The Top 10 Tom Hanks Performances

Many have labeled him as, "the greatest living actor", but I've always referred to Tom Hanks as. "the best actor of all-time". Throughout Hanks' long and illustrious career as an entertainer he's just about done it all. Therefore, to coincide with the release of his latest Oscar contending drama, Steve Spielberg's Bridge of Spies, I'm devoting October's Movie List of the Month to the Top 10 performances of Hanks' career (September's List).

*** The list is courtesy of Reel True's Greg Rouleau

#10. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

It wouldn’t have been a shock if Hanks became the king of the rom-coms after Nora Ephron’s touching tale of a widowed man’s pursuit of new love with the help of his son.  The chemistry between Hanks and Meg Ryan was so palpable, Ephron reunited the two just five years later in You’ve Got Mail.  But it’s Hanks’ undeniable ability to garner empathy and laughs in Sleepless in Seattle that earns his performance a spot on this “best of” list.

#9. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

This breezy 2002 caper is certainly Leo’s show, but it’s difficult to argue that Dicaprio’s Frank Abagnale Jr. doesn’t work quite as well without the understated turn of Hanks’ Carl Hanratty.  Hanks gives the diligent, hard-nosed FBI agent the perfect amount of sympathy as he’s outwitted by Abagnale at every turn, eventually becoming somewhat of a father figure to the “kid” as the two play off each other wonderfully in one of Spielberg’s best. 

#8. Captain Phillips (2013) 

Hanks’ final scene in Captain Phillips alone is enough to earn him a spot on the list.  Those harrowing final moments for Hanks’ character as he deals with the aftermath of experiencing such a traumatic ordeal at the hands of Somalian pirates are heart-wrenching. That’s not to say he didn’t offer a great showing throughout the rest of the movie as the sturdy and steadfast Captain Richard Phillips in a role that was snubbed by the Academy that year, but the final scene for Hanks is some of his best work to date.  

#7. Apollo 13 (1995) 

Coming off of back-to-back Best Actor Oscar wins, Hanks seemed poised for an unprecedented third straight victory for his portrayal of Jim Lovell in Ron Howard’s Apollo 13.  Hanks failed to receive a nomination that year but that doesn’t take away from what is one of the most compelling performances of an incredible oeuvre.  In particular, this role highlights one of the best decades an actor could ever dream of having and Apollo 13 was Hanks at his peak. 

#6. Forrest Gump (1994)

Hanks second Best Actor Oscar was earned for what is possibly his hallmark performance as the title character in Robert Zemeckis’ Forrest Gump.  There’s an infectious charm to the simple southerner who experiences love, war, tragedy and triumph during his odyssey and an ease in which Hanks makes it all so believable as he rattles off numerous quotable lines one after another.  It was a well-earned second straight trip to the podium for Mr. Hanks. 

#5. A League of Their Own (1992)

For my money, A League of Their Own is the best baseball story ever put to screen and, despite a great ensemble of actresses, it’s Hanks’ Jimmy Dugan that steals the show.  He’s electric as the has-been slugger that begrudgingly takes the role of manager for the Rockford Peaches and is eventually turned into a loving mentor to the team.  It’s a great arc for the actor who got his start in comedy and gets to show off his impressive comedic timing here with just enough heart to make us love him, too. 

#4. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

From the moment we see the trembling hand of Tom Hanks’ Captain Miller over a canteen, we’re transported to the beaches of Normandy in a strikingly realistic portrayal of the D-Day invasion.  It’s the best of the Hanks and Spielberg collaborations and although much of the film’s marvels are contributed to Spielberg’s deft hand, it’s Hanks visceral, somber performance that complements this brutal examination of men at war. 

#3. Cast Away (2000)

It takes a special kind of actor that can keep an audience captivated while being the sole performer for a majority of a film.  Hanks was up to the challenge in 2000’s Cast Away as he was reunited with Forrest Gump director, Robert Zemeckis.  While the movie isn’t as strong as the performance, it was a great way to remind us why we love Tom Hanks.  After the impressive resume he accumulated throughout the ‘90s, he starts off the 2000’s with another gem here that deservedly earned him his fifth and most recent Oscar nomination. 

#2. Philadelphia (1993)

A gay man dying of AIDS and fighting his former employer over wrongful termination couldn’t seem more Oscar-baity, and this was exactly the role that earned Hanks his first Academy Award.  Despite the obvious award’s allure a role like this would come with, it’s the most emotional and nuanced, dramatic performance Hanks has ever put on screen. 

