Promotional title card for the film
I’m reminded of the days of Cast Away (2000)and Road to Perdition (2002) when I see Tom Hanks going up against Somali pirates in his new film Captain Phillips.
(Caution: Spoilers Ahead)
Based on true events, Captain Phillips tells the story of a freighter captain (Hanks) whose ship, the MV Maersk Alabama, is boarded by four armed pirates while travelling through the Gulf of Aden. The ship’s crew manages to evade capture and take the pirates’ leader, Abduwali Muse (Barkhad Abdi), hostage while the other three continue to hold Phillips. In an attempt to exchange Muse for Phillips, the pirates flee the Alabama with Phillips in the ship’s lifeboat.
After the pirates’ mother ship abandons them and the U.S. Navy intercepts the lifeboat, Muse is deceived into boarding the USS Bainbridge to negotiate the release of Phillips. The remaining three pirates are then killed by Navy SEALs, Phillips is rescued and Muse is taken into custody.
Phillips (Hanks) pondering his decisions as the pirates close in on the freighter
It has been a while since I’ve seen Tom Hanks in a strong drama in a theater. Cast Away was the last Hanks film I actually went out to see, not counting Toy Story 3 (2010), so almost 13 years.
Professional critics have called this film a comeback for Hanks, as if he fell off the wagon in the first place. Perhaps he’s taken up some work with unfavorable reception in the last several years (Larry Crowne, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and Cloud Atlas), but to me, his talents haven’t diminished in the slightest.
Phillips surrounded as the pirates storm the bridge
Despite Captain Phillips’ critical praise, there is still controversy surrounding the true events on which the film is based, as well as those involved. The real-life crew members of the Alabama have all described Phillips as a reckless captain and leader whose poor decisions resulted in the hijacking; they’re angered at the notion that the film presents Phillips as a hero.
Never would I argue with those who actually experienced such trauma, however, I’m simply looking at this as a film, and as a film Captain Phillips is great. The film made me want to go back and watch Saving Private Ryan, Cast Away, Road to Perdition, Apollo 13 and Catch Me If You Can; some of which I haven’t seen in quite some time.
The Navy confirming Phillips’ condition aboard the lifeboat
I felt the acting, from everyone, to be top-notch and the scenery couldn’t have been better. The intensity certainly progressed with the film’s running time, and while knowing Phillips would get out of the situation alive (due to his book), the tension still made his fate uncertain.
What moved me the most was Hanks’ performance at the film’s end, after being rescued. His genuine look of shock and inability to normally function was more than believable. I actually felt for the guy.
The only thing I would say I wasn’t happy with is Paul Greengrass’ directorial style. Sure, it worked for the second and third Bourne films, but I don’t want to see constant camera motion in everything he makes. The only reason I’ll say it was somewhat appropriate here was because the film took place on the water 95% of the time, which is naturally rocky. Jaws (1975) was shot in a similar fashion, mostly handheld.
Overall, Captain Phillips was the worth the ticket and I’m positive I’ll own it in the future. Even if the telling of the events is skewed, it’s called “Based on…” for a reason. It’s not a documentary, which is what people should remember. It’s a movie made for the sake of entertainment.
The Navy surrounding the lifeboat as the crisis comes to an end
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