Captain Phillips

Captain Phillips--Directed by Paul Greengrass/ starring Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed/screenplay by Billy Ray, based upon the book A Captain’s Duty: A Captain’s Duty:Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS and Dangerous Days at Sea by Richard Phillips and Stephan Talty/133 mins/ PG-13

Bifocal Reviews written by Ageless1der Barbara Rich & The Other Guy

(BR): Wow, I loved it.  As accomplished an actor as Tom Hanks is, I found his role as Captain Phillips dazzling. I think it is his best work so far. There is such a fine line between giving a stunning performance, while not overshadowing your co-stars, but Hanks nails it. Everything about this film is well tooled and professionally crafted. Paul Greengrass was brilliant in directing this movie, a true compelling story about Somali pirates commandeering a U.S. cargo ship and blundering their way into a standoff with the U.S. government. The new faces on the screen gave excellent performances. Another plus for this movie is that the whole family can see it. Watch Captain Phillips, and you tell me if this isn’t Tom Hanks’ best!  I give this one my top rating. Score: 4 binoculars.

(OG): Let me start off by saying, “This is a four.” Captain Phillips is the kind of movie that meets all my personal qualifications for a top score. All the acting was realistic. No one tried to jump out of the story and make themselves the center of attention, even within a scene, even Tom Hanks (who we know could steal a scene if he wanted). There was only one repeated phrase, an unnecessary clue for the viewer of how the main conflict was going to be resolved, but it was a trifle. Perfectly acted by all, recognizable characters, newcomers and stars. Perfectly directed, edited and filmed with just enough handheld camera action to give it the feel of realism without making you seasick, as with some Oscar winners in recent years). The story is compelling and gives many life lessons that are not shoved down the viewers’ throats, not the least of which is, “It is futile to take on the U.S. military.” For me, this is another four for the year.