"Captain Phillips" Review

DISCLAIMER: I am not a historian. Whether or not the events depicted in this film are historically accurate are a different matter altogether.

There have been several milestones in the career of Tom Hanks. Each of us has our favorite film of his. For some it could be the Toy Story films or the oft-quoted Forrest Gump, for the science buffs it could Apollo 13. For the military buffs, it could be Saving Private Ryan. For me personally, it would be Big.

Now, he has another classic on his hands.

Captain Phillips tells an account of the April 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama by 4 Somalian pirates. Yet it is more than that. It also gives an (ever so briefly) background insight into the life of the pirates before the events that rocked the world.

The screenplay is well crafted, with an organic go-between the Arabic and English languages. You never get that sense of "Why are they speaking English?" Much like the recent films Zero Dark Thirty and Gravity, there is an eagle eyed dedication to authenticity and realism. The interactions are genuine. The conversations are enthralling. The emotions are intense. Much like Director Paul Greengrass' last films (The Bourne films), this is a grounded thriller that never feels forced.

Without question, Tom Hanks will go down as one the greatest actors of our time. This film only lends itself to that notion. Hanks loses himself into this story, becoming the no-nonsense Captain, and making the role his own. The fear is real, the emotional range is transcendent, and his sense of wisdom in a dire situation feels completely natural. When he cries, you cry. When he is scared, you dig your fingers in the seat hoping that he comes out alive.

Despite Hanks' sensational work in this film, Andrew's Standout in Captain Phillips would be Barkhad Abdi who plays the pirate captain, Muse. He is a Somalian born actor, and this is his film debut. Yet you could swear he was as much of a veteran as Hanks. He takes on the role of someone who kills for a living, and actually makes you feel for him. He is full of passion and dedication. He holds his own in this film despite the star power he works alongside. I would not be surprised to see the name pop up around Oscar time.

I say go for it. This is the rare Pirate movie that doesn't involve peg leg cliches, eyepatches, or Johnny Depp. It is a powerful film that showcases both old and new talent.

A