Captain Phillips

****
Release Date: October 18th 2013

The true story of Captain Richard Phillips 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.

Director: Paul Greengrass (Green Zone, The Bourne Ultimatum, United 93, The Bourne Supremacy)

Starring: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman

There are two main points to mention that makes Captain Phillips an intense, on-the-edge-of-your-seat, thriller. The first is Tom Hanks, and his ability as an actor. His acting hasn't been this powerful and touching since Cast Away, showing emotion so deep you will feel everything Captain Phillips does.

The second is Paul Greengrass' direction. There might not be as much action compared to his Bourne films, but it will keep you hooked from the get go.

Most of you, like me, will be unaware, or will have forgotten about the events that took place in 2009. If that's the case, then the first 45-60 minutes is guesswork. Will the Somalians manage to board the ship or will Captain Phillips and his crew keep them away? Well, it would not make for great viewing if the Somalians scurried off with their tail between their legs.

Alas, they do, and it's no easy feat for four Somalian pirates. Led by Muse, they dominate, overpower and wreak fear into the ship's crew. This doesn't long, however, as the Captain is sharp and cunning and uses the resources around him to take advantage.

Captain Phillips isn't at all patriotic. There is no right or wrong doing. Both the Americans on the ship and the Somalian pirates are followed throughout the film. The Somalians are not seen as the enemy but seen as doing a job that's normal to them. “There’s got to be something other than fishing and kidnapping people,” Phillips says to Muse (Abdi). “Maybe in America, Irish, maybe in America,” he replies.

This film is consistently suspenseful, right up to the end. It's the ending that will move you, and respect Tom Hanks more than before. His acting doesn't get any finer than this. This is his moment, and awards will be heading his way for it.

Overview: Another fantastic effort from Greengrass. Tom Hanks is phenomenal, with great support from Barkhad Abdi.