Another Quality Addition In The Careers Of Tom Hanks & Clint Eastwood

Rating: Null/10 (2 January 2017)

Covering the unprecedented event that took place on January 15th, 2009 and scripted a historic moment in aviation history, Sully is a well-crafted & patiently narrated biopic that marks another quality addition in Clint Eastwood's filmography, is handled in a very grounded manner & benefits immensely from Tom Hanks' assured performance.
Sully tells the story of US Airways pilot Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger who is hailed as a hero by press & people after successfully managing to land the damaged airplane on the Hudson river, thus saving the lives of all 155 souls aboard. The plot deals with the aftermath of the event, focusing on the investigation that followed and threatened to destroy his reputation & career.
Directed by Clint Eastwood (Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby & American Sniper), the story is told in a non-liner fashion, going back to the events every now n then to give the audience a piece of the puzzle yet moving ahead with the investigative process that forms the core of this film. Eastwood's direction exhibits no signs of weariness as Sully definitely ranks amongst his better works as a filmmaker.
The production design team does a splendid job in recreating the entire event in meticulous detail and although artistic license is taken here n there, it only works out in the film's favour and assists in enriching the drama. Cinematography employs fine use of cold colour palette which go hand in hand with its wintry outlook while opting for warm temperatures for flashback sequences of Sully's life.
Editing is nicely executed for the most part but it also adds a few unnecessary moments to stretch its runtime beyond 90 minutes, as evident in scenes that briefly focus on people aboard the plane or wherever for no reason whatsoever. The background score has an understated presence but it does surface when it's needed. Visual effects are passable and does its job but sound definitely takes things up by a notch.
Coming to the performances, Sully features a reliable cast in Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney, Anna Gunn & others, and while the rest of the cast play their part well, this is the veteran actor's show all the way. Totally into his character & expressing emotions with spot-on accuracy, Hanks carries the entire film on his shoulders and delivers another stellar performance, and he is brilliantly supported by Eckhart who plays First Officer Jeffrey "Jeff" Skiles.
On an overall scale, Sully finishes as another quality addition in the careers of both Tom Hanks & Clint Eastwood, and has pretty much all the ingredients that resonates with viewers n critics alike. What's more amazing is that even at 86 years, Eastwood simply refuses to slow down and he is actually doing a better job at filmmaking than majority of directors working in Hollywood today. A quiet yet reverberating tribute to daily heroes that's brought to life with sincere workmanship, Sully is definitely worth a shot.