Opened: December 22, 2000

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

Starring: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy, Chris Noth, Lari White, Vince Martin, Michael Forest, Jay Acovone, Garret Davis, Viveka Davis & Jenifer Lewis

An inspirational film about survival, Cast Away features Tom Hanks’ triumphant near-solo performance as the stranded Chuck Noland.

FedEx systems analyst Chuck Noland travels across the world to resolve problems for the company. Around Christmas, Chuck is summoned away from his girlfriend Kelly (Helen Hunt) to travel to Malaysia, but the flight he’s on crashes into the Pacific Ocean during a violent storm and leaves him the sole survivor.

Hanks gives a masterclass in acting. For much of the film, he’s stuck on his own on an island with his only interactions being with a volleyball he named Wilson. The way he personifies Wilson makes the object into a character that you’ll connect with as well.

Though there are some slow parts during Chuck’s isolation, you’ll still feel connected to the character’s journey.

Final say: Don’t give up hope. ★★★★☆