Much more than a drama. Viscerally and emotionally engaging --- and never lets go.

Rating: 10/10 (1 February 2017)

In the trailer, Captain Phillips comes across as a drama. That's what I was expecting, and it is certainly that. And Tom Hanks, in the lead, does what he so often does. You will totally forget that he is Tom Hanks. Surprisingly (to me, at least), Captain Phillips is also loaded with action and suspense. Once it gears up, it runs nonstop to the end and never lets up. Add to that one of the best recent soundtracks I've come across (you cannot appreciate this film without theatre surround --- it takes place on the open sea, and it's NOT a small screen movie). Finally, Captain Phillips makes an honest effort to tell all sides of the story. We understand exactly why the pirates do what they do, and their story is told as well as that of anyone else. This is a really, really good movie.