As Real As You Could Ask

Rating: 10/10 (15 October 2013)

This is a film of relentless tension and believable action, crowned by a masterful performance by Tom Hanks as the title character. I won't presume to compare the film's authenticity to what may actually have happened when Captain Phillips' freighter was hijacked off Somalia. It is usually a bad sign when the military provides its hardware in films such as "Top Gun" and similar action epics. Here, there is no macho, stupid dialogue or over-the-top heroics. The Navy is portrayed as professionals, and the camera work stays close to all actors and keeps the adrenaline pumping. Tom Hanks' portrayal of Captain Phillips is that of a thoughtful, humane individual trying to protect his crew. The unpredictability of his situation is truly frightening. A film that is a masterpiece of its kind.