Director Tom Hanks (1956)

The American romantic comedy film, Larry Crowne (2011), centers on middle-aged Navy veteran, Larry who is suddenly fired from his job at a big-box store. His termination is due to a lack of college education, despite his seniority and exceptional work ethic. Produced and directed by Hanks himself, the film’s screenplay was co-written with Nia Vardalos. The inspiration for the story comes from Hanks’ own experience studying at Chabot College. Facing unemployment and the potential loss of his home, Larry turns to ...

The Pacific (2010) follows a U.S. Marine Corps squad during their campaign against the Japanese Empire in WWII. Created by the same team as Band of Brothers, it portrays the struggles of ordinary soldiers during war. This fast-paced series appeals to action enthusiasts, but also showcases the emotional bonds between Marines on the battlefield. However, unlike its ‘older brother’ Band of Brothers, The Pacific takes a unique approach by delving into the lives of soldiers who were chosen to return home and promote war bonds. Through this, it explores the journey of these men from initial excitement to eventual regret and even shame towards ...

As the title suggests, Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D (2005) is a captivating IMAX 3D documentary film that follows the monumental journey of twelve Apollo astronauts as they become the first humans to set foot on the moon. This project features talented filmmaker Mark Cowen at the helm, with assistance from co-writer and producer Tom Hanks. Through stunning visuals and quotes directly from those who experienced it, this film aims to transport viewers to the lunar surface and provide a romantic and inspiring glimpse into the astronauts’ awe-inspiring expedition.

Band of Brothers (2001), an American war drama miniseries, is based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose’s 1992 non-fiction book of the same name. It was created and executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who had previously collaborated on the 1998 World War II film Saving Private Ryan. Across ten episodes, Band of Brothers follows Easy Company’s experiences during the war. These include their training at Camp Toccoa, participation in the Normandy landings, Operation Market Garden, ...

From the Earth to the Moon (1998) is a docudrama series, co-produced by Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Tom Hanks and Michael Bostick in 1998 for HBO. It depicts the Apollo program during the 1960s and early 1970s and is based on Andrew Chaikin’s book A Man on the Moon. The special effects are under visual director Ernest D. Farino and are known for their accuracy. The ...

That Thing You Do! (1996) is an American musical comedy-drama film written and directed by Tom Hanks, making his debut as a feature writer and director. Set in 1964, the story follows Guy Patterson, a budding jazz drummer from Erie, Pennsylvania who works at his family’s appliance store. One day, his friends Jimmy and Lenny ask him to fill in for their regular drummer Chad, who broke his arm, at a talent show where they plan to perform a song Jimmy wrote. The trio practices the slow-tempo ballad ‘That Thing You Do!’ in Jimmy’s garage. In need of a band name, Jimmy’s girlfriend Faye suggests ...