Guest Author - Caitlin D Neely
Sleepless In Seattle
Synopsis: When Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) loses his wife to cancer, he packs up and moves to Seattle with his young son Jonah (Ross Malinger). On Christmas Eve, Jonah calls a Chicago radio station for advice. He convinces his father to talk about his wife on the air. Women from all over the country send him letters; including Annie Reed (Meg Ryan). Jonah begins to write letters to Annie pretending to be his father and asks her to meet him in NYC on Valentine’s Day.
Why you should see it: Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are also romantic leads in You’ve Got Mail. They’ve got great chemistry in that movie and Sleepless in Seattle is no different. It’s a sweet romantic comedy written and directed by Nora Ephron (why could be better?)
Toy Story
Synopsis: Woody (Tom Hanks) is Andy’s favorite toy. Or so he thinks until a new action figure, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), shows up. The only problem is Buzz thinks he’s an actual space ranger and not merely a toy. After a fight, Buzz and Woody find themselves at Sid Phillip’s house (Andy’s toy destroying neighbor). Together they must figure out a way to get back to Andy before his family moves.
Why you should see it: It’s a Disney classic that already has a sequel and a third movie is coming out in June. Hanks brings a lot of character to Woody and is the perfect voice for him. It’s also a great family film that anyone will enjoy (no matter their age!)
Big
Synopsis: At a carnival, 13 year old Josh Baskin (David Moscow) finds a fortune-telling machine and wishes he were big. When he wakes up the next day, to his surprise, he discovers that his wish has come true and he’s now a 31 year old man (Tom Hanks). After being kicked out of his home (his mother thinks he's a stranger), he rents a hotel in NYC and gets a job at a toy company. He develops a romance with a toy executive (Elizabeth Perkins) but soon longs to be a kid again.
Why you should see it: Tom Hanks is utterly loveable and poignant as Baskin. He maintains a child like innocence even as a grown man. It’s truly a sweet comedy and Hanks brings a lot to the character, plot line and humor.
Punchline
Synopsis: Steven Gold (Tom Hanks) is a struggling medical student who doubles as a stand up comedian at night. Lilah (Sally Fields) is a dedicated but frustrated housewife that simply wants to be a comic. Both of them slowly begin to form a bond around stand-up comedy and also deal with personal issues.
Why you should see it: I wouldn’t say it’s as well known as the other films mentioned above. But Punchline is very funny and worth watching. Hanks is definitely darker in this film but he plays his character well. It proves that Hanks can take on any character and has a versatile range. Plus, if you love stand-up comedy you might just enjoy this movie.
