Not perfect, but wonderful

Rating: Null/10 (21 January 2001)

I saw 'Cast Away' last night and must say that I was very impressed. The fact that I am a fan of Tom Hanks probably helped me enjoy the film, because I doubt anyone who does not like Tom Hanks would enjoy 'Cast Away' being the fact that he is almost the entire film.
'Cast Away' is far from a perfect film, as there are some minor, and a few major, holes in the story and sadly the script is not always up to scratch. To be honest, I was a little surprised that the film has so many flaws, given the fact that the Australian media have been so full of praise. In my opinion however, Tom Hanks carries the film beyond these flaws and script letdowns, and while Helen Hunt is not given much to do, she is wonderful in the small screen time she has.
The first 25-30 minutes of the film is essentially fairly dull, however it has a certain edge to it created by the viewer already knowing what is install for Hank's character. The plane crash is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen on film. I was actually not looking forward to the plane crash footage because I figured it would be nothing more than something the audience would have to endure before the real story begun. However, it was so good that I actually felt myself tensing up, which really say's something about the footage because I rarely respond like that to anything on screen.
The cast away' part of the story is equally brilliant, because it could so easily have been unbearably boring. I think many reviewers on this website are correct in their disliking of the way in which it cuts to four years later', as it does feel as if Zemeckis took the easy way out in this respect. My only other complaint about the cast away' part of the story is Hank's escape off the island, which did seem a little rushed in execution and generally not as dramatic (with the exception of one moment, but I won't completely spoil it) as the events that had taken place before. However, this part of the film is by in large incredible, and a work of pure genius from both Zemeckis, but particularly Hanks.
Finally, many reviewers here have complained about the last part of the film, many suggesting that it went on too long. However, I did not find myself bored or restless during the last part of the film because I was generally interested in finding out what happens to Hank's character as he tries to re-enter society. My complaint about the last part has more to do with the script lulls, because the film does not answer some of the bigger questions regarding this transition. However, like all of the weaker spots in the film, Hanks carries the audience past them and it is his presence that makes this one of the best films since American Beauty (released around the same time last year)
I truly hope that Hanks gets his third Oscar for his role in this film, because quite simply, I have not seen a better performance in any film over the last 12 months.