Harsh, Taxing Suspense with a Racing Pulse and Steady, Level-Headed Convictions

Rating: 8/10 (17 January 2014)

Tom Hanks takes the helm in this intense recreation of a Somalian pirate raid-turned-kidnapping on the open seas. Although it's most intently focused on the high-stress elements of the experience, which admittedly make for some gripping, powerful footage, I was most impressed with how even-handedly the film treated the Somali interlopers. While making no excuses for their actions, it successfully conveys an understanding of the pressures and motivations that would drive someone to attempt such a brazen assault and, ultimately, lends sympathy to their plight. Hanks is, predictably, excellent throughout as the stern-for-a-reason captain, though his New England accent seems to drift away with the tide as events unfold. His emotional breakdown near the end of the ordeal is particularly memorable and stirring. Although the plot doesn't cover a lot of ground, Captain Phillips is nonetheless effective at ratcheting up the drama and delivering a charged, uncomfortable, claustrophobic atmosphere.