Sully

Clint Eastwood's film re-creates the events of 15 January 2009, when US Airways pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger landed a passenger plane on New York's Hudson River. With engines failing due to the plane flying into a flock of Canada geese, Sully felt this was the only option to save all 155 souls on board - and with Tom Hanks in the role, giving a masterclass in grace under pressure, the case is convincing. Yet, this is very much of a portrait of self-doubt, based on Sullenberger's memoir where he details how crash investigators presented evidence to suggest he could have landed safely at nearby airports. Laura Linney and Aaron Eckhart as Sully's wife and co-pilot, respectively, echo the sentiments of the media who hail him a hero and Eckhart's dry humour helps leaven the mood of sober reflection - after all, this is a disaster movie with a happy ending. Eastwood's unsensational approach, like Sully himself, is admirable and appropriate but sometimes too muted. Hanks doesn't make a big noise either, but he does have enormous presence and carries this one home with great skill and composure.