With a career dating back to the 1980s and never dipping in quality across the decades, Tom Hanks has become one of the most beloved stars in Hollywood history, putting in many famous performances and winning two Academy Awards. Known for his everyman charm and ability to balance endearing comedy with poignant, weighted drama, Hanks has lit up the screen in everything from romantic comedies to war dramas and biographical epics.
The story is, admittedly, formulaic and over-stuffed, but it still has a few magical moments that endear themselves to lovers of animation. Many of its best moments come from the conductor, a character for whom Hanks did motion capture. The character's best quote, and the most powerful line from the movie, addresses the embracing of life and enjoying it for the adventure that it is, more so than where it may or may not lead.
As quirky as Noland's bond with the volleyball is, it paints a poignant picture of humanity's intrinsic need for connection. It is quite incredible how Wilson comes to occupy an integral role in Noland's life and how the audience embraces the ball as a meaningful character. The famous quote transpires when Noland escapes the island on a makeshift raft, only to lose the ball at sea.
His usual tactics of screaming and shouting at his players tend not to work as well with the new team, a fact that is made abundantly clear when one of the poor girls gets upset after being on the receiving end of his tirade. His angry response is side-splittingly hilarious, especially as he is evicted from the ground soon after when he insults the referee, who interjects.