100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 46: Captain Phillips

Director: Paul Greengrass
Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 113 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Catherine Keener

Description: The true story of Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.

Review: In this anguished thriller by Paul Greengrass we see how a cargo ship gets hijacked by Somali pirates. It’s based on true events.
Captain Richard Phillips watches over a calm ocean when he suddenly sees two little dots on the radar coming closer at warp speed. Phillips doesn’t trust it and takes action. This doesn’t help, because Somali pirates board the ship. From that moment on you’re on the edge of your seat.
Director Paul Greengrass uses a ‘shaky cam’, which is very popular at the moment. It works, because it feels like you’re really there and it sucks you in.
They choose the right actor for the role. Tom Hanks, whom I absolutely love, creates a complete new character and doesn’t remind you of any of his previous roles. Especially in the climax of the film his performance is phenomenal. I simply can’t fault Hanks. Barkhad Abdi, who plays Somali leader Muse, is also impressive. He really put a lot of energy in the character and portrays the villain role very convincingly.
“Captain Phillips” is a fantastic film, it met my expectations. Every minute is worth watching and Tom Hanks can put another great film on his résumé.

Rating: 5/ 5