Excellent survival theme; I am not a big Tom Hanks fan, but...

Rating: 9/10 (27 July 2006)

this film has a good message, and he is believable in this role. Also, something is to be said for the story, especially in this day and age, where everything is taken for granted.
Yes, many books and adventure stories have addressed similar themes ("Treasure Island", "Lord of the Flies", etc.). And the theme of being stranded on an island is hardly unusual. However, the presentation is what counts, and this film is worth watching.
If you are ever experiencing something in your own life that seems insurmountable, and happen to catch this film, it may help suspend your disbelief, and actually make you feel better about life in general. After Hanks is stranded on a remote Pacific island, he realizes the frivolity of what used to be his life. He opens Fedex packages that contain a ballerina outfit, a greeting card and some other inane souveniers. He realizes the insanity of his predicament, and almost starts laughing.
Eventually he constructs shelter, and learns to spear fish; in his isolation he creates an imaginary friend, which is an alter-ego promoting his survival. These scenes were particularly well written. There is no sensationalism, no explosions, just a real person, trying to survive.
When he is finally rescued, his company (Fedex) throws a party for him- he sees the waste and futility of everyday life- lobster and King crab claws he lived on for a month are tossed in the trash.
He also loses his fiancé (Helen Hunt) to a dentist. I thought this was an unnecessary back-story.
Overall, you will be intrigued by this film, it is not your typical suspense/adventure film, and Hanks is very good. 9/10.