Captain Phillips

I have seen a lot of movies this year. My favorites movies this year have been low budget, coming of age, and simple movies. But after every few indie movies Hollywood puts out a movie that is captivating in all aspects. A great story, great acting, great cinematography, and Tom Hanks helps. As previous posts may have given away the fact that I will pretty much watch everything that Tom Hanks is in. 

 

Captain Phillips provides it all. I am a sucker for a true story, and I would like to think that all aspects of the movie are exactly how it happened. I would also like to think that they would not have to make up the cute stuff to make the movie sell. The story in itself is pretty amazing. 

The movie is based on the book A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS, and Dangerous Days at Sea. Written by Richard Phillips, the Captain. For those that lived under a rock in April 2009. I will do a brief run down of how the story begins.

Captain Phillips was in charge of the MV Maersk Alabama, a cargo ship that was heading towards Mombasa, Kenya. There was a crew of 20 people. While going through Somalian waters they were boarded by 4 Somalian pirates.

Captain Phillips had sent his crew down to the engine room, while he and a few other stayed up on the bridge. The pirates made their way to the bridge and took the group hostage. Now I really do not want to go through the rest of the ordeal to keep some suspense.

While walking away from the theater a couple thoughts crossed my mind. The first being how grateful I am to live in a country that will use its resources to save the one. Even though the country is currently shut down, and the big shots in DC are making the United States look like a bunch of greedy incapable idiots, we live in a country where we don't have to try and hijack cargo ships to make a living.

The second is how amazed I am at the bravery of our military. They go right into the face of danger to protect us. A person cannot put enough flags up, clap enough at sporting events, or have stickers on their car to show thanks to the military. They are a class of their own, and we need to show the respect that they deserve. The last thing that I learned is that I have no interest in being a cargo ship captain. I will remain on land thank you very much. 

In conclusion Tom Hanks is just an actor, but I feel that he put everything into the roles he plays. Saving Private Ryan, Apollo 13, Castaway, and the Burbs. He becomes the character, and brings you the viewer into the film. He does an excellent job as Captain Phillips.