Captain Phillips (2013)

"Thank you!" Captain Richard Phillips

I don't have many words for this film. Mostly just a series of whimpers that translates roughly to, "This film is amazingly done. The actors are incredible. The dramatic tension is insane. The direction is spot on. And OH MY GOODNESS THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED!" Since I'm trying to review films, I think that I can muster up a few more actual words.

Though not for the faint-of-heart, this film is freaking brilliant. The direction adds to the inherent intensity of what is actually happening here. The way the story is unfolded, the way the information passes between people, the angles that we view each progression from, it’s just so cleverly thought out and executed. The plot legitimately writes itself. The intensity is paralyzing. I found myself afraid to move and stiff with fear and anticipation. With each new development, you’re more on edge. Despite how far the odds seem against his favor, you just keep rooting for Captain Phillips and his crew. He is a strong, easy to love character. His dedication to his job, family and crew is unparalleled, and you want nothing more than for him to persevere. His journey from leader to composure in the face of danger, to absolute fear is heart-wrenching and beautifully portrayed by Tom Hanks. The fact that he wasn’t even nominated for an Academy Award is a massive insult. Most actors do not have the ability to play such a wide range in one film with so much conviction. Barkhad Abdi was also incredible. He played in control and scared at the same time so well. He showed the softer sides of his character so discretely, yet deliberately. Without knowing much about his character, we know his background. We know that he has been taught that this is what he must do to make a living. This is just a job, and though he completes it and treats it as one, he does not enjoy doing it to good people. Brilliant acting, direction and dramatic tension would mean absolutely nothing if it weren’t for the plot. The plot is clear and effective, strong and simple. Here’s the kicker, it’s based off of a true story! Captain Phillips is an actual man who was the captain of a boat with no armed backup that was overtaken by pirates while sailing around the horn of Africa. If that’s not enough for you, none of the captives actually got hurt. He managed to lead his crew to safety! Talk about a hero! The story of Captain Phillips is incredibly uplifting and inspiring, the actors did this brilliant story justice, and the director was an absolute genius at displaying the events of the situation in an intelligent and intensity-enhancing manor. 

Rank: 39

Would be higher if not so emotionally draining. Seriously, it's brilliant. You just don't need to rematch it for a little while.