Tom Hanks defies expectations and proves he is amongst the
greatest actors in the world in Paul Greengrass’s Captain Phillips. Based on true events, Hanks leads the American
cargo ships across the horn of African before it’s boarded by Somali pirates. Captain Phillips weaves tension and
horror in this true-story – with an expert at the helm in Greengrass. Isolated
on the vessel as authorities say “hold tight”, we are stranded with the crew.
The vast open-ocean and cramp spaces of the engine room or lifeboat constantly
play with our fears as guns jut into the screen uncomfortably. Losing a little
pace halfway through, the high-calibre of acting remains impressive. Phillips thinks
fast; his panic and fear palpable yet he never loses his head. There is no shine
in this Tom Hanks film and by the final five minutes, when literally stripped
down, he proves how powerful he can be.
Rating: 4/5