I laughed when the little girl on Britains got talent fluffed her lines and burst out crying..... do...
I laughed when the little girl on Britains got talent fluffed her lines and burst out crying..... does that make me a bad person?
Member since:19.08.2001
Reviews:130
Members who trust:126
No not the BBC series with the scruffy whinging Beardie weirdy Robinson Crusoe wannabies!
Tom Hanks, the star of the movie, has taken on some challenging roles in his time. But this has to be one of his toughest yet. Another collaboration with director Robert Zemeckis, this time the actor spends most of his time talking to a volleyball!
The Story *********
Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) is a busy executive, working for Fedex, an American courier service. Often too busy for his girlfriend Kelly (Helen Hunt), Noland is once again sent off to Malaysia, leaving his much loved fiancée behind. Although Noland is only too familiar with plane journeys, this one will end like no other.
Attempting to fly around bad storm weather, his plane is taken off course. Ultimately the plane crashes, leaving Noland the sole survivor, stranded on on a tropical desert island with no hope of rescue due to the change in course and a radio malfunction.
Noland must learn to survive and overcome many difficulties, mainly starvation and a lack of water. Only the thought of seeing his loving girlfriend gives him the will to carry on. His only companion, a volleyball, whom he talks to frequently, his only hope, to find a way off the island.
I will say no more on the plot as it will spoil it for anyone who has not seen this film yet!
The Actors **********
Tom Hanks – Chuck Noland Helen Hunt – Kelly Frears Nick Searcy-- Stan
Tom hanks is very much left to his own devices throughout the film and other than Helen Hunt, no other actors really have anything to say. This is one of Hanks few performances that have been criticised by the press and this I feel, is uncalled for. Although it was speculated that he only took up the role as a personal show piece, he played the part with a lot of conviction. Physically he starved himself throughout the film to look the part of a starving man. You will notice his pot belly diminish throughout his time on the island. Most of his scenes are on his own and with no one else to rebound off of (other than a vollyball which has no lines to say!) and I am sure most actors would tell you how difficult this can be. Hunt is seen in a familiar role as the girlfriend of the lead character. As per usual a good performance by her, even if it is a bit brief. The few supporting actors all do their jobs but again have very little part to play in the whole film.
The Director ************
Robert Zemeckis , another one of those directors that might sound familiar. He should do! Other Zemeckis films of note are:
Romancing the Stone (1984) Back to the Future Trilogy (1985 –1989) Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988) Forrest Gump (1994)
And many others!
The directing in Cast Away is very good, the pace is very slow to reflect the life on a desert island. The only problem being too slow at times.
Overall Opinion ***************
The acting is good and this is a must see for Tom Hanks fans. I can understand why this did not receive rave reviews from everybody, there are a few dull moments. However, you do get drawn in to Nolands fight to survive. When he starts talking to the volley ball you can almost see a real relationship develope! At 2 hours 23 Minutes the film is long, perhaps a little too long owing to the nature of the pace. Definitely not for action fans this is a film that really is meant for video and it will be available to buy on 29th October this year. Personally, I would just rent it out as there is not much that would entice you back for a second viewing. Why suitable for video? Because once again I must emphasise it is long and it is slow. You will need a few tea breaks and leg stretches to get through it. Not one of Zemeckis best films, or Hanks for that matter, but definitely worth watching at least once, an ok film!
Oh and not to be mistaken for the 1987 naked sand and sea romp of the same name, starring Oliver Reed and Amanda Donahoe. The only similarity being a desert island!
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Hanks acting in the film was amazing, the film was a little long, but I was never bored.
mbmb11 04.10.2001 15:41
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and thought it was excellent!!
mel x
moose 04.10.2001 02:06
I heard this was a bit dull - which is why I didn't bother seeing this at the cinema. Too much dullness and I fall asleep!! (I did this during Alien 3!!!!) VH op!
Cast Awayreunites star Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis in their first collaboration ... more
since the heavy-handed sentimentality ofForrest Gump. Thankfully, this time their film's life-affirming message is delivered with more subtlety, attributable bot...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Cast Awayreunites star Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis in their first collaboration ... more
since the heavy-handed sentimentality ofForrest Gump. Thankfully, this time their film's life-affirming message is delivered with more subtlety, attributable bot...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Cast Awayreunites star Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis in their first collaboration ... more
since the heavy-handed sentimentality ofForrest Gump. Thankfully, this time their film's life-affirming message is delivered with more subtlety, attributable bot...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Tom Hanks is Chuck Noland a man in a hurry. His job for Federal Express has him traveling ... more
the world on a moments notice exhorting the company's employees to speed things up--"never turn your back on the clock." When he's suddenly called away for busi...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Good performance from Hanks, emotive, might make you think Disadvantages: The ending (a bit too over the top perhaps), the story is hardly unique, a bit unbelievable
IzzyS 03.02.2008 (03.02.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Cast Away (DVD)
Advantages: brilliant acting, great special effects, tonnes of special features, cheap Disadvantages: feels as if special effects are prioty over acting, storyline wasn't as good
![Cast Away [DVD] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/80615837.jpg "Cast Away [DVD] [2001]")
![Cast Away (2 Disc Set) [DVD] [2001]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78548822.jpg "Cast Away (2 Disc Set) [DVD] [2001]")
Sep 30th, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
