Sully: Movie Review
Clint Eastwood has directed 30+ films since the early 70’s. However, “Sully” might be by far the shortest one. Don’t let the brisk 95-minute runtime fool you, “Sully” packs just as much punch as a some of the filmmaker’s best work. This is also his most visually impressive film, thanks in no small part to the use of IMAX cameras.
On January 15th, 2009 pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger (Tom Hanks) and co-pilot Jeffrey Zaslow (Aaron Eckhart) took the controls of US Airways Flight 1549 out of LaGuardia Airport having no idea what they would be in for just three minutes after take-off. A flock of geese flew directly into both engines, which rendered them useless. Sully’s initial response was to fly back to LaGuardia. However, when he realized that he couldn’t make it back safely or reroute to a nearby airport, he made the decision to land in the Hudson River. The whole landing sequence looks absolutely spectacular thanks to the use of IMAX technology.
Although Sully and Jeff saved the lives of all 155 passengers and crew, making them heroes to the public, an investigation was being conducted that tried to prove that the veteran pilot could have actually landed safely at the airport. Much of the film deals with the ramifications of Sully’s decision and his fear that his career and reputation could be at stake. Not to mention the emotional toll that the landing took on him.
Tom Hanks delivers a fantastic performance as a humble man who doesn’t see himself as a hero. Sully was uncomfortable with the media attention thrust upon him, and Hanks does a great job displaying that uneasiness. Eckhart who has been subjected to b-movie hell recently with films like “London Has Fallen”, “I, Frankenstein”, and “Battle Los Angeles”, has finally secured a role worthy of his talents as an actor. This is definitely his best performance since 2008’s “The Dark Knight”.
“Sully” doesn’t have to be seen in IMAX to enjoy, but I highly recommend it. If this is any indication of the quality of films we have to look forward to this Fall, then color me excited.
By: Marc Ferman