CAPTAIN PHILLIPS - archive from 31st October 2013

Saw 'CAPTAIN PHILLIPS' last night at my local multiplex. This is a tense, tight, taut true life crime drama set upon the high seas involving a big ship, cargo, pirates, guns, the might of the navy and acres & acres of ocean, and, Cap'n Jack Sparrow or The Black Pearl are no where in sight! 

Instead we have the year 2009 and Tom Hanks once again playing the convincing 'everyman' as he puts in the Captain of the title and his story of an ordinary man thrust into an extraordinary circumstance. Seasoned Director Paul Greengrass has crafted a story of the container ship, the Maersk Alabama, journeying around the Horn of Africa and down the Somali coast when it is set upon by a band of four armed & dangerous Somali pirates. The story unfolds as the ship is taken over, held for ransom and then it all starts to unravel for the pirates when they are overcome by the crew, until said Captain is captured and set adrift in the lifeboat with pirate captors. 

It's claustrophobic, intense, bloody, brutal and out of control and based on very real events in our very recent history. Whilst the navy save the day, this film depicts the consequences of such an experience and both 'Captains' play their roles out brilliantly with the deft touch of an astute Director. Definitely worth the price of your ticket and it delivers on many levels.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-