CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (2013)

Directed By: Paul Greengrass 
Written By: Billy Ray Based On The Book “A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS & Dangerous days at sea” By: Richard Phiilips & Steven Talty 
Cinematography By: Barry Ackroyd 
Editor: Christopher Rouse 

 Cast: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed, Yul Vasquex, Chris Mulkey, Catherine Keener, Max Martini, David Warcshofsky


Captain Phillips is a multi-layered examination of the 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by a crew of Somali pirates. It is - through director Paul Greengrass's distinctive lens - simultaneously a pulse-pounding thriller, and a complex portrait of the myriad effects of globalization. The film focuses on the relationship between the Alabama's commanding officer, Captain Richard Phillips, and the Somali pirate captain, Muse who takes him hostage. Phillips and Muse are set on an unstoppable collision course when Muse and his crew target Phillips' unarmed ship; in the ensuing standoff, 145 miles off the Somali coast, both men will find themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control.

The small claustrophobic space of the lifeboat. Tight shots hard to maneuver, sweltering and sweating as the time runs out. We are right in there with director Paul Greengrass's signature hand held action style.

The directing style manages to make us feel part of everything. We are scared and worry. As it feels like anything can happen.

While the film is emotionally more personal and expertly designed and directed then most action film thrillers. The first half of the film feels regular and like a typical thriller with some style thrown in. it's on the second half that the film finds footing and it's identity. Which more than makes up for the first half.

I feel I should have liked the film more and while I have the utmost respect for the film. I feel I respect it more then I actually enjoyed it, though like FRANCES HA it comes alive in the later part. Now you need the first part to truly make sense, understand, illuminate and get to the second half.

It truly shows the quality of films, especially this year that this would usually be up for all kinds of awards and on the top of lists. As it seems more of a craftsman academy award Hollywood film, but now is only noteworthy for the star and direction of the film in that manner.

The film tries to make us understand where the pirates are coming from, yet doesn't make them all sympathetic. They all have their own character types except for the leader.

Little moments that matter as when the negotiator gives the order to engage and you can tell he regrets it, but he has to do it. The crew wanting to virtually abandon ship at the sign of trouble and the captain having to calm them down. How the crew sticks together and are like a family, when the captain is gone it's like a father being taken away.

The film is a showcase of all the qualities that we have come to respect, love and admire about Tom hanks. His quick thinking and general nice guy nature of the character. Though knows how to take charge and has a general sense of compassion and a need to survive. It is another iconic role for Mr. Hanks.

The emotional breakdown at the end of the film is a release. From all the tension that has been built up throughout the entire film for him and the audience. He is our guide, our surrogate as we are witness to it all and experience it with him. It is one of the truest moments of acting I have ever seen and brings a tear to the eye. In fact it's hard to have a dry eye at all by the end of the film. The film earns that emotional moment where we all get to let it all out. Similar in a way to the ending of ZERO DARK THIRTY only here It feels more universal then personal and Is handled no as subtly.

Luckily unlike BLACK HAWK DOWN that was similarly based on a true story. This film manages to let us feel some sympathy for the Somali pirates where as in BLACK HAWK DOWN it felt like all the Africans were portrayed as all beyond evil and nameless, faceless savages who were disposable. Like they were villains in a video game with no big boss at the end to battle, they just have to survive the onslaught. That felt racist to a degree. Humanizing everyone else except them.

It also shows how unmatched they are while only being a group of 4 the global incident they cause plus how much attention is focused on them and they have what everyone wants. But also the scope showing how they don't measure up against the military with the sheer number of troops. The amount of technological advances and equipment that have and tactical maneuvers letting us all know it's not going to end well for anyone.

The film builds up tension and makes us confront the events whether we want to or not.

It's hyper real no great speeches it's more about intentions and actions.

This is a film that I definitely could tell would have a greater impact seeing in a theater.

The opening scene seems wasteful, but gives a glimpse and a face to his family and home life. That he is hoping to return to. Know the reasons and uses it as motivation for the characters actions. Just as we see the Somali pirates situation a home and gives is a peek Ito their motivation. Which leaves the film compelling.

 Grade: B+