Not up to par with "A Hijacking"

Rating: 6/10 (17 February 2014)

With favourable reviews, buzz from friends, a fine lead actor and director, I may have fallen victim to high expectations for this one, but in many aspects this under-delivered.
Firstly, a year before, Tobias Lindholm's "A Hijacking (2012)" did a much better film on the subject. The Danish drama had better tension, storytelling and all around acting. It also capitalized on the situation back in Denmark, not only on the boat to give it a real multi-layered, multi-prong approached that worked.
Secondly, the running time doesn't work for me, as there is a considerable time focused on the US assault team planning to attack the highjakers while the core subjects of the film (the captain, crew and hijakers) lose focus. It is also too Hollywood American gun-ho a la "Zero Dark Thirty (2012)". Time and pace was much tighter in "A Hijaking" at 103 mins or even Greengrass' better film "United 93 (2006)" at 111 mins vs this longish 134 mins. So the beginning and middle of "Captain Philipps" were engaging enough, but I could have cut down 15-25 mins easily and even take more time in the epilogue if any thing. Not sure why this movie was nominated for editing or even best adapted screenplay, especially when "Prisoners (2013)" only got a cinematography nod.
Thirdly, I just saw "Cast Away (2000)" again and Tom Hanks' talent is mostly unutilized here comparing to his skill and range. The only redeeming feature of "Captain Phillips" that saves it from average is the incredible scene with the nurse when he is in shock. That scene alone is almost worth the hit-and-miss movie, but it doesn't quite save it either.
I am not sure why this movie is so well received and regarded, but I dare anyone to compare it to "A Hijacking" and still find it better.