Sully by Chesley B. Sullenberger III

Very good movie – especially if you like aircraft or are a pilot

I’ve watched this so many times. The way it’s cut up and put together is a little confusing but overall brilliant. Very inspirational, especially the end credit scenes with the real pilot and passengers.

Loved this movie! Tom Hanks did amazing. This is my second time watching it.

On January 15, 2009, an Airbus A320, taking off from LaGuardia airport in NYC, bound for Charlotte, NC, as US Airways flight 1549, struck a flock of geese and immediately lost all power in both engines. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger was the pilot. His able First Officer was Jeffrey Skiles. He had about 30 seconds to decide: Could he make it back to LaGuardia with no engine power or would he have to ditch it in the Hudson River? Most of us remember that he made a successful water landing in the Hudson and that all 155 passengers and his crew survived, mainly uninjured though a bit wet and cold. After a final check of the plane, Sullenberger was the last one off. A true hero, and he would be hailed as one.

“No good deed goes unpunished,” as the expression has it. It is a central theme of this movie directed by Clint Eastwood, which was released in 2016. Like most of us, I liked Tom Hanks in “Forest Gump.” I was most disappointed in the movie, and his performance in “Hologram for the King.” However, in “Sully,” I think he played Sullenberger brilliantly, conveying both his self-doubt and his quiet heroism.

Much of the movie involves the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into the actions of the two men. The toady “Monday morning quarterback” bureaucrats were also brilliantly played, as they attempted to prove the two men were negligent in their actions: “When was your last drink?” “What problems were you having at home.” “Our records indicate that one of the engines still had power… but we can’t show you the data… we want no more leaks to the press.”

Somehow Eastwood recreated, with some computer graphics, but clearly some very real people, the actual crash in the Hudson and how the quick reaction of boat captains and helicopter rescue crews bailed some of the passengers out of the very cold water. Also, Eastwood provided an effective portrayal of the often derided “coffee, tea or me” stewardesses who knew what to do in a once-in-a-lifetime emergency, got the passengers to brace for the landing and got them off the plane.

“I eyeballed it,” was Sullenberger’s response as to why he chose the Hudson… “based on my four decades of flying experience.” “I did not have the altitude to return to LaGuardia.” But in far-off Toulouse (France), computer simulations were created that “proved” they could have made it back to LaGuardia, much to the delight of the NTSB bureaucrats.

“This wasn’t a video game; this was life and death…” “What about the 30 seconds?” Oh!

There are an impressive 24,000 reviews for this movie. Almost all of the very few 1-star reviews are complaints about the quality of the DVD, not the movie itself. Amidst the sordidness of our public life, there remains a yearning for a real hero. Self-effacing. Willing to question the properness of his own actions, but, in the end, concluding: “We did our jobs.”

The best one-liner was the answer to what they would have done differently. “We would have done it in July.” 5-stars, plus.

Sully” is a compelling biographical drama directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Tom Hanks in the titular role of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger. The film chronicles the true story of the heroic emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.”

Tom Hanks delivers a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Captain Sully, capturing the essence of the experienced pilot faced with an unprecedented and life-threatening situation. Hanks effectively conveys Sully’s calm professionalism, inner turmoil, and unwavering dedication to the safety of his passengers and crew, bringing a sense of authenticity and emotional depth to the character.

Clint Eastwood’s direction masterfully balances the intense and suspenseful reenactment of the emergency landing with the aftermath and investigation that followed. The film delves into the media frenzy, public scrutiny, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) inquiry into Sully’s decision-making during the crisis, providing a thought-provoking exploration of heroism, human error, and the impact of split-second decisions.

The supporting cast, including Aaron Eckhart as First Officer Jeff Skiles, contributes strong performances that bolster the emotional core of the film. The camaraderie and mutual respect between Sully and Skiles are portrayed with authenticity, adding a layer of warmth and humanity to the narrative.

One of the standout features of “Sully” is its technical excellence, particularly in the riveting depiction of the emergency landing sequence. The visual effects, sound design, and cinematography come together seamlessly to create a visceral and immersive experience that places viewers in the heart of the harrowing ordeal faced by the passengers and crew of Flight 1549.

Overall, “Sully” is a poignant and inspirational film that honors the real-life heroism of Captain Chesley Sullenberger and the remarkable “Miracle on the Hudson.” With its strong performances, compelling storytelling, and meticulous attention to detail, the movie serves as a tribute to courage, professionalism, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a must-watch for audiences seeking a stirring and uplifting cinematic experience.

Buenisima