"Here's to the ones who Dream" La La Land Review

La La Land

5/5

Written and Directed by: Damien Chazelle

Rated: PG-13

           An original modern day cinematic musical; could it be done? It hadn't been done in over 50 years. Why make a new one? Director and writer Damien Chazelle states in a featurette, "I became interested in this idea of how do you use color and music and sets and costumes as expressionistic elements of old school movie making. How do you use those to tell an emotional story, but update it in a way that felt modern?" Here is his answer. La La Land is an original modern day cinematic musical, and it's extraordinary.
           From the first showstopper to the final curtain call, Chazelle's direction is admissible. One of his strong suits are his film's edits, and these were done by editor Tom Cross. The cuts in La La Land range from zero to innumerable. Unbroken takes felicitate the vibrato of La La Land's massive musical numbers, while rapid jumps keep the speed up in the jazz numbers. The pace of the film is a perfect fit, and it respects the film's cinematic exoticness. Though it features improbable visual aspects, La La Land's make believe world of lights and stars never detracts from the audience's viewing experience. Along with Chazelle's choice of vibrant colors and iconic set design, the film's aesthetics are exemplarily.
           Even though the nature of La La Land is fantastical, its characters are beyond real. Emma Stone's character, Mia, is brought to life with heart. Stone plays a barista in Hollywood, who longs for one successful audition to start her career as a silver screen actress. Accompanying Stone is Ryan Gosling as the charming prick, Sebastian. Gosling plays the role of a pianist who desires to have his own personalized jazz club. La La Land also features splendid performances by John Legend and Finn Wittrock. There's also a spot of high brow humor brought in an excellent scene with J.K. Simmons. La La Land's cast is outstanding, and its two leads, Gosling and Stone, gave all of their energy to give this film its magic.
           Gosling and Stone prepared tirelessly for their roles. According to IMDB.com Gosling "spent two hours a day, six days a week in piano lessons learning the music by heart...He was able to play all the piano sequences seen in the film." Gosling's instrumental playing is beautifully complimented by Stone's wonderful singing. Her voice ranges along a spectrum of innocent, catty, exuberant, agonized, desperate, and vulnerable. To top all of this off, their dancing is sharp and delightful. Each move is motivated and newly alive. Gosling and Stone's preparation paid off, because Mia and Sebastian's relationship is one audiences will embrace and adore for generations.
           What would Gosling and Stone's singing and dancing be, if they had no music? This is brought in by composer Justin Hurwitz. The music of La La Land soars above imagination and past the realm of thought. Hurwitz's pieces touch the heart and embrace life. His soundtrack alone tells Mia and Sebastian's story. Leitmotifs are the repetitious paragraphs. Chords display the mood. Themes illustrate the characters. Reprises unfold the changes in their relationship. A final medley recaptures their life. It is tremendous.
           La La Land's direction shines, its characters fascinate, and its music soars, but all of this could have fallen apart due to a lacking screenplay. If the lines were too light hearted or the lyrics simplistic, this film could have been written off as matinee fluff. Thank writer Chazelle and lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul for their wonderful work, because La La Land's screenplay is remarkable. With a clever balance of bright humor and melancholic tenderness, the dialogue is memorable and impactful. There is humor, charm, and passion present in every frame. The lyrics are whimsical and unforeseeable. When a song seems predictable, it becomes newly captivating.
           La La Land's lyrics and script are, like the rest of the film, magnificent. It has been a long time since filmmakers dared to make movies like this, and even longer since there has been an uplifting film made with this refined quality. La La Land is a dreamer's love letter worth viewing with friends and family in theatres, or, if nothing else, seeing when it receives home release. Do not let this chance pass you by. Seize it with open arms. Let yourself be carried away to La La Land.

Verdict: La La Land is an original cinematic technicolor marvel of a musical, with admirable direction, spectacular performances by leads Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, and wonderful music.

"What law is there sayin' I got to like you?" Fences Review

Fences

4/5

Directed by: Denzel Washington

Written by: August Wilson

Rated: PG-13

           In 1983 renowned playwright August Wilson published his Pulitzer prize winning drama, Fences, a story of broken redemption about the life of a man who was father, brother, and son. Although several film studios wanted to make adaptations of it, no one knew how to take a story with one set, less than ten characters, with all of its action in the dialogue and make it into a compelling film. For years Fences was referred to as an "unfilmable" script. Denzel Washington heard none of that.

