Review of Captain Phillips (2013) by Sagaciousfrank . — 06 Mar 2016

Paul Greengrass delivers this taut drama/thriller based on a very recent true story. It's well paced, sensibly scripted, and strongly acted by every member of the cast. And though I've always enjoyed most films starring Tom Hanks, he really raises his acting game here and my hitherto average view of him as an actor went up based on this performance alone.

On my first viewing I was completely engaged and on the edge of my seat, from start to finish, as I was unsure how this (inspired) true story unfolded for the crew on board the Maersk Alabama. And to Greengrasses' credit, I believe he keeps this one relatively close to the events that actually took. Without giving anything away, I was especially amazed to learn that the film's conclusion was so accurately reproduced as to how the events themselves took place. Top marks. 5/5.