One of the few movies of 2000 I thoroughly enjoyed

Rating: Null/10 (31 December 2000)

The TV spots really did give too much away, wouldn't you say?
Despite this, the movie was quite solid. Hanks impressed me with his work on the island, watching his struggles and successes during the ultimate test of survival skills. The mood of the film was nice -- I appreciated the quiet diligence that surrounded all the mundane tasks Hanks had to master shortly after being stranded .... I felt immersed in the solitude Hanks' character was thrust into following the crash.
Not only did his behavior seem "right," for lack of a better word, but his survival of the brutal plane crash (what a scene!) didn't seem too outlandish. His behavior upon returning to civilization was perfect, too -- the silent nods and gestures given to all the well-wishers who welcomed him back, the impression that he felt crowded -- can you tell I was impressed with his work?!
I will agree with the naysayers on one point: Hunt and Hanks have zero chemistry. The best part of their relationship seemed to take place when he was on the island and she was a still picture inside his watch. Well, OK, here's a second point: The "I'll be right back" line was .... ick. Why bother?
Amazing how well (and to such depth) a story can be told without much dialogue. My favorite segment of the movie started at the crash and lasted until the birth of Wilson. I connected with the feelings Hanks was trying to convey through his actions .... very satisfying!
I do wonder this: Did you or the people you watched this movie with laugh much during this movie? There was laughter in the theater that I felt was misplaced .... maybe I respected the film too much? Whatever. A good movie in a bad year, but not because it was a bad year. This movie would have held up in most years.