           If anyone could give justice to August Wilson's tragic and peerless script, it would be Denzel Washington. This is the third film he has directed. He also directed Antwone Fisher (2002) and The Great Debaters (2007). Denzel has already performed in Fences on Broadway in 2010, so he has a strong grasp of the beats and units within the story. His deliberate choices of when to go wide or when to go close up increase the intensity of scenes. He uses the positions of his characters to visually illustrate relationships, placing two friends further and further apart in frame until their friendship breaks. He even makes certain background elements stand out or take precedence in a shot, giving Fences its own iconic imagery. Since August Wilson's play could be done as an audio drama, it is incredible how Denzel gave this film visual impact beyond its dialogic impress.

           The main reason Fences was thought to be an "unfilmable" script is because a literal description of the play is people talk at a house. The beauty of Fences script is in its subtext. A simple scene about a son repaying a loan is about a father letting go of his hubris. Everything means something more than its surface. Often times the most crucial elements of the script are the words not said, such as "truth" "hate" and "love". In the script's darkest moments there is humor, which makes it humane. In life laughing and crying are never far apart from each other, and this script acknowledges this to the fullest. It never feels fake. Fences' script is a masterpiece in the hands of gifted talent, and this cast is gifted.

           What places this film's cast of characters above other films is their choice to not play characters. They are people; real people. Nothing is forced. There's no hesitation in anyone's performance. They are heartbreaking and heartfelt. The frontrunners are Denzel Washington as the arrogant Troy and Viola Davis as his faithful wife, Rose. Both received acting nominations in this year's Golden Globes, and why is a no brainer. These two are palpable on screen. Their relationship is a beautiful explosion. Though it wrenches the heart to watch the destruction, you can not help but stare in shock and wonder at the fire and what might survive its flames. Audiences will never forget what they witnessed, nor will they forget what they learned from this family. Fences has much to say. Listen.

Verdict: Fences is a heartbreaking and heartfelt film with iconic visuals, a masterpiece script, and an unforgettable cast of real people.

"Rebellions are built on Hope" Rogue One Review

Rogue One

3.5/5

Directed By: Gareth Edwards

Rated: PG- 13

           Since the year 1977, The Star Wars franchise has been breaking new ground on the fields of special effects, sound mixing and editing, and production design, and now with their first of many anthology films, they are breaking new ground again. Aside from their upcoming and eagerly awaited eighth episode, Rogue One is the first of new additions to the seven Star Wars movies audiences have come to know and enjoy. Rogue One is a story of a planetary threat's shadow, an empire resolute on bending the galaxy to their will, and a sinister leader discontent with anything less than total rule through fear. It is a story of a young woman torn away from her only family, a ragtag team of fighters apart of a newborn rebellion, and the single most important mission this team would ever execute.
           What separates this story from the other entries in the Star Wars galaxy, is Rogue One's steadfast main team of characters. Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is our able bodied heroine on this impossible mission. She is a daring and dynamic character, who, I am glad to say, is a great addition to the growing cast of Star Wars characters. Leading her on this mission is the alliance member Cassian (Diego Luna), a conflicted and cunning man. More than just the team's captain, Cassian is a sharpshooting pilot and an important mentor to Jyn. Their co- pilot is K-S20 (Alan Tudyk), an imperial droid who, since his reprogramming, has gotten into the habit of speaking whatever is on his circuits. These three are later accompanied by four other crew members, each with their own personalized fighting style and individual motivation to fight. When these seven members come together, the audience benefits. From their entertaining back and forth banter, comical witticisms, and admirable cooperative fighting style, this team is unforgettable. When they enter the heat of battle, there's no stopping them, and they will fight to the bitter end.
           Their mission brings them to distant planets, close to the grasps of death, and into the heart of the Empire. The story's vitality is shown through it's impressive action scenes, most of them featuring well crafted visual effects, precisely choreographed close quarters combat sequences, and heart stopping moments of suspense. Sadly though, this story is a slow burner, and it regrettably takes about 45 minutes for the movie's spark to ignite its fuse. The pacing in the opening half of the film is sluggish and at some points overbearingly gritty. There is a copious amount of tedious scenes, and it's easy to pick out which ones are unnecessary. It distracts from the story, and removes audiences from the cinematic wonder the film is trying to have.
           Once these scenes are over with, the rest of the film is fully engaging. Rogue One features one of the greatest climaxes I have witnessed in theatres (not just Star Wars climaxes, but film climaxes in general). It's gripping, action packed, and intense. The special effects are incredible, the action is fast paced, and it plays out on three different interacting stages. This film's crisis is worth the price of admission, for any Star Wars fan, however those who are new to Star Wars would do better watching this film when it comes out on home release.
           I am pleased to say, Rogue One is a good movie and a worthy start to the new Star Wars anthology films. The best aspect of these new anthology films is their potential for possibility. These new movies can introduce us to new characters, reintroduce us to some of the franchises' most familiar faces, and explore further into the galaxy far far away that audiences have come to know and love. I look forward to these new films, and I have to wonder where are we going next.

