Miracle on the Hudson - 'Sully' film review (NO SPOILERS)

How was 'Sully?'

The latest Clint Eastwood film, "Sully," will be released in theaters Friday, September 9.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "Sully" is based on the real story of Flight 1549, when Canadian geese flew into the U.S. Airways Airbus' engines.

Both engines lost thrust and the plane's Captain, Chesley Sullenberger (Tom Hanks), was forced to successfully land the plane on the Hudson River.

Not a single passenger or member of the crew was lost, leading to the unofficial title, "The Miracle on the Hudson."

Captain Sullenberger was proclaimed a hero and was much beloved by the public - but per regulations, he and his copilot, First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, were placed under investigation.

Walking into the theater, we predicted maybe a few minutes of pre-flight character development, a dramatic crash, then an hour-and-a-half of dialogue-driven airline formalities, the investigation process and maybe a semi-exciting trial at the end.

We were so wrong.

"Sully" was an engaging film from beginning to end.

"Sully" doesn't just focus on the crash and investigation, it digs deep into Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Stiles' psyches.

Small behind-the-scene moments were scattered between dramatic moments of realization, explosions, nightmares and more.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTST) was portrayed as an uncaring organization focusing on the fact the airline lost a plane.

Board members attempted to place the blame at Captain Sullenberger's feet, which would cost him his pension, career and more.

Data issues, simulations, the weight of what could have happened, the constant press questions, interviews and the stresses from the investigation come together to create a dramatic portrayal of Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Stiles' lives as they struggled to convince the board their decision was the right one.

The use of point-of-view shots, plenty of flashbacks and small, behind-the-scenes moments brought each character to life and added layers of meaning to their expressions.

In fact, some scenes were so real, I caught myself praying for the safety of the crew and passengers, though I already knew what the outcome would be.

Subtle comments in the film helped bring a sense of clarity while cinematic techniques made us care.

But what was the NTST verdict? What became of the passengers? Did Captain Sullenberger lose everything?

Check it out this weekend to find out!

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