It’s been a while since Tom Hanks was at the peak of perfection. We can all agree on that, right? Sure he’s been making the rounds with politicians and royalty; he’s much more than a movie star now. But it’s been 13 years since Hanks has won any major award (a Golden Globe for “Castaway”) and 6 years since he’s gotten any major nomination (a Golden Globe nod for “Charlie Wilson’s War”). What has America’s biggest Hollywood icon been up to? He’s grown out his hair for a couple Dan Brown conspiracy novel flicks, he’s hidden behind his voice for some animation (however great, still not what he does best), he’s thrown his money into some major projects (“Band of Brothers,” etc.), and he’s starred in a few major flops (“Larry Crowne,” “The Ladykillers”). But now, in 2013, Hanks looks like he could be in for some big roles. Trailers haven’t hit YouTube yet for “Captain Phillips” and “Saving Mr. Banks,” but by all accounts they have major potential for earning Hanks some more award nominations – if not wins. In “Captain Phillips,” Hanks will be playing the title character in the epic story of an escape from a Somalian pirate ship. In a few pictures I’ve seen, Hanks’ graying beard already has him half-way to spot-on. And have you seen the ‘stache he’s been sporting lately? That’s for his role as Walt Disney in “Saving Mr. Banks,” about the author of “Mary Poppins” (played by Emma Thompson) travelling from London to DisneyLand so that Disney can transform her book into film. The last two times Hanks portrayed real people (“Charlie Wilson’s War” and “Catch Me If You Can”), he’s been a major success. And big award shows love it when people portray real people. Of the past 13 recipients of the Academy Award for Best Actor, more than half (7) were portraying real-life people. His odds for the Screen Actors Guild award are the same. And Hanks can multiply his own odds by two. He’s virtually a lock to pick up some major nomination for some role. And I, for one, will be happy to announce his return to his former glory.
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Cinema or Cine-meh 
I know a lot of people were completely befuddled with Cloud Atlas starring Tom Hanks and many more but I’d love to see him get more credit it for it. He can get a bit too Hankish with that Castaway whining voice but is still tops at character developed parts Good feature article Logan.
I, admittedly, still haven’t seen “Cloud Atlas.” It definitely looks like something I would hate, but I shouldn’t judge without seeing it. Either way, these roles just scream “Look at me, Academy!” and Hanks already has all eyes on him. He’s beyond due. Thanks for reading!