Tom Hanks plays Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger who after a bird strike disables the plane’s twin engines makes a snap decision that untimely saves all 155 passengers and crew aboard the Airbus A320. The film starts with Sully having nightmares about a different outcome to his actions and those scenes are quite arresting.

The film continues using the plot device of the investigation of Sully and his co-pilot played by Aaron Eckhart (with his usual roguish charm). These actions ultimately cost the Airline a lot of money and the investigation is quite questioning of Sully’s actions. This plays out in an us against them way and adds to the dramatic tension of the film.

The real life story is so engaging, Eastwood steps out of the way (mostly) and lets the story speak for itself. The script is taunt and the film gets it’s timing just right. The only slight misstep is having the event’s real participants pop up during the closing credits. This now almost obligatory pandering to the audience adds little to the film’s impact and feels too much like a Spielberg ending.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/roadshow

In 1941 they started their offensive against the USA with a sneak attack on Pearl Harbour. Their hopes of a quick disabling of the American military might in the region was a stated goal. Due to the allied forces’ ability to decipher their secret communications, the American forces were able to mount a successful counter attack.

Emmerich wisely pares down the number of main protagonists to a small number to keep the story tightly focused. The action scenes when the CGI renderings look realistic are very exciting and it gives you a real sense of how much danger the pilots faced when attacking the flotilla of ships. The main battle is also concise and keeps the rapid pace intact.

Presenting a major battle from WWII shows a time when the enemy was clearly established and not the scales of grey that are present in the skirmishes that blight the world now. It shows the American might to be superior in this instance but thankfully focuses more on the personal heroics of the participants than just delivering more didactic rhetoric.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/roadshow

The film, based on the real-life events of this heroic feat, tells the story of the leaders and soldiers who used their instincts, fortitude and bravery to overcome the odds.

Midway is directed by Roland Emmerich and stars Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Luke Evans, Aaron Eckhart, Nick Jonas, Etsushi Toyokawa, Tadanobu Asano, Luke Kleintank, Jun Kunimura, Darren Criss, Keean Johnson, Alexander Ludwig, Mandy Moore, Dennis Quaid and Woody Harrelson.

Midway will be released in Australian cinemas January 30, 2020!
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Tom Hanks plays Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger who after a bird strike disables the plane’s twin engines makes a snap decision that untimely saves all 155 passengers and crew aboard the Airbus A320. The film starts with Sully having nightmares about a different outcome to his actions and those scenes are quite arresting.

The film continues using the plot device of the investigation of Sully and his co-pilot played by Aaron Eckhart (with his usual roguish charm). These actions ultimately cost the Airline a lot of money and the investigation is quite questioning of Sully’s actions. This plays out in an us against them way and adds to the dramatic tension of the film.

The real life story is so engaging, Eastwood steps out of the way (mostly) and lets the story speak for itself. The script is taunt and the film gets it’s timing just right. The only slight misstep is having the event’s real participants pop up during the closing credits. This now almost obligatory pandering to the audience adds little to the film’s impact and feels too much like a Spielberg ending.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/SullyMovie