Captain Phillips

Captain Phillips

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 10/11/13

Reviewed 10/13/13 at Grand Haven 9 in Grand Haven, MI

with Gary, Leigh, Rol and Cheryl

4 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Seeing Captain Phillips was like reliving the story with Phillips and the crew. The real Captain Richard Phillips has been interviewed quite a bit in conjunction with this release and Tom Hanks will blow you away as the captain. Come Oscar time, he will surely be nominated for best actor and should even win. At this point, I don't think there is anyone in contention. We all really liked the movie and all of us agreed it was a 4 or 4 1/2. Rol said he thought it was well done and well performed. Knowing the outcome of the 2009 true story didn't matter, as it was riveting down to the end.

Captain Phillips is commanding American cargo ship Maersk Alabama, that needs to round the Somali coastline. Despite waves of pirating in the area, ships still dangerously sail these waters unprotected. The Somali warlords force their frightening bands to go out in rickety boats to target passing ships. Their main goal is to board these boats to obtain money by holding the ship for ransom. Meanwhile, Phillips is getting jittery commanding the Alabama through the dangerous waters around the horn of Africa. Is it premonition or are there signs he and the crew are ignoring?

The gang of pirates, by default, are led by Muse (Barkhad Abdi). Abdi is a scene stealer and does a great job playing the menacing capturer. They make an attempt to catch the ship but Phillips out maneuvers them and gets out of harm's way - for the time being. The Alabama crew attempts to contact the U.S. maritime emergency line and there is no answer. It must have been the government shutdown. Haha. The pirates have to persevere and make another attempt as they cannot come back empty handed or there are dire consequences that await them. Success in boarding the ship the next time around allow you to realize how easy it was for these guys. But quick thinking by Phillips stalls for time in what could have been swift detrimental results. The tense drama and exchanges between him and the invaders leave you on the edge of your seat. The situation unfolds rapidly as the gunmen force Phillips into the enclosed lifeboat with a goal of getting to the Somali coast as fast as they can. After the lifeboat departs, help finally arrives at the Alabama and the American military ship commander attempts to negotiate with the pirates but efforts remain futile. The Navy SEAL team rescue is already set in motion. Patience and perseverance are mandatory for all involved and outsmarting the other becomes key. There are moments though when you almost feel sorry for the pirates, as no escape for their life or death forced cooperation is inevitable. Captain Phillips is an emotional roller coaster until the end. No bathroom breaks or popcorn runs allowed in this one! Go see this as you will see a superior film with a powerful performance by Tom Hanks...maybe his best!

QUIET Rating system: JJJJ

1. Quality: JJJJ

2. Understood story:  JJJJ

3. Interest: JJJJ

4. Entertainment:  JJJj

5. Time:  JJJJ