Review of Captain Phillips (2013) by Grant S — 18 Aug 2014

Interesting, gripping drama. The true story of a US merchant vessel being hijacked by Somali pirates, how the situation unfolds and is dealt with.

Meticulous plot build up, including showing some of Captain Phillips' home life plus the running of the ship. Even once the action starts, no detail is spared.

This has a drawback in that the plot sometimes seems pedestrian, especially after an action scene. Is very much worth it in the end, as it heightens the tension and fills you in on where everyone is, mentally.

Incredibly gripping, especially towards the end. You don't know how things are going to pan out, and several conclusions are possible.

Superb performance by Tom Hanks (but that's a given). Good support from Barkhad Abdi, as the leader of the pirates.