Streaming Now: Tom Hanks & Clint Eastwood’s $240 Million Drama from 9 Years Ago Deserves a Second Glance

Clint Eastwood’s exceptional film Sully is currently available for streaming on Max, experiencing a surge in popularity that underscores its initial underappreciation. This captivating drama recounts the true story of Captain Chesley “Sully”Sullenberger, who executed a heroic emergency landing on the Hudson River after experiencing a severe malfunction during a flight. The narrative is not only intense but also serves as a profound reflection on how critical decisions can shape our lives, affirming its status as one of Eastwood’s finest directorial efforts.

Despite showcasing remarkable talent both in front of and behind the camera, Sully is often overlooked in the broader discussion of significant films, particularly among the acclaimed works of 2016. Following its release, the film successfully revitalized Eastwood’s image as a contemporary director, yet it seems to have faded from public discourse, especially when compared to other cinematic endeavors from that year. Furthermore, Tom Hanks’ outstanding performance, while powerful, is frequently excluded from conversations about his best roles.

Clint Eastwood & Tom Hanks’ Biopic Sully Is Among 2016’s Finest Films

A Remarkable Tale Deserving Greater Recognition

Tom Hanks and Aaron Eckhart on a liferaft in Sully

Though Sully is less than a decade old, it serves as a poignant reminder of the adult dramas that are losing traction in today’s cinematic landscape. Eastwood’s storytelling approach is deliberate and introspective, utilizing his characters to explore the film’s themes in a compelling manner. Notably, every scene plays a crucial role, emphasizing Sully’s message regarding the potential perils of deviating from conventional protocols in favor of instinct.

Upon its release, Sully was anticipated to be a strong contender during the 2017 Academy Awards, with many expecting a Best Picture nomination. Unfortunately, it fell short of this accolade, suffering a setback that impacted its reputation. The film was overshadowed by several competing mid-budget dramas that garnered more critical favor, while also being eclipsed within Eastwood’s filmography by other successful projects.

Tom Hanks Snubbed For Best Actor Oscar Nomination in Sully

The Actor Deserved Greater Recognition for His Performance

A significant moment for Sully was the absence of a Best Actor nomination for Tom Hanks, who was regarded as a strong candidate upon the film’s release. The Academy chose instead to honor Casey Affleck for his performance in Manchester By The Sea, showcasing the depth of this competitive year. The nominees also included Denzel Washington, Viggo Mortensen, Andrew Garfield, and Ryan Gosling—each deserving in their own right.

This particular Oscar race featured one of the most illustrious lineups in history, yet the exclusion of Hanks remains surprising. His portrayal in Sully is among his finest, blending emotional depth and intense energy during the film’s more suspenseful scenes. Though not the most significant snub in Oscar history, it certainly was a noteworthy expectation dashed.

Sully’s Impactful Box Office Performance in 2016

The Film Outperformed Hanks’ Recent Projects

In addition to being critically acclaimed, Sully achieved remarkable box office success. It grossed $35 million during its opening weekend, accumulating over $208 million globally, leading to a total of $243 million (source: Box Office Mojo). This performance is notable for a standalone film targeting an adult audience, typically regarded as an “awards contender.”

For Tom Hanks, whose prior films did not meet expected box office figures, Sully was a vital win. His previous project, Bridge of Spies, earned $165 million worldwide, while Saving Mr. Banks garnered $117 million. For an actor once recognized as a top box office draw, Sully marked an important resurgence.

The film’s commercial success can be attributed to two primary factors: the recentness of Captain Sullenberger’s story, having occurred merely seven years prior, and Eastwood’s previous success with American Sniper, which also drew significant audience interest. These elements catalyzed broader viewer engagement, although Sully still does not register within Eastwood’s top-grossing films.

Juror No. 2: Clint Eastwood’s Best Directorial Effort Since Sully

The Director’s Latest Film Represents a Welcome Return

Since the release of Sully, Clint Eastwood faced challenges in recapturing similar critical acclaim until the arrival of Juror #2 last year. While this recent film did not achieve the same commercial success as Sully, it garnered praise from critics and those fortunate enough to watch it. The courtroom thriller centers around a young juror who grapples with the realization that he is linked to the very crime under examination.

Featuring a standout lead performance by Nicholas Hoult, a riveting screenplay by Jonathan Abrams, and Eastwood’s adept direction, Juror #2 creatively stretches a straightforward premise, offering a powerful narrative experience. Eastwood delivers an emotionally charged journey through the complexities of human morality, making it a compelling watch. This film marks a return to form for the director, paralleling the impact of Sully, and hopefully signals further excellent projects in the future.

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