#1. Big (1988)

It was the flip of a coin to determine the best Tom Hanks performance, and here’s the argument for Big: strong comedic performances are often under-appreciated.  In addition, there’s a nice blend of drama and heart in here that allows Hanks to show off his impressive range, essentially putting him on the map as a major star who could pull off the more dramatic roles he would earn in the ‘90s. The film also landed Hanks his first and very deserved Oscar nomination.  

Brooklyn

Film: Brooklyn

Starring: Saoirse Ronan (Atonement), Emory Cohen (The Place Beyond the Pines) and Domhnall Gleeson (Ex-Machina)

Director: John Crowley (Boy A)

U.S. Release: November 4th, 2015 (Rated PG-13)

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 111 minutes


In a bit of a perplexing twist, the 2015 cinematic slate appears to be dominated by a barrage of brilliant female performances. Typically, there are a dozen or so male roles every year worthy of Oscar discussion while the Best Actress race is sometimes relegated to dip into the foreign film ranks to help fill out its top five. Yet, 2015 has broken the mold and churned out an exceptional list of leading ladies primed to claim a highly coveted Oscar statue, and Brooklyn's star, Saoirse Ronan, finds herself nestled in the thick of the race.

After receiving the rare opportunity to travel to America in the 1950s and being set up with a job at a retail store and a place to stay, Irish native, Eilis Lacey (Ronan) leaves her elder sister and mother behind as she embarks on a new journey. Settling down in Brooklyn, New York, Eilis struggles coping with home sicknesses until she meets a charming Italian man named Tony (Emory Cohen) who sweeps her off her feet. Their relationship blossoms until Eiles is forced to venture back to Ireland where she is pursued by a wealthy and dashing young man (Domhnall Gleeson) who begs her to stay. Torn between these two wonderful men, Eilis must buckle down and choose the right destiny for her.

John Crowley's Brooklyn serves as a pleasing love story largely elevated by the refined onscreen work of its leading star, Saoirse Ronan. The gifted performer shines through a graceful and soft spoken character that forms an instantaneous bond with the audience. Her performance is complemented by a notable turn from supporting star, Emory Cohen. As someone put off by Cohen's small role in the 2012 drama, The Place Beyond the Pines, the actor re-brands himself in this winning drama. The entire ensemble is worthy of recognition as the complete cast plays a vital role in bringing Nick Hornby's delightful script to life, but it's the envious chemistry between Ronan and Cohen that sets the perfect tone for Brooklyn's triumphant love story.

Despite admirable acting and a top-notch screenplay, the films stumbles greatly in its third act. Brooklyn feels like it's on the clock and, as a result, this adapted story speeds through an ineffective and disingenuous love triangle in order to fall under the two-hour threshold. In addition, I've always praised the career work of supporting actor Domhnall Gleeson, yet he's completely mishandled in the role of Jim Farrell, Eilis' romantic interest when she returns home to Ireland. Unfortunately, this abrupt finale stands as a clear and tragic detractor from an otherwise brilliant film.

In what's become the mantra of the year, Brooklyn resides as another very stellar, yet unforgivably flawed, title. Thankfully, a witty screenplay and talented performers remain as the lasting memory with budding filmmaker, John Crowley's, latest work. You should expect to hear Saoirse Ronan's name during the awards season and a Best Picture nomination for Brooklyn would certainly be warranted as well.


Stars: 3 stars out of 4

Grade: B+

Rapid Reviews: Carol and Anomalisa

One of the most anticipated films to play at this year's Philadelphia Film Festival is the latest adapted drama from Todd Haynes, Carol. At the center of the film is two-time Academy Award winner, Cate Blanchett. And outside of the indisputable icon of female performers, Meryl Streep, Blanchett may be the most prominent actress in Hollywood today. But despite the enormous talents of the film's leading lady, Carol struggles to capture the deepest emotions of its audience.

This 1950s set feature follows a separated wife and mother, Carol Aird (Blanchett), whose history of sexual relationships with other women put her on thin ice with her husband. But when she refuses his final attempt at reconciling their marriage and, instead, pursues a much younger department store clerk named Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), Carol jeopardizes her ongoing legal battle for joint custody of her daughter.

