I'm what you could consider a terrible movie buff. Being the first to hit Blockbuster whenever a new movie is released, I'm usually the one to take the first movie off the shelf.

Renting Cast Away was on my "to watch list" since I saw the numerous advertising articles on television and in the papers. I couldn't wait to watch yet another Tom Hanks movie that I was convinced would leave me in total satisfaction with my selection. Yet, I was terribly wrong.

The beginning was an eyecatcher. A terrifing yet incrediable plane crash that left me in tune with what was about to fold out. Tom Hanks plays Chuck Noland, a FedEx system engineer who's life is ran by the clock. Dedicated and hardworking, he overlooks his own personal life for the reigns of the company. Through one of the busiest times of the season, Christmas, his decision to leave one night, would change the rest of his life completely. Both Chuck and his wife Kelly are once again to split at a time when everyone tries hard to stay together. It was up to this point that I was really at the edge of my seat. I felt for the characters as they said their goodbyes. Tom Hanks and Helen Hunt complement eachother well. Suddenly, the incrediable plane crash happened. I can remember thinking, "Wow, this is actually a very good movie" I couldn't wait to see what happened next.

It was here that this feeling slowly faded away. If there is one thing I can't stand, it is a movie that gives you everything from drama to excitement and then pulls the rug on you right when you think its just going to get better.

So I continued to watch. I found myself nodding off and fixing more popcorn than usual as the movie continued to breeze by. Chuck had survived the crash, landed on a remote deserted island, with nothing but the clothes on his back. The movie seemed to lag from here. Too many scenes of breaking coconuts and finding FedEx boxes floating in the water, made me want to call Blockbuster and beg to trade this movie for another. Yet I continued to sit through. Chuck was stripped of everything for years, his only friend being a volley ball that he had found in one of the boxes. He painted a face on the ball and even bonded with it. Yes, Chuck goes insane inwhich anyone could understand why. The scenes lacked everything from suspence to drama. What was worse is the whole movie continued this way.

By the end, I was almost asleep. Finally, through many tries, Chuck had succeeded to escape. By luck of nature and perhaps some higher power, a floating piece of a Chinese plane turns up and he is able to construct a boat with bamboo. He battles the waves that have imprisioned him and awaits rescue.

If by now you are waiting for some happiness to uncloud the smoke of depression and saddness this movie has bestowed on you, then you are about to be disappointed once again. Although quite emotional, I had wished for atleast a big bang end. Ofcourse movies that keep you hanging just aren't for me. The movie now drags you back to civilization with a wishy washy theme. More bad luck and news. Sure not everything could be good but come on, enough is enough already.

Compared to Tom Hanks other movies, this one scores a big zero. Yet he is such a good actor atleast he brings some sort of spunk to this movie in a way other actors lack. A good movie to watch once but never to own or rent again.





Recommended:
No

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older