Movie Review: Cast Away

Story: I like to admit my bias' upfront. I am a nut for survival/endurance stories. As most of you know I am also crazy about Elvis Presley (been to Graceland twice). So, the combination of this survivor character as an Elvis fan (best part of the soundtrack) had me hook, line and sinker from the get-go (just where does get-go come from)? You must know the story by now from the studio's ubiquitous marketing campaign. A FedEx plane goes down. A lone survivor fights incredible odds and finally returns to civilization. If that is all you are expecting you are in for a big treat because you will get much more. Director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) creates genius when he works with Tom Hanks. Kudos to the idea of using no soundtrack during the island ordeal. Only the silence of nature and the prospect of total isolation can alter and transform our survivor. The word castaway was also written cleverly as two words. This changes the meaning entirely. The space between those two words creates a territory where much can happen and it does. You can go to see this movie as the simple theme of a man surviving over incredible odds. I chose to look deeper than the obvious physical transformation of the Hanks' character which to me symbolized the even more dramatic unseen psychological, emotional and spiritual changes that such an ordeal will create. The producers could have gone the Hollywood sap-fest ending but chose the more appropriate end shot. I, for one am glad they did!

Acting: Tom Hanks never ceases to surprise me. I tend to forget what a good actor he is until I see a new film of his or watch a rerun on TV. This story was his idea years ago (before the TV show Survivor) and the part was tailor made for him. He underplays and is perfect in this role. Bravo!

Pets: One whale, lots of fish and bottom crawlers and a dog cameo. This island was so isolated there seemed to be no birds or other critters as inhabitants.

Food: The bounty of civilization at holiday time pre-plane crash and then the contrast to the island where coconuts and the above mentioned fish and bottom crawlers are the specials of the day....everyday.

Visual Art: Some nice cave paintings.

Soundtrack: Elvis was perfect with Blue Christmas and Return to Sender. As mentioned before the sounds of silence were blessed on the island and then we return to the violins and the heaving soundtrack when back in civilization. OY!

Titles: I don't remember

Theater Audience: I was alone in the secret balcony of my favorite theater and felt somewhat like a castaway when my friend (not imaginary) surprised me and showed up.

Sappy Factor: 3

Quirky Meter: 3

Tissue Usage: 1

Oscar Worthy: Tom Hanks should get yet another nomination for this role.

Nit Picking: Product placement usually bothers me a great deal in films these days. However, I am not sure how this film could have been done without using the real names of the products -- one of which could get a supporting actor nomination.

Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure. If you like survivor films my very favorite is 93's Alive. It is the one about the Uruguayan plane crash and the ordeal of those survivors, starring Ethan Hawke.

Length: Two hours and 23 minutes. Yes, it is 23 minutes over the LOBO 2 hour rule, but because it is the holidays I am letting it go. No points deducted.

LOBO HOWLS: 9