Solid film in all aspects

Rating: 7/10 (27 May 2014)

I keep wanting to rate Captain Phillips as 8, but keep coming back to 7. It is a solid film, with a few minor items holding it down. I remember this event, but didn't follow the details of how the capture went down, how the escape took place, and how it all played out in the end. Knowing that Phillips lives to write this story takes a little drama out, but not too much.
Because the acting is inspiring. Tom Hanks is terrific, especially in the 2nd half of the film where you see him disintegrate before your eyes as his situation falls apart. You really feel his hope fade as drug- crazed pirates start to realize the same disintegration is happening to their hopes. The clash of desperation from both sides is what makes this a superior thriller, again, especially in the 2nd half.
The actor playing Muse was terrific, as was his band of pirates. Hard to believe he was like a taxi driver taken off the streets to play this character - he was terrific. The cinematography was outstanding, with breathtaking vistas of Somalian beaches, wide open oceans, and a huge tanker. The Director does a great job of getting the story accurate, and keeping it taut, though, the final chase scenes took a little longer than you'd like. Again, if this was done for accuracy and completeness, it's understandable.
All told, this one is worth your while. The last five minutes will have you climbing the walls, guaranteed. Climb aboard! Enjoy.