Clint Eastwood has a history of directing biographical films that explore the lives of people who’ve made significant contributions, and his newest film, **Sully**, continues this cinematic approach by focusing on an ordinary professional thrust into the spotlight as a national hero. The movie tells the story of airline pilot Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, whose life changed dramatically on January 15, 2009, when US Airways Flight 1749 became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” In **Sully**, Eastwood and screenwriter Todd Kormarinski portray Captain Sullenberger as an understated hero facing a unique set of circumstances. Years later, he still grapples with doubts about that fateful day when he made the critical decision to land the damaged aircraft in the Hudson River after a flock of birds disabled the engines shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. While hailed as a savior for saving the lives of his 155 passengers and crew through a risky landing, Sullenberger felt burdened by the label of "hero," especially when questions arose about his actions. Despite basking in public admiration, he experienced significant inner turmoil that was almost as unsettling as the near-disaster he prevented. The challenge with **Sully** lay in creating tension and exploring the psychological struggles behind those six minutes of flight headed toward disaster. Fortunately, Eastwood's direction and Komarnicki’s script capture the tense and anxiety-ridden moments that form the film’s emotional core. Two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks delivers a compelling performance as Captain Sullenberger, whose personal battles with heroism led to conflicted feelings and self-doubt. It had been some time since Hanks received an Academy Award nomination, so it's hoped his work in **Sully** will be recognized. Some viewers might find Eastwood’s narrative somewhat familiar given the extensive media coverage surrounding the event, including news reports, documentaries, survivor accounts, and even Captain Sullenberger’s own writings. Nevertheless, **Sully** aims to examine a man struggling with his abilities and instincts as he's thrust into the national spotlight, balancing hope and uncertainty. Not only did Sully and co-pilot Jeff Skiles (played by Aaron Eckhart in a well-drawn supporting role) narrowly avoid catastrophe when they accidentally flew into a flock of geese, leading to the water landing, but they were also investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding Sully’s decision not to return to LaGuardia or another airport. The sudden media attention and the NTSB's scrutiny, suggesting possible pilot error, intensified Sully’s self-doubt and contributed to his post-traumatic stress. Meanwhile, Sullenberger’s wife, Lorrie (Laura Linney), along with other family members, faced constant intrusion from reporters seeking a glimpse of the celebrated hero. While **Sully** may not be considered one of Eastwood's most extravagant biopics, he deserves credit for portraying Sullenberger as a quiet, reserved man struggling to reconcile his newfound fame and appreciation with the lingering trauma of the Hudson River landing. Hanks’s portrayal of this likable but reluctant hero, grappling with reservations, stands in stark contrast to typical cinematic heroes who routinely defeat villains or perform extraordinary feats. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger is a flawed yet conscientious man forced to question his own courage and professional judgment. Eckhart effectively portrays Sully's steadfast supporter whose beliefs are tested when the NTSB places his colleague under suspicion after the remarkable rescue. Anna Gunn, known from TV’s “Breaking Bad,” appears as one of the NTSB investigators attempting to assign blame for the flight issues. Linney, a consistently talented actress, is somewhat limited to depicting the typical anxieties of a concerned spouse. Perhaps **Sully** isn't the most in-depth biographical film imaginable, especially considering the well-known nature of the story and Captain Sullenberger’s established reputation. There’s not much insight into his past that explains his current portrayal as a celebrated hero undergoing healing. Ultimately, Eastwood allows the protagonist’s questionable heroism to define him, highlighting the incredible individual whose resourcefulness spoke louder than any flashbacks could have justified his inner turmoil. Overall, **Sully** explores a different kind of turbulence for an introspective man walking a fine line between deserved praise and deceptive adoration. **Sully** (2016) Warner Bros. 1 hr. 36 mins. Starring: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney, Jeffrey Nordling, Jamey Sheridan, Michael Rappaport, Anna Gunn, Valarie Mahaffey Directed by: Clint Eastwood MPAA Rating: PG-13 Genre: Drama/Biopic Critic's rating: *** stars (out of 4 stars) (c) Frank Ochieng 2016

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