vad-2

I watched this on prime-time television with the expectation of seeing a good production. There is nothing that I can write about this poor quality production which would recommend it. The events of this part of our history are not well documented but Boudica did exist so at the very least we should have been treated to a more realistic portrayal of her and her exploits. Alex Kingston acted the part well but she was handicapped by a bad script, poor supporting actors and very unrealistic scenery and props. This was a lost opportunity to show a piece of English history to a generation who probably know little about the past. Even a computer generated Star Wars type film would have been preferable to this production. There is little more to say but please do better next time English history is being screened.

This film was, as expected, a dramatic, exciting and topical story. Very much the stuff of novels after the Kennedy assassination but convincingly acted with a good script and will be remembered as another Eastwood classic. Like all his films, this one will be watched many times as it will never date.

I enjoyed this film because it had a touch of realism and the event portrayed could happen to anybody who flies frequently, that is if one was lucky enough to survive a sea crash. The actual crash was well done and very convincing.

I liked the way the film began and ended. It related fate, something to which we all suffer. I was left really wanting to know if Chuck was going to have a new life with the lady who owned the Fed Ex which he returned. It would make a nice sequel film.

It is easy to find fault with Chucks stay on the island. How did he survive looking so well for four years with not enough food and wood for his stomach and fire. How did he avoid fatal infection after being cut so badly and his rescue was most unlikely. But remembering that it was only a story, the acting by Tom Hanks deserves an award, the direction was excellent and effects well done. I would like to know if many stunt men were used. The story jumped around and left large gaps. It would have been good to have these gaps filled and the film longer.

Congratulations to the production team for an excellent and enjoyable film.