Cast Away all other movies and see this ...

Rating: 8/10 (22 December 2000)

This movie is great. There's no other way to put it. Tom Hanks does a great job as the man who must learn to survive against nature and against his own weakness. This movie shows that man needs three things for survival: food, shelter, and companionship.
The musical score was only in existence when Hanks was in civilization. This brings to the audience the sense of being there alone. Often times music enhances the viewing experience, but in the case of Cast Away the lack of music enhances the experience.
There is a good deal of comic relief as portrayed by the volleyball. "Wilson" as he is titled becomes one of the audience's favorite characters, and should have been nominated for a Best Supporting Actor in a Role by the Golden Globes.
It's a great movie to see with friends and family, but there are some questionable scenes for younger kids. I would advise seeing it first before you take your ten year-old son or daughter to see it; don't make the same mistake most parents made with "Saving Private Ryan."
Helen Hunt's character was not one we learned to love and most people will be apathetic towards her. She's not one of the main characters; only a main influence. Hence, the end of her paragraph.
Does Hanks deserve an award for his role and portrayal of the man who is cast aside by nature? Yes. Hanks does a great job in this movie and no other could have done it as well. Do I think he'll win? No. Going up against the other actors in his category is a hard battle, and Crowe was better in Gladiator than Hanks was in Cast Away.