Captain Phillips Review

Last week there was Gravity. This week there's Captain Phillips. Two award-worthy films in two weeks. The movie gods must be pleased with us.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the true story behind Captain Phillips: In 2009, a container ship is hijacked by Somali pirates off the coast of Somalia. After an ordeal with the pirates on board the ship, Phillips is taken hostage in one of the ship's lifeboats. Intense negotiations between the pirates, Phillips, and the US Navy ensue, and a race to save the captain begins.

If that doesn't sound like a riveting story, believe me, it is. Paul Greengrass treats the story with respect, and should be commended for his crafting of this film. He doesn't use the movie as a way to make a political statement of his own, he doesn't even really portray the Somali pirates as the bad guys. Both sides are neutral, each with a reason behind their actions. This is a masterfully directed film. As the poster states, Captain Phillips is from the same director (Paul Greengrass) as The Bourne Ultimatum. I can say without hesitation that Captain Phillips is the best film directed by Greengrass that I have ever seen. That's coming from a guy who loves The Bourne Ultimatum, and acclaims it as one of the best action movies ever made.

Tom Hanks is simply brilliant as Captain Richard Phillips. He's had some terrific performances over the years in films such as Big, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Saving Private Ryan, and Cast Away. All performances that I love. However, his acting in Captain Phillips is perhaps the very best we've ever seen from him. The way we see him handle the situation of being held hostage by these pirates is so raw, so genuine, that you really start to think this must be how the real Richard Phillips was acting at the time. It really is that good a performance.

The actors who play the Somali pirates are great as well. I'll admit, I was a little taken aback at just how well these unknown Somalians acted. In a film with such a standout, award-worthy performance from such an acclaimed actor like Tom Hanks, the fact that these obscure guys that we've never seen before can stand out as well and hold their own opposite Hanks, is truly remarkable.

Captain Phillips is an intense movie. There's never a dull moment throughout its 135 minute or so running time, and you are riveted from start to finish. There's no way around that; it builds tension, and raises it to an almost unbearable level.

Conclusion 

Captain Phillips is a taut, visceral, exceptionally crafted Hollywood biopic that features one of the best performances of Tom Hanks' career. Put it on your list of Best Picture candidates, and be sure to remember Tom Hanks as a potential Best Actor winner. I can say with utmost confidence and assurance that it is my favorite film so far this year, and one of the best films based on a true story ever created. 

Rating: 10/10 

Age suggestion: 13+