Tom is ace as life-saver pilot in court battle

Sully Cert 12A

2009, his inspired flying saved all 155 people on board.

The feat was dubbed the Miracle on the Hudson by the media, which could not get enough of the modest former US Navy pilot.

Hanks’s innate likability, air of dependability and screen presence acts as a shorthand for everyday decency, honesty and courage.

There’s an enjoyable chemistry between Sully and his co-pilot Jeff Skiles.

Aaron Eckhart competes in the cockpit to sport the most luxurious moustache. Following their tremendous piece of aviation skill, the pair are forced to appear on chat shows and are uncomfortable at becoming instant celebrities. Under Clint Eastwood’s iron directorial grip, the story of heroism is spun into a battle between the individual and a conspiracy of big business and government. The airline’s insurers are unhappy and encourage know-nothing bureaucrats to find a scapegoat. During the investigation into the incident, computer simulations suggest Sully could have flown to a nearby airport to land safely.

Facing the loss of their careers, pensions and reputations, the pilots must fight to save themselves.

Considering we know the outcome of the forced landing – not a crash – the action is surprisingly tense.

The accomplished CGI blends seamlessly with the New York skyline and the plane seems just like a fragile tin can bobbing on the majestic sweep of the vast Hudson river.