Captain Phillips is a multi-layered examination of the 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by a crew of Somali pirates. It is – through director Paul Greengrass’s distinctive lens – simultaneously a pulse-pounding thriller, and a complex portrait of the myriad effects of globalization. The film focuses on the relationship between the Alabama’s commanding officer, Captain Richard Phillips (two time Academy Award (R)-winner Tom Hanks), and the Somali pirate captain, Muse (Barkhad Abdi), who takes him hostage. Phillips and Muse are set on an unstoppable collision course when Muse and his crew target Phillips’ unarmed ship; in the ensuing standoff, 145 miles off the Somali coast, both men will find themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control. The film is directed by Academy Award (R) nominee Paul Greengrass, from a screenplay by Billy Ray based upon the book, A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea, by Richard Phillips with Stephan Talty. The film is produced by Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, and Michael De Luca.(c) Sony

I have been really excited to see Captain Phillips.  I love Tom Hanks and I was ready for an ‘edge of your seat’ thriller.  Captain Phillips did not disappoint.

Tom Hanks gives a fantastic performance in this movie.  He is not over the top at all and plays a captain and a hostage with such ease.  I think we may see his name show up at Oscar season with this movie.  I really thought that Barkhad Abdi was great as the Somali pirate captain, Muse, who takes Captain Phillips hostage.  When he was on the screen, he was a definite presence in the movie and at some points stole my attention away from Tom Hanks.

I thought that Paul Greengrass, the director, did really well with portraying a specific point of view during the filming this movie.  He definitely made you feel like you were part of Captain Phillips’ experience.  I will admit though that sometimes the camera work made me a bit nauseous.  Becoming part of the experience made you connect more with the film and the story.

I don’t remember there being a ton of bad language in this movie but it deserves it’s PG-13 rating for intense moments and violence.  This movie would be great for parents and older teenagers to see.  Younger kids should probably stay at home.

I really enjoyed Captain Phillips and will be recommending it to others to see.

Captain Phillips gets bragging rights!!

Captain Phillips is rated PG-13 and opens in theaters today.  For more information, you can go to the movie’s website.