Captain Phillips (2013)
Rated PG-13 for language and violence
Starring Tom Hanks, Catherine Keener, Barkhad Abdi
Directed by Paul Greengrass
The Story:
Captain Phillips (Hanks) kisses his wife (Keener) goodbye and heads out to captain his container ship through the dangerous waters off of Somalia in 2009. When his vessel is boarded by pirate captain Muse (Abdi), Phillips winds up in a hostage situation and his only chance at survival is the intervention of the U.S. Navy.
This is a movie that sneaks up on you.
It is equal parts drama, and thriller.
The suspense ratchets up a notch at a time with each passing moment, until it all explodes at the end of the film in a climax that ends the situation in but a moment.
Hanks is great, as always, inhabiting the role of Captain Phillips. His performance is subtle and you can't help but feel for his character as he does everything he can to keep his ship safe...then his crew...then himself.
When the final act unfolds, I found myself a little misty eyed at the conclusion of the rescue effort.
That's how masterfully Greengrass was able to pull off a rather straightforward action yarn so that you feel nearly as exhausted as Phillips by the end of his ordeal.
Well done.
Final Grade: B+
Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: While not a film I'd likely buy, I would watch it again in the future.
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