Not as fun as......

Rating: 7/10 (31 January 2001)

When you think of being stranded, stuck on a tropical island, what do you think of? Of course, Gilligan! We are forever stuck with the hilarious memories of Gilligan and the gang from childhood (if not even today with the eternal reruns). If you were lucky, you may even remember the time the gang got off the island and returned to civilization. The rescue was hilarious, Gilligan tried to make a barbeque on the raft. The fire and smoke attracted a boat and Wham, they're saved. After returning home, none could properly adjust back to their normal lives, personal, social, and career. Perhaps that 's my bias with Cast Away, this movie is totally stuck on Tom Hanks the "survivor" than Chuck the person.
I know Hanks did a supurb job acting. Robert Z did a great job directing, the supporting cast did a supurb job supporting, blah , blah, blah. But what credibility and imagination did this movie feature? What insight and introspective to the human psyche? I'd like to make one up, but find myself scratching my head thinking, well at least he survived and he'll "keep breathing" (or whatever he said). Gee, what a shocker, why don't Helen Hunt marry an alcoholic and then we'll see what "keep breathing" really means. I mean, she lives in a nice flat with a chance to get a doctorate...that's not "keep breathing", it's "I'm happily married to YOUR dentist!!"
Dealing with adversity is one thing, acting as if it's just an obstacle is another. If I found out MY girlfriend married another person, I'd go nuts, even if everyone in the entire world thought I was gone. I'd cry and destroy my 4X4. But Hanks gave a subverted performance that just displayed a "wow, you kept my car in great shape....can I have it back..." Totally cool, totally cold.
I rated this movie a 5. With ANY actor besides Hanks, it would've gotten a 5. Leo, Cuba Gooding Jr., Woody Harrleson, etc. , but with Hanks, we all gave it a 7, right?? Admit it, you went to see it for Hanks. You said it was great cause of Hanks, You recommended it to friends cause of Hanks. hanks could do no wrong and you would feel no wrong.