Verdict: Rogue One is a good film with an impressive cast of various characters, a good amount of action, and a well done climax that is sure to leave audiences satisfied and ready for seconds.

"Yesterday, a Wizard entered New York with a Case" Fantastic Beasts Review

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

5/5

Directed By: David Yates

Written By: J.K. Rowling
Rated: PG-13

           In the roaring 20's another day begins on the busy streets of New York City. A man walks to his job at a canning factory, members of the Magical Congress of the United States (MACUSA) file wand permits, an elderly woman makes her way to the steps of a bank where she will hand out leaflets, a sister waits at home and makes clothes to pass the time, a little girl recites a nursery rhyme, a boy sits alone in the darkness of his room, and a gentleman in a blue coat arrives from across the sea with only a wand and a case, a case full of fantastic beasts.
           David Yates' Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Fantastic Beasts) is a marvelous tale of estranged wizards, brave witches, a brilliant no-maj (non-magical), a wicked family, dark and terrible presences, and a numerous multitude of remarkable creatures, who have unfortunately escaped. In its essence, the film is a simplistic story about a team searching New York for these escaped creatures. More than this, though, the film dives into elements of oppressing magic, a need for understanding the unknown, the archetypal good pursuing knowledge, and the inherit evil attending chaos.
           The first standout ingredient of Fantastic Beasts is its marvelous characters. The main protagonist is the quirky magical zoologist and lead chaser of creatures Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). Accompanying him is the inquisitively sharp MACUSA magical police officer Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterson). Joining them is the no-maj with impeccable comedic timing and an extraordinary heart, Jacob Kowalski (Dan Folger), and Tina Goldstein's delightfully splendid sister, Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol). In addition to the film's outstanding main cast is a whole city of memorable characters, such as the impressive President of the MACUSA, Seraphina Picquery (Carmen Ejogo), the cunning director of magical security, Percival Graves (Colin Farrell), and the tentative and aloof son, Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller). To say the least, all of the characters in Fantastic Beasts are uniquely genuine, and part of the joy of watching their adventure is seeing for yourself what they are capable of and where they go within this world.

           The world these characters inhabit is brought to life through the film's cinematic design. Each location is filled with detail and every object feels as if it has its own story and purpose. Every shot is engaging and often impossible to look away from. The camera movements are clearly done with care and precision, so as to bring audiences closer into the streets of 1920's New York City. The special effects and computer generated beasts are astonishing. The magic is tangible and the creatures could almost come home with you. All of these visual elements never distract from the unfurling adventure. They enhance the film by adding intensity to great battles, tenderness to soft whispers, or amazement to the next mystical creature sighting.

           Perfectly complimenting the visual aspects are Fantastic Beats' noteworthy orchestrations. The accompanying  music adds a new facet to this alluring motion picture. It is used to parallel the action on screen, and also to bring out new and indescribable feelings deeper within the story. The music also found unique ways to counteract what was happening onscreen making viewers perceive a moment with a visual and emotional perspective. I listen to the soundtrack often, for it reminds me of my splendid time at the theatre and how much I long to revisit this world.