First and foremost, Cate Blanchett continues her long string of top-flight work with a turn that warrants the Oscar buzz which surrounds it. Rooney Mara delivers a fine performance in her own right, as does fellow supporting star, Sarah Paulson. However, all of this notable work is lost in an inept script and sluggishly paced film. Running at nearly a two-hour clip, a trudging and uneventful story regrettably spoils an otherwise superbly acted tale of true love.


Stars: 2 stars out of 4

Grade: C+

Although this year's Opening Night selection felt a little peculiar, no one can deny the Philadelphia Film Festival's knack for drawing well-renowned industry talent. In town to rep his latest cerebral concoction, Academy Award winner Charlie Kaufman (writer of Adaptation and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) unveiled his and Duke Johnson's Venice winning stop-motion animated drama, Anomalisa.

Michael Stone (voice of David Thewlis) is a husband and father away on a business trip to Cincinnati where he's scheduled to give a big speech. While traveling he finds himself resenting the monotony of his life and pursues a pair of star-struck fans who are attending his talk the next day. That night he meets Lisa (voice of Jennifer Jason Leigh), a woman unlike any other who sends his emotions into a tailspin.

In a smart and clever fashion, Anomalisa represents another winning effort from the mind of Charlie Kaufman. The unique visionary provides an artistically diverse effort that breaks from conventional storytelling. Despite massively outreaching its running time to an almost unnecessary 90 minutes, Anomalisa sets itself apart as a mastery of all the senses. See, feel and listen your way though another brainy and exquisite piece of work from Charlie Kaufman.


Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4

Grade: B-

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Official) and Hail Caesar Trailers

All I can say is, "Wow"! When it comes to the legendary Star Wars franchise that I hold in such high regard, in J.J. Abrams I trust. After an unfortunate trio of prequels tainted the late 1990s and early 2000s, visionary J.J. Abrams appears to have set the iconic franchise back on course. With the plot still extremely tight-lipped, all I can confirm is that Episode VII - The Force Awakens is set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. The footage looks amazing and Christmas truly can't come fast enough, see for yourself below.





In February 2006, we get an unusual early-year treat from Joel & Ethan Coen. The prolific filmmaking siblings return with the comedy Hail, Caesar! starring George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum and Josh Brolin. The is set in 1950s Hollywood where a "fixer" is hired to handle a difficult situation after a film star is kidnapped and held for ransom during production of a huge blockbuster. The Coen brothers have a successful history of delivering on humor, so that makes Hail Caesar! something worth looking forward to this February.

Bridge of Spies

Film: Bridge of Spies

Starring: Tom Hanks (Captain Phillips) and Mark Rylance (The Gunman)

Director: Steven Spielberg (Lincoln)

U.S. Release: October 16th, 2015 (Rated PG-13)

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 141 minutes


Whenever the great Steven Spielberg takes a seat in the director's chair, audiences worldwide watch intently in hopes of another epic masterpiece. That comes with the territory when you're a two-time Academy Award winning filmmaker. But even though Spielberg has cemented his legacy with classics like Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Raiders of the Lost Ark and E.T., it's unreasonable to confuse his latest winning effort, Bridge of Spies, with these other exceptional films.

After insurance lawyer, James Donovan (Tom Hanks), is handed the undesirable task of defending a newly arrested Soviet spy (Mark Rylance) during the height of the Cold War, his dedication to The Constitution and his belief that his client deserves a fair trial turn Donovan into a social target. But when an American pilot is shot down and captured by Soviet forces, Donovan must venture to Europe and negotiate an exchange of prisoners between these two enemies. With an entire nation relying on his efforts, Donovan must put his greatest bargaining skills to the test.

There are plenty of highlights surrounding Steven Spielberg's finest motion picture in over a decade, but perhaps none shine brighter than a terrific collaborative screenplay from Mark Charman and the Coen brothers. Their charming and witty dialogue form the foundation for this Oscar destined feature. And who better to bring these words to life then the greatest living actor, Tom Hanks? The two-time Academy Award winning actor shows he still has the skills to compete with the best as he nails the performance and makes a strong case for contending in the wide-open Best Actor race. But despite the massive amount of screen time devoted to Hanks' James Donovan character, supporting star Mark Rylance does an outstanding job of standing toe to toe with his highly regarded counterpart. Rylance's exceptional turn as a detained Soviet spy becomes so memorable that he feels like a safe bet in the Supporting Actor competition. Bridge of Spies also benefits from sound direction at the hands of Steven Spielberg, leaving the film as another all-around solid effort from the legendary director.

