Captain Phillips (2013)
Directed by Paul Greengrass
Starring:
Tom Hanks
Barkhad Abdi
Catherine Keener
Michael Chernus
David Warshofsky
Corey Johnson
Chris Mulkey
Yul Vazquez
Max Martini
Omar Berdouni
Running time: 134 minutes
Plot Synopsis: (via Wikipedia)
Captain Phillips is based on the true story of 2009 Maersk Alabama hijacking, an incident during which merchant mariner Captain Richard Phillips was taken hostage by pirates in the Indian Ocean led by Abduwali Muse. The screenplay was written by Billy Ray, and is based on the 2010 book A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea by Richard Phillips with Stephan Talty.
My Opinion:
Here’s a quickie! I watched this the other night after going to the cinema to watch Her. Trying to squeeze in as many Oscar nominated films as I can before Sunday night! I’ve managed to watch all the best picture nominees now other than 12 Years A Slave, Philomena, and Nebraska. Oh well – I tried! I’m sure 12 Years A Slave will win the majority but… I just couldn’t make myself watch it. Captain Phillips was bad enough – I’m not good with tragic true story types of films. Really not a genre I tend to go for & I fully admit I prefer fiction & escapism when it comes to movies. Probably why I love sci-fi…
Captain Phillips is a solid enough film for its genre. Tom Hanks is great as always. Who doesn’t love Tom Hanks, nicest guy in Hollywood?? Those pirates were so MEAN & I was like “leave Tom Hanks alone!”. Okay – I know this happened to a real guy so I’m not making light of that it’s just that, the ONLY problem I have with Hanks (and I do love the guy), is that I really see him only as Tom Hanks in every role he plays. Even in this where he’s putting on an accent. He’s an excellent actor but he’s just… Tom Hanks! Lovely guy! He’s like everyone’s favorite dad. So I really didn’t like seeing him upset & getting beat up!
As for the movie – Well, I can’t exactly say I “enjoyed” it. It’s well made & all that. It started out very strong but the ending felt like nothing but shouting and more shouting and the pirates doing idiotic things and MORE shouting. It was intense but I was tired and all that shouting started to really get on my nerves. But, I suppose it was probably realistic to the true story. Barkhad Abdi is good (although I’m not sure the performance is Oscar worthy). I really did feel for Hanks’ character more than anything. What a horrible ordeal. The film seemed to end a bit abruptly but I suppose it’s good that it didn’t attempt some “Hollywood” ending. Overall, it’s a good film. It’s just not really my type of genre. Sorry… It’s not bad! I do recommend it if it IS the sort of movie you tend to go for. Hanks is the definite highlight of the film.
My Rating: 6.5/10
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I basically agree, again. The final act (until the last 5 minutes) is this flick’s weakest component. I do think Hanks totally disappears in this character though.
Oh. And I think 12 Years one of the best movies ever made. Ever. Period. It isn’t easy to watch and I won’t pretend otherwise, but you’d be experiencing something pretty darn remarkable if you do see it.
Yeah – I thought this was a bit weak at the end (except for the last five minutes, like you said). If 12 Years wins, then I MAY watch it once on DVD… ; )
‘He’s like everyone’s favorite dad’
Actually my dad is more like the pirates
Lol! Awww! I bet your dad is lovely! : )
Yeah he’s fine…..when he’s not killing
I think Tom Hanks is totally overrated and Cast Away was one of the most boring movies I have ever seen… there, I said it.
Did you just say bad things about Tom Hanks? You’re going to hell for sure. Lol! ; )
In between Tom Hanks, Dave Grohl and Disney I am definitely going to hell.
Hanks is the highlight certainly, although I felt stronger towards the film than yourself. The pace inevitably drops when the action shifts to the lifeboat, but it became a more personal film as a result. Horses for courses I guess.
I fully admit it didn’t help that I was exhausted and also second screening & writing another review. ; ) Just all that SHOUTING at the end! It’s definitely a solid film. Good for its genre. And love Hanks. : )
I’ve already commented on your other post about this in terms of its relationship to the true story, so I won’t repeat myself here. I thought it was well-made, well-acted. Although I do wonder why they bothered to cast Catherine Keener, one of our great actresses, in such a small and wasted role.
True – I thought that as well. I assumed we’d be seeing more of her. SUCH a small role!
WHAT????? This could be a show stopper.
Just kidding of course @_@
I think I enjoyed Shutter Island more than this….. ; )
Definitely the best thriller of last year, as Greengrass gave me a film that never, ever let-go of its firm-grip around my neck. Not for a single second. Good review.
Thanks! : ) It’s definitely good for its genre. Just not really the type of genre I normally go for…
I thought this one was ok, didn’t love it. Great review as always!
Thanks! Seems we agree on this one. : )
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