Release date:September 9, 2016
Studio:Warner Bros. Pictures
Director:Clint Eastwood
MPAA Rating:PG-13 (for some peril and brief strong language)
Screenwriter:Todd Komarnicki
Starring:Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney
Genre:Drama, Biography
Official website:Sully-movie.com| Facebook| Twitter| Instagram
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This film, from the get go, is a very quiet, unassuming film, which is what I LOVED about it! There is no showboating of special effects, there is no melodrama, there is no grandiose posturing. It is simply a telling of what happened that day.
Tom Hanks is, as always, marvellous! The way he downplayed everything made me feel as though I was watching a documentary more than a movie. He was that very regular guy that the character needed to be.
All of the characters are masterfully played by this wonderful cast which included Aaron Eckert, Laura Linney, Valerie Mahaffey, Mike O’Malley, Jamey Sheridan, and a host of others.
The film does a fantastic job of going back into his history so as to establish the kind of pilot he is. We are allowed to see that, as a youth, he was encouraged by his instructor and as a young man, in Vietnam, he was able to land a plane in another very dangerous situation.
We’re introduced to his family specifically his wife and how much this weighed on her. How she had to come to groups with the idea that she might have lost her husband that day. We see how they communicated with each other through this ordeal. We are, also allowed to see how the media onslaught took it’s toll on them and how they tried to maintain normalcy through out this whole ordeal.
The film brings us into the investigation that situation. We see him speaking to the review board, several of his superiors, as well as the federal officials. We’re also allowed to see the struggles that he had to face within himself. The struggle within his mind, the “did he do the right thing?”, “did he make the right decision?”, “what could have gone wrong”, and things of that nature. I think that is the part of the film that I appreciated the most.
It was also an interesting dichotomy portrayed in this film. We are shown that while the world praised him for his heroism, his superiors seem to want to do everything they could to prove that he made the wrong choice.
I found that the story unfolded in such a fluid, smooth fashion that by the time the film was over I was surprised that it had ended (This is close to a 3 hour movie by the way). I don’t know that I could more highly recommend this film! The subtlety of how this film unfolds is worthy of note and reason enough to see this film!
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The Perfect Couple on Netflix – A Twisty and Engrossing Thriller
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Netflix’s The Perfect Couple offers an intriguing blend of suspense, romance, and family drama, wrapped in a murder mystery that leaves viewers guessing until the very end. Based on the best-selling novel by Elin Hilderbrand, the limited series dives deep into the complexities of relationships, secrets, and privilege in a story that pulls you in from the very first scene.
The show centers around the seemingly perfect union of Celeste and Jake, a couple whose idyllic Hamptons wedding turns nightmarish when a dead body is discovered. As tensions rise, secrets start to unravel, revealing that beneath the glamour and charm, dark truths and betrayals run deep.
Nicole Kidman delivers a magnetic performance as the matriarch, Annabelle, effortlessly conveying both vulnerability and authority. Her scenes are riveting, and she adds an underlying intensity to the family dynamics. Liev Schreiber as the groom’s father, Tag, gives a grounded and nuanced performance that complements Kidman’s. The young couple, played by Dakota Fanning as Celeste and Billy Magnussen as Jake, share a complex chemistry that evolves with each revelation, keeping viewers both captivated and unsettled.
The plot’s pacing is handled well, with each episode unveiling new layers of the story, drawing audiences deeper into the lives of these flawed characters. The series masterfully combines flashbacks and present-day scenes to reveal motives and hidden relationships, creating a web of suspense and intrigue. While the murder-mystery element drives the narrative, the story’s emotional weight rests on the characters’ strained relationships and societal pressures. This balance between mystery and drama is both compelling and refreshing.
Shot against the stunning backdrop of the Hamptons, the cinematography elevates the series, capturing the dichotomy of beauty and darkness within the affluent world of the characters. The lavish settings, paired with a haunting soundtrack, create an unsettling yet luxurious atmosphere that enhances the story’s tone.
While the series is an absorbing watch, the storyline sometimes stretches plausibility with a few twists that feel overly dramatized. At times, the show leans into melodrama, but the strong performances and complex character arcs keep it grounded enough to stay engaging. Fans of psychological thrillers might find the plot a bit predictable, but the character-driven drama and twists offer enough surprises to keep the experience fresh.
The Perfect Couple is a gripping watch for fans of high-stakes family drama and suspenseful thrillers. With a stellar cast, a visually captivating setting, and a storyline that keeps you hooked, it’s a binge-worthy series that digs deep into the layers of human relationships and the secrets we keep. This series is perfect for a weekend watch, delivering just the right amount of intrigue and emotional depth to satisfy thriller enthusiasts.