           What makes this world so inviting by bringing these characters visual effects and musical compositions synergistically together is the story. This screenplay separates and elevates Fantastic Beasts above other films. This screenplay is an original work by J.K. Rowling (author of the Harry Potter novels), and she has outdone herself. The dialogue runs the gamut of style and tone. It is fast paced witty and hilarious, engrossing enchanting and aw inspiring, or methodical revealing and crepuscular. Like the visual design, it always enhances and never distracts. Rowling's tale always felt free and wild, as if she could take her audience anywhere. Everything Rowling yearned to show her audience was present, because unlike her Harry Potter series Fantastic Beasts is not an adaptation. There is nothing missing from it, which gives the narrative a fundament of completeness. This is the whole work, and everything in is delved into with adventurous spirit and thrilling intrigue.

           While Fantastic Beasts is an original narrative, it takes place within J.K. Rowling's familiar and wonderful world of witchcraft and wizardry. Fantastic Beasts is in a sense a prequel to the Harry Potter series, however it does not rely on the success of that franchise. The film never uses emotions drawn from the Harry Potter franchise to construct the audiences' opinion of Fantastic Beasts. There was no deliberate use of nostalgia, and all harkens back to the first eight films were not without purpose and importance in this film. Audiences do not have to see any of the first eight films in order to appreciate this new and fantastic motion picture. This is a fresh start, and I implore you to hop on board.

           There is an uncountable number of gifts Fantastic Beasts has. Perhaps the greatest gift it offers is it is a treat for everyone. In our modern culture there are ever so few films with the ability to attract viewers of all ages and keep their focuses maintained. I am delighted saying Fantastic Beasts is a film for all ages and for the ages. The youngest of children will be dazzled by the playful nature of the film's characters and creatures. Youths will be entertained by the magnitude of this new and explorable world and the darker places lurking within it. Parents can rest assured their family will have a splendid time with this picture, while they too are hooked on the dynamic drama provided in this piece. Everyone will find something magical within Fantastic Beasts they will want to relive, and there will always be something new to discover with each viewing experience.

Verdict: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an engaging adventure with a riveting screenplay by J.K. Rowling herself, marvelous characters, remarkable creatures, and breath taking visuals, making for one unforgettable experience not to be missed.

"Forget Everything you Think you Know" Doctor Strange Review

Doctor Strange

3.5/5

Directed By: Scott Derrickson

Rated: PG-13

There is more to this life than anyone can possibly imagine. What is seen in this physical world is only a fraction of what exist. In our daily lives, there is a battle raging, a battle between a greater will power and endless darkness. It is a never ending assault on us to stop pursuing a life of humility and take from this world what we believe we deserve. Every second of our lives, there is an inward struggle. It is only magnified by what exist outside, not just outside of our bodies, but outside our understanding. What can we not explain? What will we never be able to explain? Few films have dared to explore this realm, and none of them are as engaging and mesmerizing as Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange.

Doctor Strange is the story of a man, a physician, with status, wealth and talent far beyond everyone else. He is a suffering man who hoards his bountiful gifts for himself; excessively lavishing himself with luxuries, placing himself on a pedestal above his neighbors, and refusing to treat patients in fear of losing his portrait of perfection. All this is taken from him in an instant. One fateful car wreck takes away all of his perceived gifts. Without his hands to operate and his wealth to keep him blissful, he is nothing but the man he already is. Searching the world for answers and miracles, he finds a group of prudent wizards following one enlightened leader. Through his time with these enchanters, he learns powers beyond his imagination, sees dangers no man can face alone, and hears the call to rise up and become a hero.

The special effects in Doctor Strange are second to none. The psychedelic promises from the trailers are all true, and they are not disappointing. Worlds collide with each other, matter bends in on itself, skyscrapers and streets merge, and unmatched shadows flood the screen. These effects never try to deliberately wow the audience, rather they employ themselves only when necessary. There are moments when buildings are flipping in on themselves and it takes the audience's breath away, but there are other times when a simple hand reaching through a portal is all that is needed. Doctor Strange is a great balance of mesmerizing kaleidoscopic cinematic scene-scapes, and the simple graces of a man floating up out of darkness.

Beyond the special effects, and unique story elements, Doctor Strange offers tremendous performances from its entire cast. Benedict Cumberbatch is perfect casting as Dr. Stephen Strange. Without his skill and commitment for his craft, this latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe could have been just another origin story worth nothing more than simply passing the time. Thankfully, Benedict Cumberbatch plays the leading role of Dr. Stephen Strange, with charisma, charm, and an unattractive arrogance. More than any other character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Stephen Strange is dynamic. He not only rises up through gaining magical powers, but also through letting go of his ego. His development is engrossing, and worth watching.