Although engaging dialogue and impressive performances sustain Bridge of Spies, the feature also suffers in a few notable areas. The intriguing true story being examined is actually quite simplistic. However, in typical Spielberg fashion, he finds a way to out-stretch the series of events into an unnecessary two hour and twenty minute affair. By the closing moments you'll be begging for the credits to roll and it's an unfortunate reality. In addition, after a gripping opening sequence that works perfectly on all levels, the film finds itself completely fixated on Tom Hanks and his character, James Donovan. Consequently, all of the difficult circumstances surrounding the captured U.S. pilot are blatantly overlooked and make it extremely difficult for the audience to forge a connection when these time-sensitive negotiations begin. Clearly these blemishes prevent Bridge of Spies from being an instant classic, yet the film still manages to do a stellar job of entertaining the viewer.

In what has become a recurring theme with 2016's lackluster collection of releases, Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies culminates as another good, but certainly not great, title. The film is worthy of a viewing for its Oscar-caliber performances from Hanks and Rylance, but just make sure to temper your expectations.


Stars: 3 stars out of 4

Grade: B

Room

Film: Room

Starring: Brie Larson (Short Term 12) and Jacob Tremblay

Director: Lenny Abrahamson (Frank)

U.S. Release: October 16th, 2015 (Limited Release - Rated R)

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 118 minutes


It was only two short years ago when I clamored for a budding female talent, Brie Larson, to receive her first Oscar Nomination for a gutsy and daring performance in the under-appreciated 2013 drama, Short Term 12. And despite Larson's unforgivable snub from the Academy that year, I still knew she would continue seeking out deep, personal roles that would eventually land her in the spotlight. Well, it didn't take long as Brie Larson's towering performance in the winner of the Toronto International Film Festival's highly coveted Audience Award, Room, is about to change the landscape of her career.

Larson stars as a young mother held captive in a 10 x 10 shed with her five year old son, Jack (Jacob Tremblay). Having been kidnapped seven years prior and forced into a life as a personal sex slave for her captor, she eventually gives birth to his biological son. This room serves as the only world Jack has ever known, and his mother does her very best to raise him with the hopes of one day being freed from this prison on earth.

Lenny Abrahamson's Room is a riveting drama adapted from Emma Donoghue's international best-selling novel of the same name. A shocking story molded straight from the darkest evils of real life, the film examines the physical and emotional torment of a young mother tasked with putting on a courageous front for her naive child. Room relies on unmatched performances to bring its unimaginable story to life. Leading lady Brie Larson is no longer a star in the making, she's officially arrived. Her confidence to tackle challenging roles such as this one is almost as impressive as the acting showcase she puts on full display. Larson's natural chemistry with her onscreen son and child actor, Jacob Tremblay, is an absolute marvel, Together they form a 1-2 punch that's guaranteed to stand alongside any other casting ensemble this year. These beautifully developed characters allow the audience to join them on their gut-wrenching journey from prisoners to psychologically scarred news headliners. Room draws you in from start to finish with an engrossing and earnest story unlike anything you've ever encountered.

For as impressive as the film is, there are still a few low points that reveal themselves. Filmmaker Lenny Abrahamson leaves some meat on the bone with his direction. While it never becomes a deterrence to the film, there's nothing that stands out from a technical standpoint. Furthermore, Room's second half, which focuses on the mother's difficulty readjusting to the real world and questioning her parental choices, feels slightly rushed for such an integral part of the story. And since the film's running time amounts to an appropriate two-hours, a few alterations to the plot may have improved her unconventionally abrupt mental decline. But despite these apparent weaker aspects of the movie, Room unfolds terrifically and states its case as a legitimate awards season contender.

Some moviegoers venture to movie theaters for fun-filled amusement and simple pleasures. Room is hardly a joy to watch. Instead, the film uses a horrific backdrop to lure the audience into a compelling and realistic story of a mother's unwavering love for her child. Larson's inherent maternal instincts are convincing enough to give her a true shot at Oscar immortality. Room does a superb job of standing tall and separating itself as one of the 2015's finest entries.


Stars: 3 and a half stars out of 4

Grade: A-