Rating: 4/5
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Dragon Ball Daima – A Fresh, Nostalgic Adventure for Dragon Ball Fans
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Dragon Ball Daima has landed on Crunchyroll, and it’s a wild, unexpected, yet nostalgic ride that blends the classic energy of Dragon Ball with some bold new twists. This latest addition to the Dragon Ball universe doesn’t just revive the beloved characters and world – it reimagines them, serving up fan-favorite elements while introducing some surprises that make it feel fresh.
In Dragon Ball Daima, the story takes an exciting turn when a mysterious magic spell transforms Goku, Vegeta, and others into children. This reversion back to childlike forms brings a fun, youthful energy to the series that harks back to Dragon Ball GT. Yet, unlike GT, which was often divisive among fans, Daima leverages the “de-aging” twist to delve into new adventures with an old-school vibe. As the characters face familiar threats with newfound challenges in their younger bodies, the plot offers a balance of high-stakes action and a humorous, nostalgic tone that longtime fans will love.
Toei Animation outdid themselves with Dragon Ball Daima. The colors are vibrant, the action sequences are fluid, and the character designs blend the retro look of Dragon Ball Z with a modern twist. The reimagined character designs – especially seeing iconic fighters like Vegeta and Goku as kids again – add a fresh visual layer that makes the series feel lighthearted yet intense, capturing the unique spirit of Dragon Ball.
One of the best aspects of Daima is how it allows fans to reconnect with the characters in a fun new context. Goku’s mischievous personality shines in his younger form, and seeing Vegeta adjusting to being small again is a constant source of amusement. Their dynamic is still strong, yet with new challenges in the mix. The voice acting is top-notch, with Masako Nozawa (Goku) and Ryo Horikawa (Vegeta) bringing the characters to life in ways that feel familiar yet fresh.
Dragon Ball Daima doesn’t hold back on the action, delivering the classic fast-paced, energy-charged battles that fans love, albeit with some interesting limitations due to the characters’ transformed states. The action scenes are a perfect blend of old and new, with each battle sequence bringing out the strategic side of the characters as they work around their changed abilities. The pacing is also well-balanced, keeping the story engaging without feeling rushed or dragging on.
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Anime Review: Tower of God
Rating: 8.5/10
Tower of God is a unique anime that dives deep into a mysterious world filled with peril, ambition, and complex character motivations. Based on the popular South Korean webtoon by SIU, the series combines fantasy, action, and psychological drama in a way that keeps viewers engaged with every episode.
The story follows Bam, a boy who’s spent his entire life in a dark cave until he meets Rachel, his only friend. When Rachel disappears to climb the mysterious Tower in search of something greater, Bam sets out to find her, stepping into a world full of strange creatures, powerful individuals, and unyielding rules. The Tower promises anything to those who reach the top, from wealth to power, and even the realization of one’s deepest desires. However, each level is a deadly challenge, and Bam soon discovers that the Tower’s residents—both friends and foes—have their own motives and secrets.
The art style is unique, slightly rough but incredibly fitting for the otherworldly setting of the Tower. While some of the animation might feel less polished compared to high-budget series, Tower of God’s style has an authentic, almost raw feel that captures the danger and mystery of each level. The color palette shifts from dark tones to striking colors, setting the mood for each scene and making the intense battles and emotional moments stand out.
One of the show’s biggest strengths is its cast. Bam, the protagonist, is intriguing as he starts naive and innocent but quickly grows more complex as he learns the reality of climbing the Tower. Khun, a strategic and cunning character, becomes a fan favorite due to his loyalty and calculated mindset. Then there’s Rak, a battle-hungry giant with a hilarious personality, bringing some much-needed humor. The character dynamics are strong, and each character’s backstory adds depth, making them feel real and memorable.
Tower of God explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. It also delves into how power and desire shape individuals and relationships. The Tower itself serves as a metaphor for the hurdles people face in pursuit of what they want most, and it challenges the characters’ morals and values along the way.
Soundtrack: The soundtrack, composed by Kevin Penkin, is exceptional and elevates the anime to another level. The music captures the mystery and tension of the Tower while bringing an almost haunting beauty to the series. Tracks like “Against the Sky” are intense and epic, fitting the show’s dramatic tone.
Tower of God is a must-watch for fans of dark fantasy and psychological thrillers. It combines a complex storyline with unpredictable twists, layered characters, and thought-provoking themes. However, it does leave some questions unanswered and ends on a cliffhanger, so it may feel incomplete without a continuation. Overall, Tower of God offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre and a deep, rewarding journey up the Tower for anyone willing to follow Bam’s quest.