When it was time for the Radio 96.1 screening of "Captain Phillips" at Regal North Hills to begin, something was amiss. We heard the film, but all we could see in front of us was a black screen. Maybe this was how the movie begins? After a few minutes, everyone realized there was a technical glitch and the film was restarted, this time with pictures. In those first minutes though, as I paid close attention to the dialogue, I had a sinking feeling. "Captain Phillips" opens with a conversation between Captain Rich Phillips (Tom Hanks) with a weak attempt at a New England accent and his wife (Catherine Keener) on their way to the Burlington, VT airport, having a very banal conversation about how the world has changed. I was actually saying to myself, "This movie isn't going to be very good."
How wrong I was.
The first five minutes of "Captain Phillips", in fact, are the only five minutes that didn't have me completely engaged in the action. Though it is based on the true story of the Somali Pirate hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, I was most pleased that I didn't research the story further before going to see the movie. All I remembered from the events of April 8-12, 2009 was how it ended (and if you don't know how it ends, I won't ruin it for you here).
Even knowing how the story ends didn't prepare me for what lead up to the final event. "Captain Phillips" takes you through the process of Somalian tribal members being selected for hijackings; shows you how stupidly easy it really is to hijack a cargo ship; lets you in on a remarkable series of impromptu decisions made by the Captain and his crew throughout the hijacking that you'll wonder if you could have possibly made yourself; and, like "Zero Dark Thirty", reminds you why the Navy Seals are the baddest dudes on Planet Earth.
Hanks plays the lead role in excellent fashion and "Captain Phillips" is high drama at its best. It will undoubtedly be nominated for multiple Oscars and Hanks (based on the final 20 minutes alone) is deserving of consideration for a Best Actor nod.
Don't be surprised when you find yourself googling to find out all about the real Captain Richard Phillips when you get home.
"Captain Phillips" is a must-see.
Foster
Radio 96.1
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