Captain Phillips is based on a true story of an american freighter ship that was captured by a small band of Somali pirates in 2009. Tom Hanks plays a yankee ship captain from Vermont that is commissioned to sail a ship around the cape of Africa carrying food, water and other supplies to Africa. Phillip's boat is overtaken by four Somali pirates. This was the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in over 200 years. The leader of the "pirates" was played by Somali actor Barkhad Abdi.
The beginning of the movie pictures Hanks and his wife on the way to the airport. He shortly arrives at port and meets his crew. The pacing of this movie is very quick and intense in the beginning and there is a foreboding feeling of doom throughout the entire movie. Seeing the vastness of the freighter ship, it's truly amazing that four people in a small boat can take over this ship. It was true testament to human will and determination. Captain Phillips does everything in his power to stop the pirates from overtaking his ship, but he can't control every aspect of his ship. Once the pirates took control of the freighter, the chess match begins. Captain Phillips is a very smart, decisive character. Muse, Abdi's character, is a very desperate, but wary individual. He knows that Phillips is trying to outsmart him, but he holds the upper hand because of his shear intimidation.
I really enjoyed the intensity of this movie, and the cat and mouse game played between both parties. This is probably my favorite Tom Hanks role since Charlie Wilson's War. Adbi is up for an Oscar for best supporting actor. I can see him winning because it was a great performance for a first time actor.
Rated: PG-13
Run Time: 134 Minutes
I give Captain Phillips 4.25 out of 5 Burning Lariats.
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