Though the film has much to offer, there lies a great problem in Doctor Strange. Unfortunately it is a systemic one. The editing and pacing for the film is atrocious. Jump cuts do not seemed planned. The camera moves from room to room, without first establishing in which room the action originated. Characters wildly trade blows with each other, but the audience is left guessing for themselves who is winning and if they truly have the upper hand. This makes the fight scenes overbearing and difficult to pay attention to, but it is not enough to make the film unwatchable. Personally, I think most audiences will not even see this as a problem.

Marvel Studios Doctor Strange is a reminder to ourselves that there is more to life than we can possibly imagine. Stephen Strange is an excellent reminder of this. Even if all our work is lost, our efforts are in vain, and we sink lower than we could ever rise, there is always something more. There is something worth striving for greater than ourselves. For the power to flow out of your own body, fight the forces of evil with unrelenting passion, and bend time to your will is nothing compared to the true strength which comes through self sacrifice.

Verdict: Doctor Strange is a mystifying experience, with unforgettable special effects, excellent characters and a strong message on the temptations of pride and the heroics of humility.

"I Want You to Pray" Magnificent 7 Review

        The Magnificent Seven

3.5/5

Directed By: Antoine Fuqua

Rated: PG-13

              Way out west in Hollywood California, there was one film genre takin’ the land by the reigns. It was the only style of film that could be both a mighty fine shindig and a blood spittin’ brawl. The only type of film where heroes and villains never seemed too far from each other. Right around the dusty trail would come another, and another until Hollywood flooded themselves with these golden movin’ pictures. The good old 1960’s was the age of the western.

In our uptown modern society we don’t see head or tail of these fellers nowadays, but here comes a new day with the risin’ sun, and it’s blazin’ glory comes forth Antoine Fuqua’s The Magnificent Seven. It is by no means an original story, seein’ as it is a remake of John Sturges’ picture by the same the title, and his picture was based heavily on Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai.” What makes this new one so original is its new style of high stakes directin’, its colorful cast of characters, and its brilliant score composed in part by the late James Horner.

Antoine Fuqua is not known for makin’ westerns. I believe this to be his first. Based on his line of work, he’s always prided himself on how well he can capture intense modern day action. This is seen is some of his pictures, such as “Training Day,” “Olympus has Fallen,” “Shooter,” and “The Equalizer.” A common element in all these films is Antoine’s desire to go close in on action scenes, and before the action starts it’s mostly close ups of the characters themselves. Interestin’ enough, this style of directin’ makes for a quite the surefire shootout. It’s rivetin’ seein’ the sweat drip down a man’s brown before he stains his hands with gun powder and crimson. In this way Fuqua brings his viewers right into the minds of every one of his characters, so you practically know what they gonna do before you hear the pop pop pop of their glorious shootout. Good sign for a film if it can get you excited for any action scene, especially if its viewers only just saw one about five minutes ago.

The characters in this film are a wild bunch, but dadgummit they’re good. Denzel Washington is our lone pistol wielder for hire standin’ out in front of everyone else. He’s got a voice that can stop a fight and an attitude that says don’t mess with me. Chris Pratt is a likeable slicker with sharp whitt, keen eyes, and a purdy wink for all the gals. Anytime he’s on screen all eyes are on him. Aside from his role as Peter Quill in that there space film “Guardians of the Galaxy,” this may be his best performance yet. These two stars is accompanied by Ethan Hawke, Byung hun-Lee, Manuel Gracia-Ruffalo, Martin Sensmeier, and Vincent D'Onofrio. Every single one of them plays well off the other, but they are characters. They are exaggerated personas, and to some viewers that may be a little off-puttin’. But let me put your mind at ease brother, because these personas are wild, fast, cunning, sharp, soulful, fierce, and funny as hell.

