roll
in gives the speakers a good directional workout. Cast Away
is worthy of anyone's time and don't worry, if the subject
matter initially has you humming and haa-ing I can guarantee
you'll love having started it.
Conclusion: Movie: 90%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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