The last stand-out part of this here moving picture is its magnificent score. It never strays from the moment. It never tries to impress. It heightens what is on screen, and it gives each character a deeper personality. It’s a raw sound. It penetrates the soul. The strings bring out the blue hues of the sky. The drums rip up the Earth below. The cry of a woman or the whistle in the breeze reminds us of our humanity and mortality. Quite the sight for your ears.
             The Magnificent Seven is a hoedown worth attendin’ and comin’ back to every so often, but you gotta know what you came for before you go and shell out your hard earned wages on this here picture. Ask yourself what you are comin’ for. Have you come for wide skies and barren soil? Have you come for the warmth of a woman's heart and the fire of a man’s spirit? Have you come for drinkin’ and good times before the moon sets and darkness prowls? Have you come for the justice that can only be delivered with the click of a trigger, the fall of a hammer, and the release of seven pounds of pressure?  Have you come to bathe in the sunlight of glory before it sets on your soul one last time? Then, my friend, you are in the right place.

The Verdict: The Magnificent Seven is a good movie that brings quite a cast of characters together to fight in a good ol' wild west shootout, but with the cinematic aspects of a modern action film.

"This is the captain, brace for Impact" Sully Review

Sully

 Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Rated: PG-13

            On January 15th 2009, 100 seconds after leaving LaGuardia airport, U.S. Airways Flight 1549 lost both its engines at a lower altitude than any jet in history. 208 seconds later it made a forced water landing on the Hudson River. 155 people were rescued from the frigid waters. There were no causalities. If not for Captain ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, everyone on board may have died, but could Sully have also saved the jet? Further investigation revealed it might have been possible to land safely back at LaGuardia. Now what does the world think of Sully? What does Sully think of himself? Was it an act of ignorance or heroism?

            Clint Eastwood’s latest biopic depicts these events in a genuine light. Instead of dramatizing or heightening the action, Sully maintains deep focus on its realism and humanity. It is because of this, Sully never feels like a movie. It is a true experience deserving of anyone’s attention, and it’s worth seeing in theatres. From takeoff to splash down, Sully continuously uncovers and opens up the genuine “Miracle on the Hudson”.

            A prominent element in this film is the quality of its actors. Tom Hanks brings heart and life to any film he’s in, and his portrayal of Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger handily deserves a place next to his best roles, such as Chuck Noland, James B. Donovan, and Forrest Gump. An interesting detail in this film is the subtly of Hanks’ interactions with the various characters. He is friendlier with some more than others, but he treats everyone with equally high respect. It is the mark of a great actor when they have the ability to bring out the best in everyone in the scene. On top of this the entire cast portrays their characters with the same honesty that people portray themselves.

            In a film such as Sully it’s easy to glorify the special effects, to focus on the crash itself, bank on the actors doing a spectacular job, and get away with making an average movie. Instead of centering around the incident, Sully makes the daring and admirable choice of keeping its story’s focus on the people It’s about the airport tower team, the crew of the NY Waterway’s “Thomas Jefferson” , and the Red Cross members. All of these people’s lives are illustrated through a screenplay that blends realism and perfectly timed humor, with its epicenter being Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger.

            Sully's visual scope is engrossing. Every frame continuously drew my eyes to the screen. Even the simplistic meetings between Sully and the investigation board are shot with precision and fluidity.  Though audiences already know the ending, the filmmaking and passion behind the scene work keeps them waiting on bated breath. Since it was shot on IMAX cameras, the wider aspect ratio invites viewers into the experience of the landing, and thus magnifies the impact of being able to say “all 155 passengers survived.”

            Although Sully has several aspects working in its favor, there is one setback. It is told in an uncommon nonlinear fashion with past events playing out as memories. These memories are triggered by stimuli, and they can last anywhere from five to twenty minutes. Though the return from memories to present can feel sudden and jarring, it does not take away from the overall feel of the movie, rather it gives Sully a unique aesthetic separating it from other biopics.

            Beyond its spectacular performances, stand out cinematography, and impeccable direction, Sully is truthful. I have listened to the CVR recordings from the cockpit of Flight 1549, and they are verbatim to the dialogue in this film. The main reason Sully is founded in the reality of the events, is because Captain Sullenberger himself was heavily involved in the making of the film. He wrote the autobiography the screenplay is based on, and he was a consultant with Tom Hanks and Clint Eastwood. When a biopic is written about someone who is still alive and they want to be directly involved in the making of the film, the results are worth cherishing. In an interview with CBS This Morning Sullenberger stated “What I really wanted this film to have was a real undercurrent of the importance of our common humanity, and I think it’s there.”

Verdict: Sully features tremendous performances, an impactful screenplay complemented by Clint Eastwood’s brilliant vision, and it's founded in reality and our common humanity.